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Sertraline for Premature Ejaculation
Sertraline is FDA approved to treat major depressive order in adults, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children over 6. Sertraline is a medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label by a provider to treat premature ejaculation, if determined appropriate for a patient’s unique needs. Healthcare providers have the discretion to prescribe a medication for off-label uses as part of the practice of medicine.
Premature ejaculation (or “PE,” for short) is defined as a “persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal stimulation before, on or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it.” In simple terms, premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate too early during intercourse or sexual activity. There’s no specific amount of time that defines ejaculation as “premature”—most sources use figures ranging from 30 seconds to four minutes into sexual activity.
LEARN: CAUSES OF PREMATURE EJACULATIONhow to take
Sertraline for premature ejaculation is taken daily. Simply take your medication at the same time every day with or without food. Always take sertraline exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
LEARN: HOW SERTRALINE WORKS FOR PREMATURE EJACULATIONprescription pills or pej spray?
Prescription medicine for premature ejaculation, such as sertraline, and topical products like Hims Climax Delay Spray can both help increase time to ejaculation--but work differently and fit different lifestyles. Since sertraline is a pill, it might be a good fit for people worried about having to plan sex or stop in the middle of the action to spray or wipe the penis. Climax Delay Spray, on the other hand, might be a good fit for people who don't want to take a prescription pill.
LEARN: PREMATURE EJACULATION PILLS AND ALTERNATIVESstay safe
Consult your doctor about any medications, supplements, or vitamins you may take in case of drug interactions with SSRIs. Additionally, make sure to read all of the important safety information before you start sertraline and use our platform to talk with a doctor if you are experiencing side effects that concern you or don’t go away. Click here for a list of the most common side effects.
LEARN: HOW TO GET HARDImportant Safety Information
we've got answers
frequently asked questions about Sertraline
what is premature ejaculation?
While there's no universal 'normal' duration for sex, it's estimated that healthy men take anywhere from 3-7 minutes to ejaculate during sex, with one study finding that 5.5 minutes is the average. As a disorder, PE is defined as ejaculation "before the person wishes it"— something that can vary significantly between different individuals and couples. If you frequently ejaculate earlier than you feel is normal, you might have PE.
how do you know if you have premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation (or "PE," for short) is defined as a "persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal stimulation before, on or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it. In simple terms, premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate too early during intercourse or sexual activity. There’s no specific amount of time that defines ejaculation as "premature"—most sources use figures ranging from 30 seconds to four minutes into sexual activity.
what can help with premature ejaculation?
People can address premature ejaculation in a variety of ways. We're outlined some of the most common techniques and treatments used to stop premature ejaculation below.
- The 'Stop-Start' Strategy: One of the oldest and most effective ways to stop premature ejaculation is through this method with your partner or by yourself. As you feel yourself approaching orgasm and ejaculation, stop the stimulation and take a break, then repeat until you feel more confident in your ability to control your ejaculation.
- The 'Squeeze' Technique: During sex, as you’re approaching ejaculation, squeeze the area between the shaft and glans of the penis to prevent ejaculation. Most of the resources on the squeeze technique recommend squeezing the penis for about 30 seconds to stop premature ejaculation. Since everyone is different, the ideal amount of time for the technique might be slightly shorter or longer. Using the squeeze technique, you can delay orgasm several times, allowing yourself to perform for longer during sex. Like the stop-start technique, the squeeze technique has its downsides. First, it results in a stop in sexual activity, which can be frustrating for both you and your partner. It can also occasionally reduce the intensity of your erection, which also affects sexual enjoyment.
- Masturbating before sex: While there’s no scientific evidence to support this method, many men find that masturbation shortly before sex is an effective way to delay orgasm and stop premature ejaculation. The idea behind this approach is that during the refractory period (a recovery phase that occurs after orgasm), most men won’t be able to orgasm again. The end result is a longer average time to orgasm and, for their partners, better sexual satisfaction.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Right now, there aren’t any medications specifically approved to treat PE. However, there are a variety of existing drugs -- particularly medications commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders -- that have been shown in clinical practice to be effective in helping men delay orgasm and ejaculation. SSRIs are prescription medication, meaning you’ll need to speak with a doctor about this PE treatment method. Most medications in this class also have side effects, which you’ll want to discuss with your doctor prior to considering treatment.
- Gels, Creams and other topical treatments: Most gels and sprays use local anesthetics such as lidocaine -- the same anesthetic that’s used by dentists and laser hair removal technicians. Studies show that this topical anesthetic combination is fairly effective. However, topical treatments like lidocaine/prilocaine cream may have a downside. Because they numb the penis and reduce sensation, they might contribute to erectile loss -- a symptom noted by more than 50% of the men that received the cream in a 2002 study.
how do you get premature ejaculation pills online?
Sertraline is a prescription medication. In order to use sertraline to treat premature ejaculation, you will need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider, who will determine if it’s appropriate for you. You can get connected to a provider online through the Hims platform. If the provider determines sertraline is appropriate for you after the online visit, they can prescribe you sertraline online and you can get it delivered to your door.
can I use a condom when taking this medication?
Yes. Sertraline does not provide any protection from STDs, so it’s important to use a condom or other form of protection to stay safe.
what are the side effects of this medication?
The most common side effects of sertraline include: Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or indigestion, increased sweating, tremor or shaking, agitation, change in sleep habits including increased sleepiness or insomnia, sexual problems including decreased libido and ejaculation failure, feeling tired or fatigued, anxiety.
is sertraline FDA approved for treating PE?
Sertraline is not FDA-approved for the treatment of premature ejaculation but is prescribed for off-label for issues like premature ejaculation. Learn more about 'off-label uses' HERE.
is there a cure for premature ejaculation?
Premature ejactulation is more common than you might think. Data from medical studies shows it is one of the most common male sexual disorders, affecting as much as 39 percent of the male population at one point or another in life. With varied treatments available, ranging from the use of relaxation techniques to over-the-counter and prescription medications, you can effectively treat the disorder.
SOURCES
- one study
- and studies show short term symptomatic benefits in 45-65% of men.
- refractory period (a recovery phase that occurs after orgasm)
- In a 2007 study
- in a study from 2002
- Studies of Sertraline show that it can increase ejaculation time by as much as 1,000%
- the Mayo Clinic
- Learn more about 'off-label uses' here
- Data from medical studies