Premature Ejaculation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Premature Ejaculation?
A urologist usually treats premature ejaculation. This is a doctor for the male sex organs and urinary tract. A sex therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist may also help some couples. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation is when a man has an orgasm sooner than he wants during intercourse. It is perhaps the most common sexual problem among men. About one out of three men may have it at some point in their lives.
Doctors sort it by when it began, such as lifelong or acquired.
Symptoms
- The man ejaculates before he would like. This can range from before penetration to just after penetration.
- The couple may feel unsatisfied.
- A continued lack of control may leave one or both partners sexually dissatisfied.
- It may lead to sexual tension or other problems in the relationship.
If a man ejaculates very early, before entering the vagina, it may prevent a couple from getting pregnant.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors think it comes from mind-related (psychological) or physical causes. The condition often improves without treatment.
Doctors ask about hormone, urinary, emotional, and relationship problems. They also check for other sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction (trouble with erections).
If it lasts a long time, it may be a sign of anxiety or depression.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will do a physical exam and talk with you about your sex life and medical history. Your provider also may do blood or urine tests to rule out any physical problems.
Doctors may ask how much time passes between penetration and ejaculation. They may ask if you can delay it and how it affects your feelings. Doctors prefer to include your partner in visits. An exam of the penis and scrotum is also recommended.
Treatment
Practice and relaxation can help.
- Stop and start method: stimulation stops for about 30 seconds when the man feels close to orgasm. Then it starts again.
- Squeeze method: when he is about to ejaculate, the man or his partner gently squeezes the end of the penis for several seconds.
- Doctors often prescribe SSRIs, a kind of antidepressant. One example is fluoxetine (Prozac).
- A numbing cream or spray can be put on the penis to reduce feeling.
- Other medicines used for erectile dysfunction may help.
- A sex therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist may help some couples.
Researchers say the stop and start and squeeze methods were found to help in most cases. Some couples do not like using them. Less feeling may delay ejaculation. Using a condom may have this effect for some men. Numbing products can lower feeling for both partners. This may limit repeated use. Do not use them if you or your partner is allergic to an ingredient. Fluoxetine side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and a heart rhythm change. Some studies show that using behavior techniques and medicines together may work best. In most cases, the man can learn how to control ejaculation.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if it does not get better with the methods above. A psychiatrist or psychologist can help treat anxiety or depression if they are part of the problem.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can talk with you about your sex life and medical history and do a physical exam. They can also order blood or urine tests and refer you to a specialist when needed.
Common questions
Is premature ejaculation common?
Yes, it is common, and may be the most common sexual problem among men. About one out of three men may have it at some point in their lives.
Does premature ejaculation go away on its own?
Sometimes it can, because the condition often improves without treatment. Contact your provider if it does not get better using the methods described.
What can help with premature ejaculation?
Practice and relaxation can help. The stop and start and squeeze methods are the two most used behavior techniques. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants or suggest numbing creams or sprays.
Can you prevent premature ejaculation?
No, there is no way to prevent it. Still, in most cases a man can learn how to control ejaculation.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Premature ejaculation
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central) - An update on the treatment of premature ejaculation: A systematic review
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
