CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom — Men having issues lasting longer in bed may just need some extra time at the gym, claims a new review. Scientists report that simply running for an additional 30 minutes can be as powerful as medication for treating premature ejaculation.
Many struggle with premature ejaculation, as it affects 30 to 83 percent of men. The condition can impact mental health for men, decreasing confidence and raising stress. Despite being so common, there are few medical treatments available.
“We know premature ejaculation is a common complaint among men worldwide,” says Lee Smith, a professor of public health at Anglia Ruskin University in a university statement. “The lack of a clear definition of what is or isn’t premature ejaculation has repercussions in terms of treatment, and there are relatively few effective drugs available.”
Dapoxetine is one drug designed to treat premature ejaculation. It works by blocking a hormone transporter which helps men last several minutes longer. However, the drug is only approved in countries outside the United States. Other options are local anesthetics like clomipramine and tramadol, but they were not approved by the government to be safe for uses like premature ejaculation.
The current study reviewed 54 studies that shared data from 3,485 participants worldwide who tried out non-pharmacologic interventions to help their premature ejaculation.
“Our paper is a comprehensive review of studies into non-pharmacological interventions for this common complaint, and there are clear indications that physical exercise, including running and engaging the pelvic floor muscles, show promise in several studies,” adds Smith.
Moderate physical activity had the most promising results of all the non-medicated options. Running for 30 minutes five times a week had similar effects as taking dapoxetine. Another study used pelvic floor exercises to help men last longer. Consistent exercises increased the time by one to three minutes.
Talking therapy also helped men as it may guide them to overcoming any mental blocks or anxiety that could be hindering performance.
“Given that drugs often have side effects, it appears that after all, the best medicine for avoiding premature ejaculation may well lie in exercise, and this possibility requires larger studies and further investigation,” Smith concludes.
The study was recently published in the journal Trends in Urology and Men’s Health.
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