A: While you can use masturbation as a means of learning to recognize the premonitory sensation — the moment that, if passed, means you cannot stop yourself from ejaculating — and gain some control, it doesn't always easily translate into stopping premature ejaculation during intercourse. It's a good first step, but to really say you have full control, you need to develop that control during intercourse. Since it's a mental problem, not a physical one, potentially you can retain this ability forever, whether or not you are having ejaculations caused by masturbation or sex with another person. Of course, if you do lose it, having once had it, you should have an easier time regaining this control. So I wouldn't worry about any gap that may come in between the time you learn to have control and then use it again, but begin trying to learn how to gain that control right now.

Q: Is it possible for a woman to be a homosexual man? I am a 26-year-old female who has always been a "tomboy," has an immense sex drive and is turned on by gay men. I have had homosexual experiences with women, but found that was not what I wanted. I am just starting my search for help and information. This just seems too mixed up and almost like a sick joke on me. Help if you can, please.

A: It is possible. What you need to do is find a psychologist who specializes in helping people find their sexual identity. This sort of discovery can be difficult, both in finding out the truth and perhaps in adjusting to it, so make your first step finding a professional who can help guide you.

Q: Nearly every time I masturbate, the semen only dribbles out instead of shooting. Does it require a certain technique to make it shoot out? I would like to surprise my steady girlfriend with a "fountain" after practicing oral sex.

A: First of all, if you are comparing yourself to what you see in porn films, stop. The men selected for these films are not your average guy, so you shouldn't compare yourself. My other question to you is, How often do you masturbate? If you masturbate a lot — once a day or more — then your level of sexual arousal is going to be at a minimum. Perhaps if you wait a few days in between masturbating, you'll be more sexually aroused, and this might improve your orgasmic experience.