I have heard that latex sheath may help premature ejaculation. Is this true?

Today, various types of external latex rigid sheaths are available. Basically these devices are worn over the penis and fastened around the pelvis with a belt. The penis is placed inside a plastic dildo and it is the actual sheath which is placed inside the vagina. The sheath prevents the penis from getting stimulated from the vagina walls and helps regain control of their ejaculation. This technique has not been useful as many women claim that they would rather use a “dildo” instead- and many do behind your back.

My fiancée says I should try psychotherapy for my premature ejaculation. Do you think it can help?

Psychotherapy or counseling, with the partner is an essential component of treatment.  With understanding and emotional support, you are more likely to obtain the level of relaxation required for sexual satisfaction. Both your partner and you are encouraged to communicate freely and with sensitivity. While your premature ejaculation is being treated, you may want to satisfy the partner orally, or if the partner wants, anally.

By increasing knowledge of sex organs, sexual responses and responsibilities, the sexual tension can greatly be reduced. All sexual activity should be done without any pressure or tension and performed in a private relaxed environment.

Are there any Topical creams for treatment of premature ejaculation?

Various topical anesthetic creams are available that may help improve premature ejaculation. The local anesthetic work by decreasing sensation in the penis. One usually applies the local anesthetic 30-45 minutes before sex. One has to wipe the anesthetic off before intercourse. Using the anesthetic cream as a lubricant will also cause numbness of the female’s vagina and cervix. This is a poor man’s version of drug treatment. The effect of the local anesthetic is very short lived and it often fails to work. Most women hate these creams because it numbs their genitalia. Best to leave these topical anesthetic creams to numb the painful hemorrhoids.

Are there Medications to treat premature ejaculation?

Numerous antidepressants drugs have been shown to delay ejaculation in men. However, individuals who take anti depressants complain that these drugs not only cure premature ejaculation but also take away the ability to have an erection. The SSRIs  are considered the most effective medications for premature ejaculation. The drugs include paroxetine, fluoxetine and sertraline. One should start at the lowest dose because the drugs do have side effects. Recently a new SSRI (dapoxetine) has been recommended for premature ejaculation but no one knows for sure if  it works.


Other substances known to delay ejaculation are opioids, cocaine, and marijuana. However, this may not be appropriate as the drugs are addictive and have legal implications.

The majority of medications do not have to be taken on a daily basis to prevent premature ejaculation. One takes the medication an hour before planning to have sexual intercourse. For those who initially do not respond initially, the dose may need to be adjusted or another medication can be tried.

My doctor recommends the squeezing technique to help my premature ejaculation. Does this help?

Various squeezing techniques have been developed to prevent premature ejaculation and some methods do help. It is recommended that your partner squeeze the end of the penis just before you are about  to ejaculate. Your  partner has to maintain the squeeze for a few seconds until the urge to ejaculate diminishes. After the urge is over, the individual can resume the sexual activity and repeat the process. The theory is that by repeating this maneuver numerous times, the male will finally be able to have sexual intercourse without ejaculation. This technique is believed to train the penis to delay ejaculation.

However, follow-up of patients who have used this technique claim that is a poor method to manage premature ejaculation. In short, it sucks and makes a real mess of your partner’s hand.

Can Sex therapy help my premature ejaculation problem?

Some sexologists recommend that individuals masturbate an hour or two before sexual intercourse. This enables one to delay the ejaculation during sex. Other sexual activities such as foreplay are encouraged to relieve the anxiety of the actual process of sexual intercourse. Masturbation is in fact, used by men to prolong their sexual activity. It is believed that masturbation before sexual activity decreases the amount of desire/intensity the individual feels, thereby giving him more control over the penis. However, the results in men with premature ejaculation are variable. Some claim that there is no benefit and others claim that after masturbation, they lose the desire to have sex.

How is premature ejaculation generally treated?

There are varied treatments for this condition and like everything in medicine- one treatment may not be helpful for all individuals. Occasionally a combination of treatments is used. The essence of all treatments is to combine sexual therapy, medications and psychotherapy for the best results.