Last longer. Finish when you want to.

Premature ejaculation in Australia

If you’re finishing sooner than you’d like, you’re not alone — and you’re not “failing” at sex. Premature ejaculation (often shortened to PE, and sometimes called early ejaculation) is one of the most common male sexual health concerns. It can show up at any age, in any relationship stage, and it can be frustrating even when everything else in life is going well.

The good news: PE is treatable, and you don’t have to just “put up with it”.

Quick PE facts (Australia)

• Around 21–31% of Australian adult men may experience premature ejaculation, depending on how it’s defined and measured.
• In a large national Australian survey (2012–2013), 21% of men reported coming to orgasm “too quickly.”
• PE often overlaps with erection difficulties — Australian health information notes about 1 in 3 people with PE also experience erectile dysfunction.
• Even though sexual difficulties are common, Australian research suggests only about 1 in 5 men sought help for sexual health concerns in 2022.

(Stats vary because different studies use different definitions, time cut-offs, and survey questions — but the takeaway is consistent: PE is common, and help is available.)

What “counts” as premature ejaculation?

There’s no single “perfect” time to last. Many men orgasm sooner than they’d like from time to time — and that’s normal.

Clinically, premature ejaculation is usually discussed when:

• you ejaculate earlier than you want (often very soon after penetration, such as around a minute), and
• you feel you can’t reliably delay it, and
• it’s causing distress, frustration, avoidance of intimacy, or relationship tension.

PE can be:

• Lifelong (primary): present from your earliest sexual experiences
• Acquired (secondary): starts later, after a period of more typical control

Both are real. Both are treatable.

Why PE happens (and why it’s not a willpower issue)

PE is rarely about “not trying hard enough”. It’s usually a mix of physical, psychological, and relationship factors, such as:

• Performance anxiety and pressure (including fear of disappointing your partner)
• Stress, busy mind, fatigue, or low mood
• Erection concerns (sometimes rushing happens because you’re worried about losing an erection)
• Sensitivity and arousal patterns that have become “wired in” over time
• Alcohol or drug use, which can affect control and arousal
• In some cases, hormonal, nerve signalling, or other health factors

It can also become a cycle: a few rushed experiences → more anxiety → more rushing → more frustration. Breaking that cycle is a big part of treatment.

What to expect from a PE assessment

A good assessment is straightforward and judgement-free. A clinician will typically ask about:

• what’s been happening (how often, when it started, and what “too quick” means for you)
• whether it seems lifelong or acquired
• erection quality, libido, orgasm, and any pain or urinary symptoms
• stress levels, mental health, sleep, alcohol, and relationship context
• medications/supplements (some can affect sexual function)
• your goals (lasting longer, feeling more in control, reducing anxiety, improving intimacy)

Sometimes, improving a contributing issue (like erection difficulty, stress, or relationship tension) can improve ejaculation control as well.

Evidence-based ways to improve control and confidence (without relying on “magic tricks”)

PE treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all — but it is practical. Many men do best with a plan that combines a few approaches, such as:

• Behavioural techniques (structured strategies to help you recognise rising arousal and slow things down)
• Pelvic floor training (targeted exercises can help some men improve control)
• Psychological support (for anxiety, stress, performance pressure, or confidence setbacks)
• Couples-based strategies (reducing pressure, improving communication, and getting you back on the same team)
• Clinician-guided treatment options tailored to your health profile and preferences

The aim isn’t to chase a “perfect number of minutes”. It’s to help you feel more in control, more relaxed, and more able to enjoy intimacy again.

When it’s worth getting help

Consider speaking with a clinician if:

• it’s happening most times you have sex and it bothers you
• it started suddenly, or is getting worse
• it’s causing anxiety, avoidance of sex, or relationship strain
• you also have erection issues, pain, or urinary symptoms
• you’ve tried self-help tips for a while and nothing has changed

If embarrassment is the biggest barrier, you’re not the only one — but PE is something clinicians deal with every day. A quick conversation can lead to a plan that makes a real difference.

The bottom line

Premature ejaculation is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. With the right support — often a mix of techniques, targeted exercises, and addressing contributing factors like stress or erection concerns — many men can last longer, feel more in control, and enjoy sex again.