Premature ejaculation (PE) is when you regularly ejaculate sooner than you or your partner would like during sex. It is one of the most common sexual problems in men, and it can be treated with a mix of techniques and medication. With Global Health you can request premature ejaculation treatment online in Ireland for €25. You complete a secure, confidential questionnaire, a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable your prescription is sent to the Irish pharmacy of your choice. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by an Irish Medical Council-registered doctor
- A prescription for licensed premature ejaculation medication, if clinically suitable
- Secure electronic delivery of the prescription to your chosen pharmacy in Ireland
- Written advice on how to use the treatment, plus techniques you can try at home
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The €25 fee covers the doctor's review. The cost of the medication is paid separately at your pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
Our doctors cannot safely prescribe premature ejaculation treatment online if you:
- are under 18
- have a heart condition, such as heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, heart valve disease or a previous heart attack
- have fainted in the past, or often feel faint when you stand up
- take medicine for depression, anxiety or low mood, or any other medicine or herbal remedy that affects serotonin, as some combinations can be dangerous
- have bipolar disorder, a history of mania, or severe depression
- have moderate or severe liver disease
- take some antifungal, antibiotic or HIV medicines that can interact with this treatment
- have pain when you ejaculate, blood in your semen, or problems passing urine
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about how long the problem has been happening, your general health and any medication you take. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. An Irish-registered doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Prescription sent. If treatment is suitable, the prescription is sent securely by Healthmail to the Irish pharmacy you choose, ready for you to collect.
What is premature ejaculation?
Most men ejaculate quickly from time to time, especially with a new partner or after a long gap. Premature ejaculation is when it happens most of the time, often within about a minute of penetration, you feel you have little control, and it causes distress or affects your relationship. Some men have had PE since their first sexual experiences (lifelong PE). Others develop it later after years without problems (acquired PE).
What causes it?
There is rarely a single cause. Psychological factors include anxiety about performance, stress, depression, relationship problems and early sexual experiences where you learned to finish quickly. Physical factors include differences in serotonin, a brain chemical involved in ejaculation, a highly sensitive penis, inflammation of the prostate and thyroid problems.
Premature ejaculation and erection problems
Some men with erection difficulties rush to ejaculate before they lose their erection, which can look like PE. If you also have trouble getting or keeping an erection, tell the doctor, because treating that first may solve both problems.
Premature ejaculation treatment options
Combining techniques and medication usually works well. Your doctor will discuss which approach suits you.
Behavioural techniques. These help you recognise the point just before ejaculation and gain control over time:
- the stop-start technique: stimulation stops when you feel close to ejaculating and restarts once the feeling has passed
- the squeeze technique: you or your partner gently squeeze the head of the penis for several seconds when you are close, then wait before continuing
- pelvic floor exercises, which strengthen the muscles involved in ejaculation
- masturbating an hour or two before sex, or using a thicker condom to reduce sensation
Anaesthetic sprays and creams. These are applied to the penis shortly before sex to reduce sensitivity. Some are available from a pharmacy. Use a condom or follow the product instructions so the numbing effect does not pass to your partner.
Prescription tablets. Premature ejaculation tablets are taken one to three hours before sex, not every day. They act on serotonin to delay ejaculation. Take them with a full glass of water, avoid alcohol, and never take more than one dose in 24 hours. Results can improve over the first few uses.
If anxiety or relationship issues play a part, counselling or psychosexual therapy, alone or with your partner, can make a lasting difference.
Side effects and safety
The most common side effects of premature ejaculation medicine are dizziness, feeling sick, headache, diarrhoea and trouble sleeping. Some men feel lightheaded or faint, especially if they are dehydrated or have been drinking. If you feel faint, sit or lie down straight away with your head low until it passes, and do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy.
Anaesthetic sprays and creams can cause numbness, mild skin irritation or loss of erection if too much is used. Stop using any treatment and seek medical help if you have chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or signs of an allergic reaction. Call 112 or 999 in an emergency.
When to see a doctor in person
See your GP if premature ejaculation started suddenly with pain, discharge, burning when you pass urine or blood in your semen, as these can point to an infection or prostate problem. A GP can also help if you have low mood, or if treatment has not helped after several attempts. You can also meet our Irish-registered doctors or see all online prescription services.