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Premature Ejaculation Treatment in Ireland: A Complete Medical Guide to EMLA and Priligy

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Ireland’s #1 online healthcare platform

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual health conditions, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 men at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, it remains under-discussed, under-diagnosed, and often poorly managed, particularly in Ireland, where embarrassment and stigma still prevent many men from seeking help.

Overview

For some men, premature ejaculation has been present for as long as they can remember. For others, it develops later in life, often alongside stress, anxiety, relationship changes, or medical factors. Regardless of when it begins, the impact can be significant, affecting confidence, intimacy, relationships, and mental well-being.

The good news is that premature ejaculation is a recognised medical condition, and there are safe, effective, doctor-approved treatments available in Ireland.

This guide explains:

  • What premature ejaculation is
  • Why it happens
  • How it is medically assessed
  • The most effective treatments available in Ireland
  • How EMLA cream and Priligy (dapoxetine) 30 mg and 60 mg work
  • What results to expect
  • How to access treatment discreetly and safely through smartscripts.ie

What Is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is defined as ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, either before or shortly after penetration, with minimal voluntary control and associated distress.

Clinically, PE is often described using three core criteria:

  1. Short ejaculatory latency (often under 1–2 minutes)
  2. Lack of control over ejaculation
  3. Personal or relationship distress


It is important to understand that PE is not about performance standards or unrealistic expectations. If early ejaculation is causing frustration, anxiety, or relationship strain, it is medically valid to seek treatment.

Types of Premature Ejaculation

Lifelong (Primary) Premature Ejaculation

  • Present from first sexual experiences
  • Often neurobiological in origin
  • Commonly linked to penile sensitivity and serotonin regulation
  • Responds well to medical treatment


Acquired (Secondary) Premature Ejaculation

  • Develops later in life
  • May be associated with:

    • Stress or anxiety
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Hormonal changes
    • Prostate issues
    • Relationship factors


Distinguishing between these types helps guide appropriate treatment.

Why Premature Ejaculation Happens

Premature ejaculation is not a lack of discipline or willpower. It is influenced by a combination of biological and psychological factors.

Biological Factors

  • Increased penile sensitivity
  • Altered serotonin signalling in the brain
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Hormonal influences


Psychological Factors

  • Performance anxiety
  • Stress
  • Relationship issues
  • Past negative sexual experiences


In many cases, biology and psychology interact, which is why medical treatment is often more effective than behavioural techniques alone.

How Premature Ejaculation Is Treated Medically in Ireland

In Ireland, evidence-based treatment for premature ejaculation typically falls into two main categories:

  1. Topical therapies (to reduce sensitivity)
  2. Oral medications (to delay ejaculation through central nervous system effects)


smartscripts.ie prescribes both:

  • EMLA cream
  • Priligy (dapoxetine) 30 mg and 60 mg


These are the most established, clinically supported treatments for PE.

EMLA Cream for Premature Ejaculation

What Is EMLA Cream?

EMLA is a topical anaesthetic cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine. It works by temporarily reducing penile sensitivity, which can significantly delay ejaculation in men with heightened sensitivity.

EMLA has been used safely in medical practice for decades and is widely recognised in sexual medicine.

How EMLA Cream Works

EMLA works locally at the skin level by:

  • Reducing nerve signal transmission
  • Decreasing hypersensitivity
  • Improving ejaculatory control


Because it acts locally, it does not affect libido, erection quality, or orgasm.

How to Use EMLA for Premature Ejaculation

Typical usage involves:

  • Applying a small amount to the head of the penis
  • Allowing it to absorb for a short period
  • Washing off excess before intercourse to avoid numbing a partner

Used correctly, EMLA can significantly increase intravaginal ejaculatory latency time.

Who EMLA Is Best For

EMLA is particularly effective for:

  • Men with lifelong PE
  • Men with high penile sensitivity
  • Those who prefer non-systemic treatment
  • Men who cannot take oral medication


Potential Side Effects of EMLA

Side effects are generally mild and may include:

  • Temporary numbness
  • Mild skin irritation (rare)
  • Reduced sensation if over-applied


Proper use minimises these effects.

Priligy (Dapoxetine) for Premature Ejaculation

What Is Priligy?

Priligy contains dapoxetine, a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) developed specifically for premature ejaculation.

Unlike antidepressants, Priligy is:

  • Taken on demand
  • Fast-acting
  • Cleared quickly from the body


It is the only oral medication licensed specifically for PE in many regions.

How Priligy Works

Priligy increases serotonin activity in the brain, which:

  • Delays the ejaculatory reflex
  • Improves control
  • Reduces anxiety around timing

This central mechanism makes it effective even when PE is not purely sensitivity-based.

Priligy 30 mg vs 60 mg: What’s the Difference?

Priligy 30 mg

  • Standard starting dose
  • Effective for many men
  • Lower risk of side effects


Priligy 60 mg

  • Used when 30 mg is insufficient
  • Provides stronger ejaculatory delay
  • Slightly higher chance of side effects


Dose selection is based on individual response and tolerance, not preference.

How Priligy Is Taken

  • Taken 1–3 hours before sexual activity
  • Not for daily use
  • Maximum once per day
  • Should not be combined with alcohol

Effectiveness of Priligy

Clinical studies show that Priligy can:

Many men report improved confidence and relationship satisfaction.

Side Effects of Priligy

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Mild gastrointestinal upset


These are usually transient and dose-dependent.

Priligy is not suitable for everyone, which is why medical assessment is essential.

EMLA vs Priligy: Which Is Better?

There is no single “best” treatment only the most appropriate one.

Factor

EMLA

Priligy

Acts locally

Yes

No

Acts centrally

No

Yes

On-demand

Yes

Yes

Affects sensation

Yes

No

Reduces anxiety

Indirect

Yes

Some men use both, under medical guidance.

Psychological Impact of Treating Premature Ejaculation

Successful treatment often leads to:

  • Improved confidence
  • Reduced sexual anxiety
  • Better communication with partners
  • Improved relationship satisfaction


Treating PE is not about “lasting longer” it’s about restoring control and confidence.

Can Premature Ejaculation Be Cured?

Premature ejaculation is best understood as a manageable condition rather than something to be “cured”.

Some men use treatment short-term, while others benefit from ongoing support. Both approaches are valid.

Getting Treatment Online in Ireland with smartscripts.ie

smartscripts.ie provides doctor-led, discreet online treatment for premature ejaculation in Ireland.

The process includes:

  • Confidential medical questionnaire
  • Review by an Irish-registered doctor
  • Prescription only when clinically appropriate
  • Discreet delivery
  • Ongoing support


There is no judgment and no face-to-face embarrassment.

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