Deep Breathing Exercises May Extend Benefits of Premature Ejaculation Treatment

Meditation-style deep breathing exercises, when combined with standard treatment, may offer a lasting solution for men experiencing premature ejaculation (PE). New research suggests that incorporating these exercises can significantly increase the duration of intercourse and maintain those improvements over time.

Study Details and Findings

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, conducted by Dr. Umit Erkut and his team at Istanbul Rumeli University, investigated the effects of deep breathing exercises on men with PE. The study involved 59 adult men who received counseling therapy and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Half of the participants also practiced meditation-style deep breathing exercises twice a day for eight weeks.

The results showed that the group incorporating deep breathing exercises experienced an average increase of 283 seconds in intercourse duration, compared to a 206-second increase in the group that did not practice deep breathing. Notably, the benefits were sustained one year later in the deep breathing group, although the improvements diminished in the control group.

How Deep Breathing Works

Researchers believe the positive effects of deep breathing are linked to the functional connection between the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. This connection can help relieve overactivity of nerves around the penis. Controlled breathing can induce a relaxation response, potentially influencing serotonin levels and improving ejaculatory control.

What is Meditation-Style Deep Breathing?

The deep breathing technique used in the study is a form of abdominal breathing, focusing on leisurely, deep, and regular breaths rather than a specific meditative practice. Here’s how to practice it:

• Inhale slowly through your nose, holding for 4-5 seconds.
• Allow your abdomen to expand naturally as your diaphragm lowers.
• Exhale slowly over 6-8 seconds.
• Focus on your breathing rhythm to minimize distractions.

Researchers recommend practicing this exercise twice a day for a consistent period.

Implications and Future Research

The study suggests that deep breathing training could be a valuable addition to existing PE treatments. However, the researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale studies to confirm these findings due to the limited sample size.

Key Takeaways

• Deep breathing exercises, combined with standard treatment, can significantly increase intercourse duration in men with premature ejaculation.
• The benefits of deep breathing appear to be long-lasting, unlike improvements seen with treatment alone.
• Deep breathing may work by strengthening pelvic floor muscles and promoting relaxation through the regulation of serotonin.
• The technique is simple to learn and practice, involving slow, deep abdominal breathing.