What is delayed ejaculation?

Delayed ejaculation is when you have difficulty reaching orgasm and ejaculating (releasing semen from the penis).

Ejaculation either takes much longer than you would like or does not happen at all.

You may find that you can only reach orgasm and ejaculate after long periods of stimulation, even though you have normal sexual desire and erections.

Delayed ejaculation may happen only with sexual intercourse with a partner. It may happen all the time, including when you masturbate.

Delayed ejaculation can be a temporary or lifelong problem. It's normal to experience this from time to time and it is only a problem if it worries you or your partner.

What are the symptoms related to delayed ejaculation?

You may have delayed ejaculation if you:

• have a significant delay before ejaculating
• cannot ejaculate at all, even when you want to and when your erection is normal
• cannot ejaculate during at least 3 in 4 sexual encounters over 6 months
• are feeling worried about the delayed ejaculation

What causes delayed ejaculation?

The causes of delayed ejaculation are different for everyone and can be complicated.

Different types of medicines can cause delayed ejaculation, including:

• antidepressants
• some strong pain relief medicines
• some medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease

Alcohol and some recreational drugs can also cause delayed ejaculation.

There may be physical causes for delayed ejaculation, such as:

• surgery or trauma to your pelvis or genitals
• problems with your reproductive system
• problems with your nerves or spinal cord
• some hormonal conditions
• chronic (ongoing) illnesses such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
• ageing

Mental health conditions and psychological factors can also be related to delayed ejaculation. These include:

• anxiety
• depression
• relationship issues
• performance anxiety (worries about being good at sex)
• fears of pregnancy or intimacy
• stress

When should I see my doctor?

You should talk to your doctor if you have delayed ejaculation and it is bothering you.

Your doctor can:

• provide reassurance
• assess you to identify the cause
• recommend treatments

It may also help to talk to your partner. If possible, include your partner when you talk to a health professional.

How is delayed ejaculation diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and sexual history. They may do a physical examination.

Your doctor may also recommend tests for some people, including:

• blood tests
• urine tests
• an ultrasound scan

How is delayed ejaculation treated?

The treatment for delayed ejaculation depends on the cause.

If any medicines you take could be causing delayed ejaculation, you should discuss with your doctor if it is possible to change your medicines. Never change your medicines without first talking to your doctor.

Your doctor will be able to give specific advice and treatment options. They may refer you to a specialist if needed.

Your doctor will discuss the benefits and potential side effects of all treatment options.

Self-care at home

It is important to remember that sexual problems are common and are nothing to be embarrassed or shy about.

It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your condition. Treatment is often more successful if couples work together as a team.

Medicines for delayed ejaculation

There is limited evidence that medicines help with delayed ejaculation. In some situations, your doctor may suggest testosterone therapy.

Other treatment options

Vibrator stimulation of the penis can be used to treat delayed ejaculation.

Counselling or sexual health therapy may also help.

What are the complications of delayed ejaculation?

Delayed ejaculation might make it more difficult to conceive a baby.

Delayed ejaculation might also lead to:

• increased stress
• anxiety or depression
• low self-esteem
• relationship issues

Talk with your doctor if you are worried about the effects of delayed ejaculation.

If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Can delayed ejaculation be prevented?

Delayed ejaculation cannot be prevented if the cause is physical, such as nerve damage. You can avoid things that might make delayed ejaculation worse, such as alcohol and recreational drugs.

Resources and support

Family Planning NSW has resources on male sexual health available.

Healthy Male has a series of information pages on male sexual health issues available, including on delayed ejaculation.

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre has a range of factsheets on sexual health available as well as a telephone triage booking system for people in Melbourne.

Sexual Health Victoria has a range of factsheets on sexual health available in many community languages.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

VACCHO has a webpage with helpful resources on sexual health available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Yarning about Boy's Business is a brochure with information on sexual health for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

QLife has free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral, so you can talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

ACON helps sexuality and gender-diverse people by providing information, workshops and a range of support services.