Ask the doctor: What works best for premature ejaculation?
What are the most effective treatments for premature ejaculation? Do erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra help with this problem? There are a number of medications used for premature ejaculation, although none are specifically FDA-approved for this purpose. The most effective appear to be the antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa) and fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem). You would need to take the medication every day, and it may take several weeks to show an effect. If these medications don't work or cause unacceptable side effects, a different type of antidepressant, called clomipramine (Anafranil, Clofranil), may help. Another option is to apply a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) to the head of the penis to decrease sensation.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
