During sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation, where a man ejaculates shortly after penetration, is a serious concern for many men.

However, since the time to ejaculation varies from person to person, many may wonder exactly how many minutes define premature ejaculation.

This article explores the medical definition of premature ejaculation, the ideal duration until ejaculation, and effective training methods to help improve the condition.

What Is Considered Premature Ejaculation?

Since sexual activity duration is not something often compared with others, it can be difficult to objectively determine whether one is experiencing premature ejaculation.

From a medical standpoint, how many minutes from penetration to ejaculation is considered premature? We’ll also look at the average time until ejaculation.

Within One Minute of Penetration or Before Penetration

Historically, there was no clear medical definition of premature ejaculation, and judgments were often based on personal perceptions.

However, in 2007, the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) began a formal discussion, and during the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in 2008, the following definition was proposed:

• Short ejaculation latency: Ejaculation occurs within one minute after penetration, or even before penetration begins.
• Lack of control over ejaculation: The inability to consciously control the timing of ejaculation.
• Emotional distress or relationship issues: Psychological stress, frustration, and avoidance of sexual activity due to the condition.

As described above, medically speaking, ejaculation that occurs within one minute after penetration is considered premature ejaculation.

However, in general terms, many people regard ejaculation that occurs within three minutes after penetration as premature.

Average Time Until Ejaculation

The time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation is medically referred to as IELT (Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time), and the average is said to be around 5 to 7 minutes.

That said, this varies between individuals. Even for the same man, factors such as overall health, fatigue, and mental state at the time of the act can significantly affect ejaculation timing.

What Is the Ideal Duration Until Ejaculation?

During sexual intercourse, if the time from penetration to ejaculation is too short, it may lead to a lack of satisfaction. On the other hand, if it is too long, sexual excitement may decrease.

The ideal duration for achieving mutual satisfaction is said to differ between men and women.

For example, many women report that 7 to 10 minutes is ideal, while many men consider 10 to 15 minutes preferable.

Conversely, when ejaculation occurs within 2 minutes, it is often perceived by both men and women as “too short.”

Of course, there are individual differences—some may feel satisfied even with a shorter duration, while others may find 20 or 30 minutes to be more desirable.

Main Causes of Premature Ejaculation

Many men struggling with premature ejaculation may wonder why they cannot last longer.

There are several causes of premature ejaculation, and identifying which type applies to you is important for selecting the right treatment or coping method.

Psychological (Mental) Causes of Premature Ejaculation

Psychological premature ejaculation is triggered by mental stress, anxiety, or nervousness.

When someone is under high stress or tension, the level of serotonin (a neurotransmitter in the brain) decreases, making it difficult to control the timing of ejaculation.

As a result, the penetration time becomes very short, which in turn causes anxiety about being premature. This can worsen the condition and lead to a negative cycle.

If left untreated, psychological premature ejaculation may result in a fear of sexual activity itself. Early medical intervention is recommended.

Hypersensitivity-Related Premature Ejaculation

This type is caused by a heightened physical sensitivity to stimulation of the penis, making it difficult to control ejaculation.

In extreme cases, ejaculation may occur just from a light touch by the partner.

This is often seen in younger men who are inexperienced with sexual activity. It’s also common in men with phimosis, whose glans has not developed resistance to stimulation.

Getting used to physical stimulation with the help of a partner or prolonging the duration of masturbation may help reduce sensitivity and improve control.

Muscle Weakness-Related Premature Ejaculation

This type is related to weakened pelvic muscles due to aging.

It is common among men in their 40s and older, but can also occur in those with a sedentary lifestyle and little exercise.

The pelvic muscle known as the ejaculatory duct constrictor muscle controls the timing of ejaculation. When this muscle weakens, controlling ejaculation becomes difficult.

Additionally, erectile dysfunction (ED), which often progresses with age, may lead to shorter duration and contribute to premature ejaculation.

Though age-related, this condition can still be improved with guidance and treatment from a specialist.

Can Premature Ejaculation Be Improved at Home?

Premature ejaculation is a highly sensitive issue for many men, and some may feel hesitant to seek treatment due to psychological barriers.

If that’s the case, it may be helpful to start with simple training techniques and self-care methods that can be practiced at home.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (Kegel Exercises)

The pelvic floor muscles are located between the anus and the base of the penis. These muscles play a key role in erectile function and ejaculation control.

For those experiencing muscle weakness-related premature ejaculation, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles may improve control over ejaculation timing.

The most well-known method to train these muscles is the Kegel exercise:

• Take a deep breath and slowly contract the muscles around the anus.
• Hold the contraction for about 20 seconds.
• Slowly relax and rest for about 40 seconds.

Start with 10 repetitions as one set, aiming to do about three sets per day.

Kegel exercises can be done discreetly while lying in bed, commuting on the train, or sitting at your desk.

Start & Stop Method

The start-and-stop technique is a simple training method that can be done during masturbation, especially helpful for those with hypersensitive premature ejaculation.

• When ejaculation feels near, stop stimulation.
• Once the urge subsides, resume stimulation.
• Repeat this cycle around 5 times.

Squeeze Technique

The squeeze method is also an effective at-home approach for those with hypersensitivity.

• When ejaculation approaches during masturbation, gently squeeze the base of the glans.
• Wait until the urge to ejaculate decreases, then resume stimulation.
• Repeat the cycle about 5 times.

Using Thicker Condoms

For a quick and easy approach during intercourse, using thicker condoms can help reduce physical stimulation and prolong ejaculation time.

While typical condoms are about 0.05mm thick, thicker ones (around 0.1mm) are also available.

These reduce sensitivity and may be particularly helpful for those with hypersensitive types of premature ejaculation.

Communication with Your Partner

If you’re worried that premature ejaculation might damage your relationship, open communication with your partner is essential.

Prolonged foreplay and maintaining a relaxed, supportive atmosphere can help increase satisfaction even if penetration time is short.

However, while this may ease emotional distress, it doesn’t directly solve premature ejaculation itself.

For those dealing with psychological premature ejaculation, opening up to your partner and creating a stress-free environment before intimacy may lead to gradual improvement.

If You’re Struggling with Premature Ejaculation, Consult Men’s Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO

Premature ejaculation is a deeply personal and sensitive issue for many men, making it difficult to discuss—even with close friends or partners.

Some may not be aware that medical treatment is available, while others may feel a psychological barrier to seeking help.

At Men’s Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO, we offer online consultations, allowing you to easily discuss premature ejaculation in a private, comfortable setting.

There is no need for an in-person visit, making it a convenient option for those who are busy with work or live far from the clinic. The only cost involved is for the medication—consultation fees are completely free, whether it’s your first visit or a follow-up.

All consultations are conducted over the phone, so there’s no need to worry about being seen or recognized, making it easy for first-time patients to reach out.

For added privacy, medications are shipped discreetly under the name of the clinic director or other personal name, not under the clinic name itself.

If you’re concerned about others finding out that you’re undergoing treatment for premature ejaculation, please feel free to reach out to us for support.

Conclusion

From a medical standpoint, premature ejaculation is defined as ejaculation occurring within one minute of penetration, or when ejaculation cannot be controlled.

However, in general terms, many consider ejaculation within three minutes of penetration to fall under premature ejaculation as well.

Regardless of the exact timing, premature ejaculation can significantly affect a man’s confidence and potentially strain relationships with partners.

Because this is a difficult issue to discuss even with other men, it’s important to choose a clinic that respects your privacy when seeking treatment.

Men’s Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO offers online consultations, providing a safe and convenient option for those who are nervous about starting treatment.