Premature ejaculation

How do premature ejaculation pills work?

It starts with disappointment. It went faster than you wanted. Your partner says it doesn't matter, but you're feeling the discomfort. The next time, you try to restrain yourself, but that actually makes it more difficult. Before you know it, it has become a pattern. Ejaculating faster than you want is a common problem. Around 30% of all men suffer from it [1]. The good news: For 8 out of 10 men, the right treatment provides significantly more control and up to 300% longer pleasure [2,3]. Read on to find out how pills for premature ejaculation work, what possible side effects are and which pills you should not take.
How do premature ejaculation pills work?
Key Takeaways
  • There are clinically proven pills that help you delay ejaculation.
  • Premature ejaculation pills are broadly divided into two categories: SSRIs (antidepressants that delay ejaculation) and PDE5 inhibitors (erectile dysfunction drugs).
  • Talk to a healthcare provider about the best pills to use, as there are products on the market that contain potentially harmful ingredients.

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Early ejaculation means that, as a man, you orgasm faster than you want, often within seconds or minutes of penetration.

Perhaps you are ashamed of this and feel like you are alone. But really, you're in good company. Estimates vary, but about 30 to 75 percent of us are affected.

And: there is something to do about it. Fill this online questionnaire in to find out which treatment is best for you, so you can enjoy relaxed intimacy again without worrying about timing.

Good to know: Premature ejaculation is often confused with erectile dysfunction. These are different disorders that can occur separately and at the same time.

On average, how long does a man last?

What many men are curious about: how fast does the average man actually finish? In 2016, Dr. Brendan Zietsch of the University of Queensland asked 500 heterosexual couples to time their sex life with a stopwatch for four weeks. The results varied widely: the longest session lasted 44 minutes, while the shortest was only 33 seconds. On average, there was an orgasm 5.4 minutes after penetration [4]. However, research results vary, so see this more as a rough estimate.

In short: In premature ejaculation, the man ejaculates faster than desired, often within seconds or minutes of penetration. There are pills that can help you delay ejaculation.

What are Premature Ejaculation Pills?

Do you want to delay ejaculation longer? Premature ejaculation medication can help you with this. There's absolutely no need to be ashamed to consider this. Not only can it improve your sexual performance, but it can also strengthen your relationship with your partner and boost your confidence. There's nothing wrong with that!

This medication is often developed for other conditions, for example to treat erectile dysfunction, and is prescribed off-label for premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation pills generally fall into one of these two categories:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5 Inhibitors)

1. SSRIs: antidepressants that delay ejaculation

SSRIs, such as paroxetine, sertraline, and dapoxetine (Priligy), were originally developed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. A common side effect of these medications is that they delay ejaculation.

Operation: SSRIs increase serotonin levels in your brain. This helps control sexual reflexes, such as orgasm. Commonly used SSRIs for premature ejaculation:

  • Dapoxetine (Priligy)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft®)
  • Paroxetine
  • Fluoxetine

2. PDE5 inhibitors: drugs for erectile dysfunction

PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®), are usually prescribed for erectile dysfunction, but can also help with ejaculation too quickly. They are increasingly seen as a new drug against premature ejaculation. The pills can thus offer a double benefit by improving both erection and ejaculation control.

Operation: these medications improve blood flow to the genitals and can also prolong the time to ejaculation, helping to get and maintain a firm erection.Commonly used PDE5 inhibitors:

You can this online questionnaire fill in and then speak to a healthcare provider by phone to find out which treatment is appropriate.

In short: Medications can help delay ejaculation. SSRIs increase serotonin levels and improve orgasm control, while PDE5 inhibitors both support erection and help prolong ejaculation. Consult with a doctor for appropriate treatment.

How well do pills work against ejaculation too fast?

Results may vary from person to person, but effectiveness studies show that SSRIs and PDE5 inhibitors can have positive effects.

For example, research showed that sertraline significantly increased the intravaginal ejaculation latency period (IELT) [5.6]. At a dose of 25 mg per day, the IELT increased from 1 minute to 7.6 minutes. At 50 mg per day, it increased to 13.1 minutes and at 100 mg per day, the IELT reached 16.4 minutes.

Another study found that sildenafil was the most effective treatment for premature ejaculation, with better results than both paroxetine and the “squeeze” technique.

Because the effects vary from person to person, it is important to work with a licensed healthcare provider to determine the right approach.

Click here to speak to a healthcare professional.

In short: Pills such as SSRIs and PDE5 inhibitors may be effective in extending the intravaginal ejaculation latency period (IELT). Clinical studies showed significant improvements.

Side effects of premature ejaculation pills

As with any medication, side effects can occur. Here are the most common side effects of premature ejaculation pills:

  • Nausea
    You may feel sick, especially if you are just taking the medication. Take the pills with food to reduce nausea.
  • Dizziness and headache
    The medications may cause dizziness and headache. Avoid activities such as driving until you know how your body reacts.
  • Dry mouth
    Dry mouth is a common complaint. Drink water regularly and avoid products that dehydrate you, such as alcohol.
  • Sleep problems
    Some users experience insomnia or a disturbed sleep pattern. These symptoms usually disappear as soon as your body gets used to the medicine. Try a soothing evening routine and avoid stimulants like caffeine.
  • Changes in libido
    Some users report decreased libido. This may be temporary and often disappears with regular use of the drug. Discuss ongoing issues with your doctor for possible treatment adjustments.
  • Digestive problems
    Upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. Eat easily digestible meals and drink enough water to reduce these symptoms. In many cases, the symptoms disappear on their own over time.
  • Heart palpitations and blood pressure changes
    In rare cases, the drug may cause an increased heart rate or fluctuations in blood pressure.

When to seek medical attention

Although side effects are often mild and go away on their own, it is important to contact a doctor if you have serious symptoms such as:

  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Persistent or worsening heart palpitations
  • Rash, itching, or other allergic reactions

In short: Side effects of premature ejaculation pills are usually mild, such as nausea, headache, dry mouth, or trouble sleeping, and often disappear on their own. Seek medical attention for serious symptoms such as severe dizziness, heart palpitations, or allergic reactions.

Bijwerkingen van pillen tegen vroegtijdige ejaculatie 

Warning: Watch out for unreliable pills

If you're looking for a cure for premature ejaculation, you'll find a proliferation of pills online. Be careful with this. Many products that promise quick fixes may contain hidden and potentially harmful ingredients that are bad for your health.

Dangers of unreliable pills:

  • Uncontrolled ingredients: pills sold without a prescription may contain substances whose safety is not guaranteed. These can range from heavy metals to illegal pharmaceutical agents that can cause serious side effects.
  • No scientific evidence: products that claim to treat premature ejaculation directly, without supporting clinical research, are often inefficient or even harmful.
  • Wrong doses: some pills contain active substances, such as dapoxetine or sildenafil, but in unsafe or incorrect doses. This can lead to serious side effects, including heart palpitations, dizziness, or even dangerous interactions with other medications.

Here's how to find a safe solution for premature ejaculation:

  • Consult a qualified healthcare provider
  • Stick to the prescribed dosage
  • Do not combine medication with alcohol and narcotics
  • Buy medicines only from authorized pharmacies or reliable suppliers

In short: Watch out for potentially harmful pills. Consult a healthcare provider and only purchase from authorized pharmacies for safe treatment.

Other treatments against premature ejaculation

What to do about premature ejaculation without medication? If you'd rather not take pills, there are other treatment options that help you not orgasm too quickly. Acupuncture for premature ejaculation, for example, is increasingly being mentioned as a treatment method.

Alternative treatments for premature ejaculation include:

  • Pelvic floor exercises
  • psychotherapy
  • Sexological therapy
  • Behavioral techniques
  • Herbal remedies
  • Lifestyle changes (such as excessive alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking)
  • Physiotherapy for the pelvic floor
  • Acupuncture

In short: If you prefer not to take medication, you can try alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture and pelvic floor exercises.

Conclusion

Premature ejaculation is a common problem. It means that, as a man, you orgasm faster than you want, often within seconds or minutes of penetration.

There are various pills that can help with this. In most cases, these are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors). Studies show that these drugs can have positive effects.

Of course, you want a solution as soon as possible, but make sure you choose a safe option. Unreliable pills can cause more harm than good.

Consult a licensed healthcare provider to minimize risks and increase the chances of effective treatment.

At Wellis, we are happy to help you with this. We offer proven effective treatments that provide immediate results. We have various types of medication, so you will always find something that suits your situation and needs. Without discomfort, completely online.

Complete our questionnaire and find your solution today.

Medically reviewed by
doctor image
Dr. Kelly Anderson
Family Physician, MD, CCFP (EM)

FAQs

How do I delay ejaculation?

You can delay ejaculation by:

  • Breathing exercises: Breathing calmly and deeply helps reduce tension.
  • Start-stop technique: stop just before orgasm and resume after a few seconds.
  • Squeezing technique: gently squeeze the base of the penis to delay orgasm.
  • Condoms or numbing creams: these reduce sensitivity.
  • Lifestyle and relaxation: avoid stress, alcohol, and nicotine.
  • Medication or therapy: Consider options such as sildenafil or behavioral therapy in consultation with a doctor.

What does premature ejaculation mean?

Premature ejaculation or premature ejaculation means that the man ejaculates faster than desired, often within seconds to a few minutes after penetration. This can leave the man and/or partner feeling unsatisfied. This can lead to frustration, stress, and a negative impact on the relationship.

What are Premature Ejaculation Pills?

Premature ejaculation pills are medications that help prolong the time to ejaculation. They often work by affecting your serotonin levels or improving blood flow to the penis. Commonly used pills include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).

Are Premature Ejaculation Pills Effective?

Yes, studies show that medication can increase the time to ejaculation, often by a few minutes. However, effectiveness varies from person to person.

What are possible side effects?

As with any medication, side effects can occur. Common side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Vertigo
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Fatigue

Discuss possible side effects with your healthcare provider before you start taking the medication.

Do I need a prescription for premature ejaculation pills?

Yes, most premature ejaculation pills require a prescription. Contact a licensed healthcare professional to determine the appropriate medication and dosage.

What are alternatives to premature ejaculation pills?

In addition to pills, there are several other treatment options, including:

  • Pelvic floor exercises
  • psychotherapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Lifestyle changes (such as alcohol consumption and smoking avoidance and stress management)
Can I combine premature ejaculation pills with other treatments?

In some cases, medications can be combined with other treatments. Consult with a doctor to prevent treatments from interacting with each other or causing unwanted side effects.

How fast do these pills work?

The effect depends on the type of pill. With some pills, you build up a consistent effect in the body and other pills are used on-demand. For example:

  • PDE5 inhibitors work within one hour.
  • Priligy (dapoxetine) works within 1 to 3 hours of ingestion.
  • Other SSRIs usually take a few days to weeks to be effective.
Are Premature Ejaculation Pills Safe for Long-Term Use?

Prolonged use of medication may be safe, provided it takes place under medical supervision. However, long-term side effects may occur in some people. Therefore, discuss your treatment and any changes in your health regularly with a doctor or healthcare provider.

Are there natural alternatives to medicines?

There are natural options that can help, such as:

  • Kegel exercises for stronger pelvic muscles.
  • Meditation and breathing techniques to better manage stress and agitation.
  • Acupuncture to promote relaxation and reduce hypersensitivity.

While these methods may be useful, their effectiveness is often less well researched than that of drugs.

Resources

[1] Journal of Sexology. (2012). Premature Ejaculation Directive. Journal of Sexology, 36 (1), 1-15.

[2] Health and Science. (n.d.). Premature ejaculation. Health and Science. Consulted on January 11, 2025, from https://www.gezondheidenwetenschap.be/richtlijnen/vroegtijdig-klaarkomen-premature-ejaculatie?utm_source=chatgpt.com

[3] Montorsi, F., et al. (2003). “Efficacy of dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation.” The Journal of Urology, 169 (6), 2538-2541.

[4] Mulroy, Z., et al. (2018, May, 30). How long should sex last? Average duration of a sex session revealed — and it could be linked to penis shape. The Mirror.

[5] McMahon C.G. (1998). Treatment of premature ejaculation with sertraline hydrochloride. International journal of impotence research, 10 (3), 181-185.

[6] Wang, W. F., et al. (2007). Can sildenafil treat primary premature ejaculation? A prospective clinical study. International Journal of Urology, 14 (4), 331-335.