Premature ejaculation, or PE, is one of the most common sexual concerns for men. Clinically, it’s defined as when a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like, usually within about one minute of penetration, and finds it very difficult to delay or control.

In everyday life, PE might feel like climaxing almost immediately after sex begins, or even before penetration starts. For some men, it happens every time, while for others it’s occasional but still distressing.

PE is not rare. Research suggests it affects 30 percent of men worldwide, making it even more common than erectile dysfunction in younger men. The key difference from ED is that with PE, erections are usually normal, but the timing of ejaculation feels out of your control.

Premature ejaculation is usually diagnosed based on experience and symptoms, rather than a medical test. Doctors typically look at three main factors.

The first is timing: does ejaculation happen within about one minute of penetration on a regular basis? The second is control: do you feel unable to delay or manage when you climax? And the third is impact: is the issue causing distress for you or your partner?

There’s no blood test or scan that can confirm PE, but a doctor may ask about your medical history, sexual history, and overall health to rule out conditions like prostatitis or thyroid problems.

Some men may also be asked whether this has been a lifelong pattern or something that developed later.

So diagnosis is really about understanding the pattern and its effects, not about a single measurement. That’s why open and honest conversation with a doctor is key to getting clarity and treatment.

Premature ejaculation treatments work in different ways and on different timelines:

Topical sprays: Applied to the penis shortly before sex, reduce sensitivity within minutes. They provide fast results, helping men last longer straight away.

Oral tablets: Taken a couple of hours before sex, these are designed specifically to treat PE. Clinical studies show they can double or even triple the time to climax, sometimes from the very first dose.

Behavioural techniques: Methods like the stop–start technique, squeeze technique, or pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises don’t work instantly, but with consistent practice many men gain better control within a few weeks.

The best approach depends on your goals: sprays or tablets offer quick relief, while behavioural training builds lasting improvement. Many men find a combination of both works best.