THINKING about Brexit is being used by almost one in five men to delay premature ejaculation, according to a new survey.

NHS guidelines suggest that if you regularly climax ‘within one minute’ of having sex with your partner, you’re classed as a premature ejaculator. 

A new poll of 1,000 British men aged between 18 and 54 by online service Doctor-4-U found a quarter - 25 per cent - in the South East had experienced the issue in the last twelve months.

This is lower than the average of 33 per cent, with the intimate bedroom obstacle appearing to be most prevalent in London, where the figure was nearly double at 62 per cent of men. 

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Those in the East Midlands, meanwhile, were least likely to experience premature ejaculation, with just 10 per cent of respondents admitting so. 

A large proportion - 15 per cent - said they often ‘pretended it hasn’t happened’ in order to not disappoint their partner. 

Many also said they used mind-games to keep orgasms at bay - with work, finances, chores and Brexit (17 per cent) - the most popular distraction choices. 

Dr Diana Gall, of Doctor-4-U, said a better understanding of the condition was key to combating it. 

She explained: “Premature ejaculation is often the punchline to a joke, something to be viewed with mirth. 

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“But it’s a very real physical problem, just like any other underlying medical condition, and it can absolutely blight lives. 

“Many of the respondents in our study said premature ejaculation had led to mental health issues, the breakdown of relationships, and even the avoidance of sexual partners."

She added: “Shockingly, around eight per cent of male sufferers said they’d been openly ‘mocked’ by their partner for their perceived bedroom failures. 

“But it is vitally important couples do not suffer in silence because there are ways to combat it.”

Prostate problems, thyroid issues and using recreational drugs can all cause premature ejaculation, according to Dr Gall. 

But she said psychological factors can play a huge role, too, including depression, stress or anxiety - particularly about starting a new relationship. 

Meanwhile the average British man said they typically last from six to 10 minutes between the sheets.