The squeeze technique is a sex therapy exercise that sex therapists have been using for decades to help men overcome premature ejaculation. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about it, partly because the media has miseducated people about how it really works.
As a result, many men practice this technique partially or incorrectly. When they don’t see results, they get discouraged and give up, which is a shame.
The purpose of this article is to clear up these misconceptions. We’ll present the full truth about the squeeze technique and teach you how to use it properly. This will allow you to practice it correctly and determine whether this is the right treatment option for you.
What is the squeeze technique?
The squeeze technique is a sex therapy exercise that teaches men how to control their ejaculation and helps them improve their stamina.
The squeeze technique was developed by world-renowned sex therapists William Masters and Virginia Johnson, who became famous for openly devoting their academic careers to researching sex and treating sexual dysfunctions.
Masters and Johnson developed the squeeze technique by adapting earlier work done by Urologist James Semans during the 1950s. The squeeze technique is a variant of Semans’ method, often known as the stop-start method or edging.
After testing, refining, and researching the squeeze technique, Masters and Johnson published their work in their book, Human Sexual Inadequacy, in 1970. Since then, the squeeze technique has become one of the most popular “go-to” techniques for overcoming PE.
The squeeze technique is often mistakenly referred to as “the squeeze method,” the “pause-squeeze technique,” the “pause and squeeze technique,” the “stop-squeeze technique,” or “edging.”
How does the squeeze technique work?
The squeeze technique works by training men to identify the feelings and sensations that lead up to ejaculation. Sex therapy research shows that there are “automatic” processes that happen in the body before ejaculation. These include an increase in pelvic thrusting, muscle tension, breathing, heart rate, and mental focus. Many of these processes can be controlled, which can help men reduce sexual arousal and delay ejaculation.
The more aware you are of the feelings and sensations that lead up to orgasm, the better you’ll be able to delay ejaculation.
How to use the squeeze technique?
You can use the squeeze technique alone, or with a partner:
How to practice the squeeze technique by yourself?
- Stimulate yourself up to the “point of no return.” This is the moment before orgasm, where a little more stimulation will lead you to ejaculation.
- When you reach this point, use your two forefingers and thumb (see picture below) to firmly squeeze just below the head of the penis (the glans). This is a nerve-filled area known as the frenulum. Squeeze firmly for about 10 seconds.
- The squeeze should be firm enough to feel slightly uncomfortable. If you feel pain loosen your grip. The squeeze should cause your arousal to subside. In some cases, you’ll lose the strength of your erection.
- When you’re ready, begin masturbating again. Repeat this process three times and allow yourself to ejaculate only on the fourth time.
- Pay special attention to the signals your body sends you. In particular, take note of your breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension.
- This exercise can be challenging. Don’t get discouraged if you ejaculate prematurely the first few times.
How to practice the squeeze technique with a partner?
- First, agree on a way of signaling your partner to perform the squeeze.
- Your partner should start by stimulating you (either manually or using intercourse, depending on the stage of the treatment plan you’re at).
- When you reach the point of no return, signal your partner to perform the squeeze.
- Your partner needs to quickly and firmly squeeze the area just below the head (glans) of the penis. This is a nerve-rich area known as the frenulum. The squeeze should last for about 10 seconds.
- The squeeze should be firm enough that it feels slightly uncomfortable. If you feel pain, ask your partner to loosen their grip. The squeeze will cause your arousal to subside, which may mean that you’ll lose the strength of your erection.
- When you’re ready, ask your partner to resume stimulation. Repeat this process three times and allow yourself to reach ejaculating on the fourth.
- Pay special attention to the signals your body sends you. In particular, take note of your breathing, heart rate, muscle tension, and thrusting pace (if you’re at the intercourse stage of your treatment plan).
- Both of you should remember that it’s normal for men to ejaculate prematurely during the early stages of treatment.
- An added benefit of using this technique with your partner is that it can help improve communication and intimacy.
How often and for how long should you practice?
You want to practice these exercises at least three times a week. In this way, most men can overcome premature ejaculation within 12 weeks.
However, it’s vital that you understand that for this technique to be effective, it needs to be performed as part of a structured plan. This plan should be adjusted according to your needs and progress and have increasing difficulty levels.
Additionally, it is crucial that you receive the proper guidance as to how to identify the different feelings and sensations that arise during the exercises. For this reason, we have created the Premature Ejaculation Program – an online exercise program based on the squeeze technique and the stop-start method. Our plus and premium plans also include email consultation with our team of sex therapy experts.
Does the squeeze technique really work?
Sex therapists have successfully used the squeeze technique to treat premature ejaculation for decades. Is there hard data to back this up? Yes: several studies have shown how effective this technique can be.
For example, this 2006 study showed that this sort of treatment helped men last 8.5 times longer after completing their treatment plan! Furthermore, world-renowned sex therapist, Helen Singer Kaplan, wrote in her book that “over 90 percent of premature ejaculators can be cured” using this technique.
Is the squeeze technique safe?
Yes, the squeeze technique is safe and has no side effects.
Summing up
The squeeze technique has been around for some time: sex therapists have used it since the sixties to treat premature ejaculation. Unfortunately, there are quite a few misconceptions about how the technique works. This article aims to clarify some of these misconceptions and show that the squeeze technique can be a viable treatment option for men who suffer from premature ejaculation.
