The Stop-Start Technique for Premature Ejaculation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reviewed by the Kamagra AUS Pharmacy Team on 10 January 2026 · Next review June 2027
Summary
A step-by-step, honestly-evidenced guide to the stop-start technique, a drug-free approach some people use to help manage premature ejaculation.
On this page
What is the stop-start technique?
The stop-start technique (sometimes called the "stop-go" method) is a drug-free behavioural approach that some people use to build greater awareness and control over the timing of ejaculation. It was first described decades ago and remains one of the most commonly recommended non-medication approaches for premature ejaculation, usually alongside other strategies rather than as a stand-alone cure. You can read more about premature ejaculation generally on our premature ejaculation page.
The idea behind it
The technique is built on the idea that many people experience premature ejaculation because they aren't used to noticing the physical sensations that build just before the point where ejaculation becomes inevitable. By deliberately pausing stimulation before that point, repeatedly, the idea is to build familiarity with those sensations and, over time and with practice, extend the time before ejaculation happens.
Step-by-step guide
- Begin sexual stimulation — either through masturbation or with a partner — as normal.
- Pay close attention to arousal level as stimulation continues, trying to notice the sensations that build as you approach the point where ejaculation feels imminent.
- Stop all stimulation completely just before that point — before the feeling of inevitability sets in, not after.
- Wait until the intense urge to ejaculate subsides, typically 20–40 seconds, breathing normally and staying relaxed rather than tensing up.
- Resume stimulation once the urge has settled, and repeat the stop-start cycle several times before allowing ejaculation to happen on a final round.
- Practise repeatedly, ideally over several weeks, either alone or with a partner's involvement, since consistency over time is what the technique relies on.
Many people find it easier to practise alone first to get familiar with their own arousal pattern before involving a partner, then introduce it gradually into partnered sex with open communication about what's happening and why.
Being realistic about the evidence
It's worth being upfront: the research evidence behind stop-start is genuinely mixed. Some studies and clinical reports describe meaningful improvement for some people, particularly when combined with broader psychosexual approaches, while others find the benefit is modest or doesn't persist without ongoing practice. It should be described as an approach some people find helpful rather than a fix that works for everyone, and results vary considerably between individuals. It also requires consistent practice and can be difficult to do without feeling self-conscious, particularly early on with a partner.
Combining with other approaches
Stop-start is often used alongside other strategies rather than in isolation:
- Pelvic floor awareness and relaxation
- Reducing performance anxiety through open communication with a partner
- Addressing any underlying stress, relationship or psychological factors
- In some cases, a doctor may discuss prescription options such as Duratia 30mg, a dapoxetine-based medicine specifically for premature ejaculation
Dapoxetine, the active ingredient in Duratia, is a Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicine in Australia and requires a valid prescription from a registered Australian prescriber. It has specific precautions — it should not be combined with other serotonergic medicines, including many antidepressants, because of the risk of serotonin-related side effects, and your prescriber needs a full picture of your current medicines before considering it.
Is it worth trying?
Stop-start costs nothing, carries no medical risk, and can be practised privately, which makes it a reasonable first thing to try for many people, either alone or before or alongside a conversation with a doctor. It's not going to work identically for everyone, and it isn't a substitute for medical assessment if premature ejaculation is significantly affecting your wellbeing or relationships — that's a good reason to see a doctor, who can discuss the full range of behavioural and medical options available.
General health information only
This article is general health education, not personal medical advice or a treatment plan. Always read the patient information leaflet for any prescribed medicine and speak with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the stop-start technique take to work?+
It varies — some people notice a change within weeks of regular practice, others see little change, since the evidence base is mixed.
Can I do the stop-start technique alone?+
Yes, many people practise it alone first to get familiar with their own arousal pattern before involving a partner.
Is stop-start guaranteed to fix premature ejaculation?+
No — it's an approach some people find helpful, not a fix that works for everyone, and it requires consistent practice.
Can I combine stop-start with a medicine like Duratia?+
Yes, some people use behavioural techniques together with a prescribed medicine, under a doctor's guidance.
What if the technique doesn't work for me?+
See a doctor to discuss other options, including addressing underlying anxiety or considering prescription treatment.
Kamagra AUS Health Editorial Team
Plain-English health writing from our in-house editorial team — pharmacist-reviewed, focused on how Australians actually access and use medicines safely.
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