By Auli Ofstad 
You’re just a few moments into intimacy when it happens again: that sudden, overwhelming sensation you struggle to control. Despite your efforts to hold back, the climax arrives too soon, leaving you feeling disconnected from both your partner and yourself.
Premature ejaculation (PE) can make it seem like your body is not cooperating, leading to frustration and a lack of control. While a definitive cure remains elusive, many are left experimenting with treatments that don’t fully meet their needs.
However, a new wave of technology-driven treatments is emerging, offering a possible drug-free, on-demand solution. A 2024 study in IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal highlights early research suggesting these innovations may help delay ejaculation for those dealing with PE.
Although further research is needed, these findings bring hope for enhancing quality of life and restoring confidence in intimate moments.
Understanding Premature Ejaculation
The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) defines premature ejaculation with three key criteria:
- Ejaculation occurs swiftly after vaginal penetration.
- There is a consistent inability to delay ejaculation during most sexual encounters involving vaginal penetration.
- The experience causes personal distress, frustration, or avoidance of sexual intimacy.
In lifelong PE, which starts with one’s initial sexual experiences, climax typically happens within a minute. Acquired PE, arising after a time without issues, usually sees ejaculation within three minutes.
This definition primarily focuses on heterosexual vaginal intercourse, with limited guidelines for anal or same-sex contexts.
Given that PE is often self-reported and assessed based on personal distress rather than clear medical indicators, its prevalence is hard to pinpoint. Former studies suggested 20-30% of men experienced PE, but newer research using stricter criteria estimates the rate at about 5%.
Causes and Traditional Treatments
The exact causes of premature ejaculation are not entirely understood. Lifelong PE is thought to involve changes in brain chemicals that regulate ejaculation, with factors like penile sensitivity, hormonal imbalances, and genetic differences possibly contributing. Acquired PE often links to medical conditions, mental health issues, or relationship problems.
Common treatments include topical anesthetics like numbing creams, antidepressants, and behavioral therapy. These methods offer short-term relief for some, but PE often returns when treatment stops. Numbing creams and sprays are unpopular due to dissatisfaction, and SSRIs, while they may help, are often discontinued due to limited benefits. Behavioral therapy can temporarily boost confidence and reduce anxiety for 45-65% of men, though its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain.
Innovative Tech-Based Solutions
Exploring alternatives, Dr. Ilan Gruenwald and Dr. Arik Shechter have investigated new technologies for PE treatment. One promising method involves transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to pelvic floor muscles to help prolong sexual activity.
In a 2017 study, Shechter and colleagues applied TENS to the perineal area of 23 men with lifelong PE, aiming to maintain slight pelvic muscle contraction to interrupt the ejaculation reflex. Results showed a marked increase in ejaculation time from 124.6 seconds to 311.4 seconds, with minor discomfort reported by some participants.
Building on these findings, a miniaturized TENS device, the In2 patch®, was developed. A 2019-2020 study tested this device on 59 men with lifelong PE, showing a significant improvement in ejaculation time from 67 to 123 seconds in the active group. No severe side effects were noted, though minor issues like vibration discomfort and pelvic pain were reported.
Another approach involved transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS), targeting nerves involved in semen release. A small phase II trial found that 54% of participants experienced a threefold increase in ejaculation time, with minimal side effects. A subsequent trial with 60 men showed modest gains, with placebo effects possibly influencing outcomes.
Behavioral and Physical Tools
Researchers are also exploring physical tools to retrain arousal responses. Pairing behavioral training with devices like the Myhixel® masturbation aid aims to reduce sensitivity and simulate intercourse. In a clinical trial, 52 men participated in an eight-week sphincter control program, with half using the Myhixel® device, indicating potential benefits in managing PE.
For those seeking alternative solutions, AI-driven resources offer additional avenues for understanding and addressing issues related to premature ejaculation.
Tech-based treatments are emerging as promising options for those grappling with PE, offering hope for improved control and satisfaction without reliance on drugs.