How is premature ejaculation treated?

Premature ejaculation (PE) in men may stem from physiological or pathological causes. If PE is due to physiological factors, psychological relaxation and encouragement from one’s partner can help boost the man’s confidence. Additionally, moderately increasing the frequency of sexual intercourse may enhance male sexual function. In contrast, pathological PE typically requires pharmacological or dietary interventions—such as taking traditional Chinese medicines like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Six Formula) or Gui Shen Wan (Kidney-Tonifying Pill).

How Is Premature Ejaculation Treated?

1. Self-Regulation Therapy for Premature Ejaculation

Younger men with PE may benefit from increasing ejaculatory frequency to prolong intercourse duration—a technique known as the “multiple-ejaculation method.” Specifically, the individual first achieves ejaculation via masturbation and then proceeds to intercourse. As a result, the second ejaculation tends to occur significantly later, thereby delaying ejaculation during intercourse and extending overall sexual activity time. Increasing the frequency of intercourse yields similar benefits. However, this approach is not recommended for men with diminished sexual function or for middle-aged and older men whose overall physical condition shows signs of decline.

2. Behavioral Therapy for Premature Ejaculation

Behavioral techniques are highly effective for treating PE. Sensate focus training—the cornerstone of behavioral therapy—aims to help patients experience and enjoy sexual pleasure through non-genital tactile stimulation, such as hugging, caressing, and massage, thereby overcoming psychological barriers. Another technique involves gently pulling downward on the scrotum and testes, or applying pressure to the glans penis using the thumb and index finger just before orgasm, to reduce sexual arousal. After consistent practice, intercourse may be resumed in the female-superior position, employing a “thrust–pause–thrust” pattern repeatedly. This gradual training raises the ejaculatory threshold, enabling better voluntary control over ejaculation timing.

3. Pharmacological Treatment

In addition to conventional Western medications, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers an effective alternative. TCM treatments often provide favorable efficacy with relatively fewer side effects. However, sustained use over a period is generally required for optimal results. Some Western medications induce drowsiness, making them particularly suitable for patients with PE who also suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or other stress-related symptoms. Psychological therapy is equally vital: clinically, a substantial proportion of PE cases arise from psychological factors—including anxiety, tension, or emotional trauma—and thus must be addressed accordingly.

4. Dietary Therapy

Patients should consume foods that tonify kidney yang. For instance, leeks—often called “yang-enhancing herbs”—as well as beef, mutton, and dog meat are all considered excellent warming and kidney-tonifying foods in TCM. These foods may help alleviate symptoms associated with kidney-yang deficiency, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low back/knee soreness and weakness. Pharmacological alternatives: For those preferring not to rely on dietary therapy, certain proprietary Chinese herbal formulas may be used directly. These preparations effectively nourish the kidneys and help retain semen, thereby alleviating PE symptoms.

The above outlines common approaches to treating premature ejaculation. We hope this information proves helpful.