Medication Options for Premature Ejaculation: Pros and Cons

Premature ejaculation (PE) affects approximately one in three men at some point in their lives, making it the most common sexual dysfunction among males. While many men find it embarrassing to discuss, understanding the available treatment options is crucial for those seeking help. This comprehensive guide explores the medication options for premature ejaculation, weighing their effectiveness, side effects, and overall value.

Understanding Premature Ejaculation

Before diving into medication options, it’s important to understand what constitutes premature ejaculation. According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, PE is characterized by:

Ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration (lifelong PE)
A clinically significant reduction in latency time, often to about three minutes or less (acquired PE)
The inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations
Negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration, and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy

Available Medication Options

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs were originally developed to treat depression but have become a common off-label treatment for premature ejaculation due to their side effect of delayed orgasm.

Commonly prescribed SSRIs include:

Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Dapoxetine (Priligy) – specifically developed for PE but not available in the US

Pros:

Highly effective, increasing ejaculation time by 3-5 minutes on average
Can be taken daily or as needed (though daily use is generally more effective)
Well-studied with established safety profiles
May help with comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression

According to a systematic review published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, paroxetine appears to be the most effective SSRI, increasing ejaculation latency by 8.8-fold compared to baseline.

Cons:

Side effects may include nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, and dizziness
Can potentially cause decreased libido or erectile dysfunction
Takes 2-3 weeks of daily use to reach full effectiveness
Withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly
Not FDA-approved specifically for PE (except dapoxetine in some countries)

Topical Anesthetics

These products work by temporarily reducing penile sensitivity.

Common options include:

Lidocaine sprays or creams
Prilocaine creams
Benzocaine wipes (like Roman Swipes)
Combination products (like EMLA cream, which contains lidocaine and prilocaine)

Pros:

Work quickly (typically within 10-15 minutes)
Available without prescription (many options)
Can be used as needed
No systemic side effects
Increase ejaculation time by approximately 3-6 minutes

Cons:

May cause numbness that reduces pleasure
Can transfer to partner causing genital numbness
Potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions
Must be timed properly and wiped off before intercourse
Inconsistent results

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors

While primarily used for erectile dysfunction, medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are sometimes prescribed for PE, especially when it co-occurs with erectile issues.

Pros:

May help with both PE and erectile dysfunction
Can increase confidence, potentially reducing anxiety-related PE
Studies show modest improvements in ejaculation time
Works well in combination with SSRIs

A study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that combining PDE5 inhibitors with SSRIs produced better results than either medication alone.

Cons:

Less effective for PE when used alone
Side effects may include headache, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion
Not specifically approved for PE
More expensive than some other options
Contraindicated in men taking nitrates

Tramadol

This opioid pain medication has been found to delay ejaculation, though the mechanism isn’t fully understood.

Pros:

Can be effective when taken on-demand (1-2 hours before intercourse)
Studies show it can triple ejaculation time in some men
May be an option for men who don’t respond to or can’t tolerate SSRIs

Cons:

Risk of dependence and addiction
Side effects include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness
Cannot be combined with SSRIs due to risk of serotonin syndrome
Not FDA-approved for PE
Concerns about long-term safety

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Clomipramine is the most commonly used tricyclic antidepressant for PE.

Pros:

Effective at delaying ejaculation
Can be taken daily or as needed
May be an alternative for those who don’t respond to SSRIs

Cons:

More side effects than SSRIs, including dry mouth, constipation, and drowsiness
Risk of cardiac side effects in some individuals
Not FDA-approved for PE
Less commonly prescribed than SSRIs

Emerging Treatments

Research continues into new medication options for PE. According to Mayo Clinic, some treatments being investigated include:

Modafinil (a medication for narcolepsy)
Silodosin (an alpha-blocker typically used for prostate issues)
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
Oxytocin antagonists

These treatments are still experimental and not currently recommended for routine use.

Combining Approaches for Best Results

The American Urological Association suggests that combining medication with behavioral techniques often yields the best results. These techniques include:

The stop-start method
The squeeze technique
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Additionally, psychological counseling can address underlying anxiety, relationship issues, or other psychological factors contributing to PE.

How to Choose the Right Medication

When considering medication for PE, several factors should be weighed:

Severity of PE: More severe cases may require daily medication rather than as-needed options
Preference for daily vs. on-demand treatment: Some men prefer not to take daily medication
Side effect profile: Consider which potential side effects would be most tolerable
Cost and insurance coverage: Many PE treatments are not covered by insurance
Presence of other conditions: Such as erectile dysfunction or depression
Partner’s preferences: Some treatments may affect the partner’s experience

Consulting Healthcare Providers

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication for PE. They can:

Evaluate whether the PE is lifelong or acquired
Rule out medical conditions that might contribute to PE
Consider potential drug interactions with current medications
Recommend the most appropriate treatment option
Monitor for side effects and adjust treatment as needed

Resources like the Sexual Medicine Society of North America can help locate specialists in sexual medicine who have experience treating PE.

The Bottom Line

While no medication offers a perfect solution for premature ejaculation, several effective options exist. SSRIs currently provide the most reliable results but come with potential side effects. Topical anesthetics offer a non-systemic alternative with fewer side effects but may reduce sexual pleasure. The best approach often involves combining medication with behavioral techniques and addressing any psychological factors.

Remember that premature ejaculation is a common condition that can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. By working closely with healthcare providers and maintaining open communication with partners, men with PE can significantly improve their sexual experiences and overall quality of life.

Have you tried any of these medication options for PE? What was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.