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What is premature ejaculation?

In many cases, stress, anxiety, or an unconscious fear of sexual contact leads to the problem. Behavioral treatments, with sex therapy, are the most successful ways to treat premature ejaculation. Men can also practice certain exercises to lower the sensitivity of their penis.

You can use several over-the-counter products such as condoms and >lubricants to reduce sensitivity of the penis during sex. In some cases, doctors prescribe antidepressants to help delay ejaculation. A combination of behavioral and medical therapy often works best.

Sources:
Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry. Williams & Wilkins, 1995.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Xin, Z.C. "Penile Sensitivity in Patients with Primary Premature Ejaculation," The Journal of Urology 156 (1996).
Diseases and Conditions, "Premature ejaculation." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/9/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 4/20/2001.
This information updated 1/9/2007.