Premature ejaculation
Masturbating before sex to last longer: what to expect
It is one of the most common tips men share: masturbate an hour or two before sex and you will last longer. Masturbating before sex to last longer does work for some men, but it has trade-offs.
In short: After ejaculating, most men have a refractory period during which arousal is lower, so a second round often lasts longer. Masturbating one to two hours before sex can help men with mild premature ejaculation. However, it can make erections harder to get or keep, especially as men get older, and it does not build lasting control.
Why it can help
After orgasm the body releases hormones such as prolactin that lower arousal for a while. This refractory period varies from minutes in younger men to many hours in older men. Second-round sex is often slower to climax.
Timing tips
- Younger men often find one to two hours beforehand works
- Older men may need less time between, or may struggle to get hard again
- Try it on a day without pressure first to see how your body responds
The downsides
Weaker erections
If your refractory period is long, you may find it hard to get a firm erection again. This can create new anxiety.
Reduced desire
Some men feel less interested in sex soon after ejaculating.
It treats the symptom
It does not teach you to recognise and control your arousal. Many men find they still finish fast once they stop doing it.
Hard to plan
Sex is not always scheduled.
A better long-term approach
Use your solo time as practice rather than just release:
- Practise the start-stop or edging technique
- Learn the squeeze technique
- Use slow breathing techniques
- Avoid a very tight grip and rushed habits, see death grip syndrome
Using the second round
Many couples simply plan for two rounds. If you finish quickly, focus on your partner’s pleasure, then try again when ready.
When to get help
If you finish within about a minute most times, or it is affecting your relationship, our naturopaths offer discreet consultations and natural plans to improve control. Read about how often a man should ejaculate and how to shorten the refractory period naturally.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Do you usually ejaculate sooner than you or your partner would like?
- Has this always been the case, or did it start recently?
- Do you feel you have little or no control over when you ejaculate?
- Is it causing stress, avoidance or tension in your relationship?
- Do you also have trouble getting or keeping an erection?
A yes to questions one, three or four suggests a consultation would help. Problems that started recently, or that come with erection difficulties, are worth discussing early, because the cause often guides the most effective natural plan.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Does masturbating before sex make you last longer?
For some men, yes, because arousal is lower during the refractory period. It does not build lasting control.
How long before sex should I masturbate?
Many younger men find one to two hours works. Older men may need to experiment or may find it affects erections.
Can masturbating before sex cause erection problems?
It can make it harder to get a firm erection again, especially for men with a long refractory period.
What is better than masturbating before sex?
Practising start-stop, squeeze and breathing techniques builds control that lasts.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Walk in at our Sandton practice any time, day or night, or book ahead. Outside Gauteng? Book a remote consultation.
References and further reading
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
