Premature ejaculation treatment

There are a number of different medication options available for premature ejaculation (PE), including antidepressant tablets and topical numbing creams. Asda Online Doctor offers 2 treatments, Priligy and EMLA.

Priligy

Priligy is the first licensed, on-demand, oral tablet for treating premature ejaculation. It is available in the UK for men aged 18 to 64. Priligy a ‘selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor’ (SSRI) containing dapoxetine that is designed specifically to treat PE and works much faster than other SSRIs.

How does Priligy work?

Priligy works by regulating the levels of serotonin in the body, which helps delay ejaculation. Serotonin is a chemical signal in the brain that sends messages between nerve cells in the brain to control ejaculation. Dapoxetine increases the levels of serotonin and stops it being reabsorbed, so that it is able to stay active in the brain for longer.

How to take Priligy

To take Priligy, you should swallow 1 tablet whole with at least 1 full glass of water, 1 to 3 hours before you plan to have sex. It is important to drink plenty of water with the tablet to help lower the risk of fainting.

You can take Priligy with or without most foods. However, you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice 24 hours before using it. Also, if you take Priligy with a high-fat meal, it can be absorbed more slowly and take a little longer to work.

How long does Priligy take to work

Priligy usually takes between 1 and 3 hours to start working. But if you take it with a high-fat meal, it might take a little longer to work.

How long does Priligy last

The effects of Priligy typically last between 4 and 6 hours, but it can sometimes remain effective up to 12 hours. This will vary from person to person.

EMLA cream

EMLA is a topical anaesthetic (numbing) cream that is made of 2 local anaesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine, which will numb your skin. EMLA is not made for PE, but it can be prescribed by a doctor for this use if suitable.

How does EMLA work?

EMLA cream works by numbing the skin of the penis, making it less sensitive which can help to slow down how quickly you ejaculate.

How to use EMLA

To use EMLA cream, you should apply 1g, approximately 3.5cm (an inch and a half), to the shaft and head of the penis around 20 to 30 minutes before you want to have sex.

Make sure to wash your hands after applying the cream to stop your hands and fingers going numb. You should wipe off any cream that has not been absorbed before you have sex, as it can also numb your partner's genitals.

EMLA cream should not be used on recently shaved skin.

How long does EMLA take to work?

EMLA cream works relatively quickly, with most people feeling its numbing effects within 15 to 30 minutes.

How long does EMLA last?

The numbing effects of EMLA usually last for at least 2 hours.

PDE-5 inhibitors, like Viagra

Medications like Viagra, which are usually used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), can also be used to improve PE. However, Viagra being used to treat PE alone is not what the medication is licensed for. At Asda Online Doctor, we do not offer Viagra for PE alone. But, if you also have ED, we recommend trying a PDE-5 inhibitor like Viagra or Cialis to treat both conditions.

There are more treatment options for PE available outside of medications. Some things you can do to help include:

• Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
• breathing exercises to calm the nervous system and control arousal
• using thicker condoms to help decrease sensations
• masturbating an hour or 2 before having sex
• experimenting with different sexual positions
• having your partner pull away before you ejaculate
• having sex slowly and taking breaks regularly

Counselling

Psychosexual counselling can be beneficial for people experiencing PE. During sessions, you can talk with a therapist to work through sex related problems you may be experiencing. During sessions, a therapist can:

• show you techniques such as the “squeeze” and “stop and go” that can help you unlearn the habit of PE
• encourage you to look at and explore any relationship issues you may have, and give advice to help you with them

Priligy has been found to be a highly effective and safe treatment for premature ejaculation. Studies have found that:

1. Priligy is an effective treatment for PE that can increase ejaculation time by 1.5 minutes.
2. 70% of people reported an increase in control stating they had “fair”, “good”, or “very good” control over their ejaculation after 9 months of treatment.

EMLA cream is an effective treatment for PE for 77.3% of men and can help to significantly prolong ejaculation time, adding around 6 minutes of extra control.

When using medications for premature ejaculation, you may experience some side effects, these will vary from person to person.

Priligy side effects

Very common side effects of Priligy that affect more than 1 in 10 people include:

• feeling dizzy
• feeling sick (nausea)
• headaches

Common side effects of Priligy that affect up to 1 in 10 people include:

• pins and needles or numbness
• feeling irritable, anxious, agitated, or restless
• diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or wind
• difficulty getting or keeping an erection
• stomach pain, discomfort, or being sick
• sweating more than usual or flushing
• difficulty getting or keeping an erection
• feeling tired, sleepy, or yawning
• sleep issues or having strange dreams
• blocked nose
• high blood pressure
• loss of interest in sex
• shaking or trembling
• difficulty concentrating
• ringing in the ears
• blurred vision
• indigestion
• dry mouth

You should stop taking Priligy, speak to a doctor right away or call 999 in an emergency if you experience:

• seizures (fits)
• mood changes
• fainting or feeling lightheaded when you stand
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

Further information and a full list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with the treatment pack.

How to manage side effects

A lot of mild side effects of Priligy can usually be easily managed at home. It is important to take Priligy with plenty of water and making sure you stay hydrated can help to reduce some of the side effects. You can treat:

• dizziness and fainting by getting fresh air, laying down with your legs raised, and eating regularly
• constipation and bloating by increasing your fibre intake, applying a warm compress to your belly, and drinking herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, or chamomile
• diarrhoea by avoiding caffeine or alcohol, eating bland, easy-to-digest foods, and getting plenty of rest

You can also use over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol to treat side effects such as headaches or stomach pain.

If your side effects do not go away, get worse, or become difficult to manage, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

EMLA side effects

Common side effects of EMLA cream include:

• skin reactions such as redness, paleness, or swelling
• itchiness
• burning sensation
• warmth

In rare cases, EMLA cream may cause an allergic reaction. You should call 999 or visit A&E if you notice the following:

• facial swelling
• shortness of breath
• drowsiness

For a full list of side effects, you should read the patient information leaflet inside the medicine packet.

How to manage the side effects

Most side effects of EMLA cream can be easily managed at home. You can soothe itching and burning by:

• using a cool compress
• avoiding irritants such as scented soaps
• wearing breathable clothing
• washing with warm water

If side effects do not go away or get worse, you should speak with your doctor.

Treatments for PE can be requested online from a trusted pharmacy or on the NHS. Some treatments can also be purchased over the counter.

Can I buy premature ejaculation treatment online?

Yes, you can request Priligy and EMLA online from Asda Online Doctor. To request either treatment from us, you will first need to complete a short online health assessment for one of our doctors to review. You will then:

1. Place your request.
2. If approved, your treatment will be dispatched and sent to your home address in discreet packaging, or you can choose to collect it from your local Asda Pharmacy 4 hours after a doctor’s approval.
3. If your request is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatment options.

Requesting treatment for premature ejaculation online from us is easy, and there’s no need to visit a doctor face-to-face. So, you can get your medication quickly and discreetly, without having to speak to someone in person if you do not feel comfortable.

Can I buy premature ejaculation treatment over the counter?

EMLA cream can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies, but you will need to talk to a pharmacist before you buy it.

Priligy is a prescription-only medication, so cannot be purchased over the counter.

Can I get premature ejaculation treatment on the NHS?

Yes, you can get both Priligy and EMLA on the NHS. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the best treatment option for you.

Premature ejaculation is a common condition affecting around 20 to 30% of men. It causes men to ejaculate sooner than they or their partner would like, usually within 1 minute. This can cause people to feel frustrated and lose confidence when it comes to having sex.

PE can be lifelong or acquired. Lifelong PE is more likely to be a long-term problem and does not respond as well to medication. Acquired PE occurs in men who previously had no issues with ejaculation.

Occasional episodes of PE are common and are not a cause for concern.

The symptoms of PE involve ejaculating sooner than you’d like during sex. Common symptoms include:

• lack of control or inability to delay ejaculation
• rapid ejaculation sometimes within 1 minute of intercourse
• emotional distress such as embarrassment, frustration, or anxiety

It is not really known what exactly causes PE, but it can be caused by psychological (mental or emotional) or physical factors, or a combination of both. Conditioning can also be a cause for PE – early experiences can influence your future sexual experiences. If a person practices ejaculating quickly when younger, it can become a habit.

Some other causes of PE can include:

• previous traumatic sexual experience
• hormonal changes, such as hyperthyroidism
• hyper sensitivity of the glands, foreskin, and frenulum
• chronic prostatitis, which is long-term inflammation of the prostate gland
• metabolic syndrome
• poor sleep quality
• stress and depression
• drinking too much alcohol or using recreational drugs
• nervousness or anxiety about sex
• feelings of shame and stigma around sex
• diabetes