How To Treat Premature Ejaculation
Posted by healthmag on March 7th, 2014
When I was a medical student in the early nineties, they were still teaching us the coitus interruptus technique of addressing premature ejaculation ("withdraw and apply pressure"), despite the availability at that time of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, for the treatment of anxiety and depression). While there are certainly various psychological and physical techniques that do not involve the administration of a prescription medication, the most effective, full-proof method of stopping premature ejaculation (PE) can be found under the medical model. The drawbacks include the potential for side effects (see below), cost, and the fact that the treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor, but the benefit is that it works, every time.
The administration of a very low dose of an SSRI such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, Luvox or another medication with SSRI properties such as Effexor or Cymbalta works well (older, tricyclic antidepressants are not recommended for this indication because of the greater potential for side effects).
Delaying a person's orgasm (women who take SSRIs are equally affected, by the way) is actually itself considered a "side effect" in the context of treating depression and anxiety. What is considered medication-induced "sexual dysfunction" is actually the desired effect in the context of treating PE. In this context, the dysfunction is PE and the medication-induced delay is a benefit.
Because such a small dose is needed, side effects are minimal. Most commonly they include headaches, queasiness, and diarrhea or constipation, but if they occur, they will be mild and short-lived. The body will quickly develop tolerance to these common side effects, whereas delayed orgasm (which is itself considered a side effect of these medications in the context of treating depression and anxiety), tends to persist.
Also because the recommended dose is so small (10mg or less of Prozac and Paxil, for example; 25-50mg of Zoloft, depending on body weight), there will likely not be a significant change in your mood over the long term, but you might notice decreased irritability even at the very low doses, especially at first. Any mood effects will tend to be beneficial: a higher threshold for tears, a lower propensity to worry, or become upset, etc.
