How to Use the Squeeze Technique, the Stop-Start Technique, and More

The stop-squeeze technique is a form of ejaculatory control. It allows you to near the point of climax and then back off suddenly by holding the tip of the penis until the sensation subsides.

You can repeat the stop-squeeze several times, or you can do it once.

Keep in mind that delaying your own orgasm might delay or reduce satisfaction for your partner. You should make sure you and your partner are on the same page before you begin.

For masturbation

1. Begin stimulating yourself, keeping a pressure and pace that are comfortable and will get you to climax.

2. When you feel you’re almost to the point of ejaculation, release the pressure and slow your pace.

3. Grip the end of your penis, where the head (glans) meets the shaft. Maintain a firm but not tight squeeze for several seconds, or until the feeling of an impending climax passes.

4. When you’re ready, begin manually stimulating yourself again with a pace and pressure that will help you reach climax.

5. Repeat the process as desired.

For partner sex

1. Begin sexual activity with normal penis stimulation.

2. When you get to the point that you believe you’re ready to climax, stop all thrusting or rubbing.

3. You or your partner can squeeze the end of the penis, where the head meets the shaft. Maintain a firm pressure until the sensation passes.

4. Begin sexual activity again, and repeat the technique as desired.

Like the stop-squeeze method, the stop-start technique can help you delay a climax during the middle of sexual play.

But this technique, also known as edging, requires a hands-off delay. You’ll stop all sexual stimulation before returning to it again after the sensation has passed.

You can repeat this cycle a few times until you’re ready to have an orgasm. Edging will delay your orgasm — it may also make it more intense — but it can be a tedious or time-consuming practice if your partner isn’t aware of your intentions. Be sure to discuss this before you begin edging during sex.

For masturbation

1. Begin manually stimulating yourself. Maintain a pace and grip pressure that will bring you to the point of climax.

2. Just as you reach the brink, or edge, of climax, stop all simulation entirely. Wait several seconds or minutes. Let the sensation pass entirely.

3. When you’re ready, begin masturbating again. Repeat the edging technique as many times as you wish.

For partner sex

1. Begin the sexual activity, whether it’s oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or some other form of stimulation.

2. When you reach the point of climax, stop thrusting or rubbing, and back away. Pause for several seconds or minutes.

3. You can resume sexual activity when the sensation has passed and you no longer feel that you’re on the brink of climax.

In addition to the stop-squeeze and stop-start techniques, these practices may help delay climax:

Prolong foreplay

Help alleviate pressure or expectations by foregoing intercourse for a longer period of time.

Instead, focus on other types of sexual play, such as massage, intimate touching, and kissing.

If you’re trying to delay your orgasm but not your partner’s, you might also try manual or oral stimulation.

This way, you may be able to delay your climax until they’re ready, too.

Wear a climax-control condom

A typical condom, which is made with a thin layer of latex, can help decrease sensation and may prolong your sexual activity.

You can also buy condoms that are designed specifically to delay climax. These condoms are typically made with a thicker latex.

Some use a numbing agent like benzocaine or lidocaine to reduce sensation on the surface of the penis. This can prolong the time it takes to reach climax.

Apply a topical anesthetic to your penis

The same numbing agents used in condoms are available as creams and sprays.

You may be able to delay climax by applying one of these topicals to your penis 10 to 15 minutes before starting masturbation or sexual play.

Masturbate before intercourse

You may be able to delay ejaculation during intercourse by masturbating an hour or two earlier.

You may not be able to anticipate sex beforehand in every case, but when you can, this strategy might be helpful.

Methods like the stop-start or stop-squeeze technique can help you avoid PE. However, they may not be techniques you want to continue practicing in the long-term.

You may find these strategies helpful:

Practice Kegel exercises

These pelvic floor exercises aren’t just for people who have a vagina.

Indeed, individuals who have a penis can also build and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles.

This may help you maintain sexual activity longer and delay ejaculation.

Try oral medications

Some prescription medications have been found to help delay orgasm in people who experience PE.

These medications include:

• antidepressants
• analgesics
• phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors

It’s important to remember these medications can cause side effects, so talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risks and other considerations.

See a sex therapist

These specially trained healthcare providers can help you talk through any underlying concerns that may be affecting sexual health.

For example, underlying anxiety about work or stress within a relationship may affect sexual function.

Although these methods may be helpful for occasionally delaying ejaculation, you shouldn’t rely on them to treat persistent PE.

Instead, talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider about your options for treatment.

It may take you some time to find the right treatment or to feel confident in your plan of action.

Keep your provider updated with any changes you experience, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.