Premature ejaculation

Ejaculating sooner than you or your partner would like. Common, and usually treatable.

Speak to a GP about premature ejaculation From £79

In short

Premature ejaculation is one of the most common male sexual problems, affecting up to 1 in 3 men at some point. Most cases respond well to a mix of behavioural techniques and, where needed, medication.

Overview

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is when ejaculation happens sooner than you or your partner would like, often within about a minute of penetration, and you feel little control over it. It can be lifelong or start later in life (acquired). Causes are usually a mix of psychological factors (anxiety, stress, early experiences) and sometimes physical or hormonal ones. It is common and very treatable.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

Ejaculating within about a minute of penetration, most of the time
Feeling unable to delay ejaculation
Distress, frustration, or avoiding sexual intimacy as a result
Can be lifelong (from your first sexual experiences) or acquired (new onset)

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if it happens most of the time, has lasted more than a few weeks, or is causing you or your partner distress. Seek assessment sooner if it starts alongside erectile difficulties or painful ejaculation.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

Painful ejaculation or blood in semen (needs assessment for infection or other cause)
New erectile dysfunction alongside the problem (can point to an underlying physical cause)
Significant low mood or relationship distress (support is available)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

A confidential assessment of symptoms, history, and any contributing factors
Advice on behavioural techniques (the stop-start and squeeze methods, thicker condoms)
Where appropriate, a topical anaesthetic spray or cream to reduce sensitivity
Where appropriate, an off-label SSRI such as sertraline or dapoxetine to delay ejaculation
Review of any medication, alcohol, or stress that may be contributing
Onward referral if an underlying cause or relationship issue needs further support

What we don't do

Provide controlled drugs
Couples or psychosexual therapy (we can refer or signpost)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about premature ejaculation starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about premature ejaculation

Is premature ejaculation treatable?

Yes, in most cases. A combination of behavioural techniques and, where appropriate, medication (a topical anaesthetic or an SSRI) helps most men gain better control.

Will I need medication?

Not always. Behavioural techniques alone help many men. Medication is an option where techniques aren't enough, and is usually used short-term or as needed.

Is it caused by anxiety?

Psychological factors like anxiety and stress are common contributors, especially in acquired cases, but there can be physical factors too. The assessment looks at both.

Can the consultation be done online?

Yes. Premature ejaculation can usually be assessed and managed through a confidential video consultation.

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Ready to talk to a GP about premature ejaculation?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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