Pill could help boost men’s staying power

Apill that blocks the so- called “love hormone” oxytocin may be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation, which affects one in three men.

Early studies showed it to be safe and effective, with a near four- fold improvement in symptoms. More than 200 men are now taking part in a clinical trial of the drug.

Premature ejaculation is defined by the International Society of Sexual Medicine as ejaculation “within a minute”. It can lead to anxiety and depression, and can wreck sex lives and marriages.

Both psychological and biological factors can play a role.

Some research suggests there may be a genetic element, and it is also associated with prostate inflammation ( known as prostatitis), thyroid disorders

◗ Premature ejaculation is defined as ejaculation ‘ within a minute’. It can lead to anxiety and depression, and can wreck sex lives and marriages.

and previous experiences.

Treatments include counselling to reduce anxiety levels and the use of local anaesthetic creams to lessen sensitivity. An antidepressant called dapoxetine is sometimes prescribed, too, as one of its side- effects is delayed orgasm. The new drug, cligosiban, is an “oxytocin antagonist”, which means it stops oxytocin binding to cells in the body. The idea is that if this hormone can be blocked, then the moment of ejaculation can be delayed. traumatic