Early ejaculation, also called premature ejaculation, refers to ejaculating (coming) sooner than you would like.
People have different preferences for how long they like sex to last and there is no defined length of time for how long sex should last. However, studies have found the average length of time it takes for a man to ejaculate during sexual intercourse ranges from 2-7 minutes.
This programme includes information about what can cause and contribute to difficulties with controlling when you come, help you to understand how your difficulties may have developed and are being maintained, as well as sex therapy based practical exercises which help to improve these difficulties.
Who can access this programme
Our interactive programmes are currently only available via referral to eligible patients of CNWL Sexual Health Services. New patients will need to visit one of our clinics in Camden and Islington, Haringey or Barnet in the first instance for a general sexual health screen. For more information about our clinics please click here.
If you are not a patient of our sexual health services, you can still access information about sexual difficulties, downloadable self-help booklets and further resources on the STL website. If you live within London, here is a guide to alternative NHS services which are available within the area. This guide also provides details for country-wide self-funded support. If you live outside of London you can seek support for sexual difficulties by speaking with your GP or attending your local sexual health clinic.
Stage 1 - Assessment
- Questions about you, your health and wellbeing, and your sexual difficulties
- A medical letter to download
Stage 2 – Psychoeducation
- What can cause difficulties with ejaculating sooner than you would like?
- How erections and ejaculation work
- Worrying thoughts
- The vicious cycle
- Conditions for good sex
- What other factors don’t help?
Stage 3 - Exercises to complete alone
- Mindfulness
- Mindfulness of sexual sensations
- Mapping out my point of no return
- The Stop-Start technique
- The Stop and Squeeze technique
- Gradually increasing stimulation
Stage 4 - Exercises you can do with a partner (if relevant for you)
- Communicating with partners
- Working together
- Making an agreement together
- Getting reacquainted
- Partnered Stop-Start
- Partnered Stop and Squeeze
- Using these techniques during sex
Stage 5 – Reflection and evaluation
- Reflection –what has been helpful and what to take forward
- Evaluation of your progress
- What next?