How To Last Longer In Bed: Treatments & Techniques

Our experts discuss how men can prolong intimacy using clinically proven treatments and by implementing certain techniques before and during intercourse.

Updated: Wednesday 03 January 2024


couple happy with lasting longer in bed

Premature ejaculation is defined as regularly climaxing within 1 minute of sexual activity.[1] While there isn’t a single best way to last longer in bed, it is possible to delay climax by using a combination of premature ejaculation treatments and techniques.

With this in mind, our experts have decided to share in-depth information on how various treatments for premature ejaculation work and what techniques can be used to delay male ejaculation and increase average sexual endurance.

Treatments to last longer in bed

Priligy (oral medicine to last longer in bed)

Priligy is an oral treatment for premature ejaculation that contains the active ingredient Dapoxetine Hydrochloride. This compound moderates the reuptake of a neurochemical called serotonin by nerve cells in the body, leaving more serotonin in the brain, leading to a delay in the reflex that triggers ejaculation.[2]

Priligy helps with preventing secondary premature ejaculation, which can occur due to physical factors like drinking alcohol excessively as well as psychological factors like performance anxiety. This differs from primary premature ejaculation which is thought to be caused solely by psychological factors.

Recommended reading: How Does Priligy Work?

STUD 100 (topical spray for lasting longer in bed)

STUD 100 is a climax delay spray for men that contains an anaesthetic to reduce sensitivity in the penis before sexual activity. The STUD 100 spray helps with lasting longer in bed provided that 3 to 8 sprays of the treatment are applied to the penis approximately 5 to 15 minutes before sexual activity.

Specialised condoms

Specialised condoms can help increase ejaculation time by reducing the sensitivity of the penis during sexual activity. For instance, Durex Extra Safe condoms are made using slightly thicker rubber latex and feature extra lubricant in comparison to other condoms. These features can help reduce the intensity of sensations felt during sex, prolonging ejaculation.

It might also be worth considering condoms that contain a mild topical anaesthetic in the lubricant such as Durex Extended Pleasure condoms. These condoms can help men last longer during sex by helping to reduce the sensitivity of the penis during intercourse.

Techniques for longer-lasting sex

Precoital tips to last longer in bed

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises can be used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles which relax and contract during ejaculation.[3] These exercises can be completed by tightening the pelvic floor muscles for 5 to 10 seconds before releasing for 5 to 10 seconds and repeating the process.

The easiest way to identify the pelvic floor muscles is to think of them as the muscles used by the body to stop urination midstream. Kegel exercises to strengthen these muscles can be done sitting or lying down and may improve control over the ejaculatory reflex over time.

Recommended reading: How to stop premature ejaculation

Controlled masturbation

Controlled masturbation (colloquially known as ‘edging’) can potentially help increase sexual stamina in men who ejaculate prematurely. It involves taking the time to understand how the body responds to sexual stimulation to feel more comfortable, which can reduce anxiety regarding sexual performance and potentially delay climax during sex.

Some studies suggest that controlled masturbation using techniques like penis-root masturbation can be used to delay climax as it can affect the degree of stimulation felt by the man before engaging in additional sexual activity.[4,5] There is also limited research to suggest that controlled masturbation can have the same effect as kegel exercises, strengthening the muscles responsible for controlling the ejaculatory reflex.

Nutritional changes

Research on the impact of nutritional changes on premature ejaculation is ongoing. It is thought that certain nutritional changes can help support overall sexual health and potentially alleviate some of the symptoms of premature ejaculation.

For example, some studies suggest[6] that increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, cashews and spinach can contribute to improved nerve functioning which might result in better control over ejaculation. With that said, it is not recommended to rely on nutritional changes as the sole way to prevent premature ejaculation given the limited amount of empirical evidence on this topic.

Controlling premature ejaculation during sex

Taking breaks

Taking a short break each time ejaculation is imminent can help with achieving better control over the ejaculatory reflex. Repeating this process can help build sexual stamina and control while also strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, reducing the probability of ejaculating prematurely over time.

Individuals who are especially sensitive to sexual stimulation may wish to consider stopping intercourse when taking breaks during sex for additional control over the ejaculatory reflex.

Avoiding overstimulating positions

Sex positions that allow for deeper penetration can potentially overstimulate the penis, resulting in premature ejaculation. It might be worth avoiding these types of positions until the frequency of premature ejaculation is reduced through improved control.

Improving partner communication

Partner communication plays a vital role in helping to overcome issues that may hinder normal sexual functioning.[7] Discussing premature ejaculation with a partner and the reasons why it might be occurring can help destigmatise the condition and reduce anxiety during intercourse. This can subsequently reduce the probability of experiencing premature ejaculation.

Distracting the mind

Research[8] shows that sexual behaviour is defined in both subjective and physiological terms, meaning it has both a physical and psychological element to it. Distracting the mind in the moments leading up to orgasm through methods like thinking non-sexual thoughts can reduce the level of stimulation experienced and potentially delay ejaculation.

Over time, mental distractions can help condition the body and mind for better control over the ejaculatory reflex.

Order treatments that are proven to help men last longer in bed from Pharmica

At Pharmica, we’ve helped countless men overcome premature ejaculation with the help of clinically proven treatments discreetly dispensed from our London-based pharmacy. Our commitment to privacy and meeting the highest standards of service has enabled us to earn a 4.9 out of 5 rating across more than 175,000 reviews, solidifying our status as one of the most trusted online pharmacies in the UK.

Browse our extensive range of treatments today and subscribe to our popular newsletter or visit our Health Hub for in-depth health advice from our team of experts.

  1. NHS. (n.d.). Can premature ejaculation be controlled? Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/can-premature-ejaculation-be-controlled/ [Accessed 21 December 2023].
  2. Magdy et al. (2020). ‘Quantitative determination of Dapoxetine Hydrochloride and Tadalafil using different validated spectrophotometric methods’, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 226. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2019.117611
  3. Pastore et al. (2014). ‘Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation for patients with lifelong premature ejaculation: a novel therapeutic approach, Therapeutic Advances in Urology, 6(3), pp. 83-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1756287214523329
  4. Jiang et al. (2020). ‘The efficacy of regular penis-root masturbation, versus Kegel exercise in the treatment of primary premature ejaculation: A quasi-randomised controlled trial, Andrologia, 52(1), e13473. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13473
  5. Ma et al. (2019). ‘Regular penis-root masturbation, a novel behavioural therapy in the treatment of primary premature ejaculation’, Asian Journal of Andrology, 21(6), pp. 631–634. doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/aja.aja_34_19
  6. Omu et al. (2001). ‘Magnesium in human semen: possible role in premature ejaculation’, Archives of Andrology, 46(1), pp. 59–66. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/01485010150211164
  7. Mallory et al. (2019). ‘Couples’ sexual communication and dimensions of sexual function: A meta-analysis’, Journal of Sex Research, 56(7), pp. 882. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2019.1568375
  8. Calabrò et al. (2019). ‘Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behaviour: A neglected or unknown issue?’, Brain and Behaviour, 9(12). doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1389
Kamran Bell

Written by: Kamran Bell

Pharmacist・GPHC Number 2231070

Kamran graduated with a four-year master's degree in pharmacy from Aston University in 2021. He completed a pre-registration year at a community pharmacy before working there for a further year. At Pharmica, Kamran provides expert patient advice and addresses clinical questions to ensure the health and well-being of our patients.


Carolina Goncalves

Medically Reviewed by: Carolina Goncalves

Superintendent Pharmacist・GPHC Number 2088658

Carolina Goncalves is the Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica, where she ensures patients receive exceptional healthcare and support, as part of a seamless online pharmacy service.

With a comprehensive professional background spanning more than 13 years, Carolina has extensive experience supporting Men’s and Women’s health. Carolina is responsible for providing expert treatment advice to thousands of patients in areas such as Sexual Health, Erectile Dysfunction, Hair Loss, Weight Loss and Asthma.


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How to Stop Premature Ejaculation: The Definitive Guide
How to Stop Premature Ejaculation: The Definitive Guide