I know all guys out there want to perform at their best either with their significant other or a provider.

Other than the increased uses of Viagra, are there any recommendations or suggestions on means to prolong your staying power during an encounter.  

Ladies, I'm sure some of you might have some hints on this as well.  Surely your comments would be appreciated as well.

You could try a ring, although those can be uncomfortable.  There are also gloves that claim that they can "extend" the pleasure somewhat.... you just have to find what works for you. If you don't want a prescription for Viagra, why not try to the herbal stuff they sell at GNC.  I've heard that it works the same.

TANTRA...When I use Tantric techniques on clients, they can't believe how long they can "Ride The Wave" and say they haven't shot that far since they were 17...!!! It's about training your body to separate the orgasim from the ejaculation..We are conditioned early on, that it's all about the Destination...Tantra is about "Enjoying the Journey". Learn Tantra. You won't be sorry and neither will your partners..!!! Lots O'Licks, Robyn

Try a google search:

ejaculation-control +men

and

kegel-excercises +men

There are a number of excercises that men can do to prolong both the length of time one can last, and the intensity of the release.  Also, the mental state is important.  I'm by no means an expert.  

I have found that by doing the excercises, and by knowing where your threshold is, it is fairly simple to back-off by slowing down, controling your breathing, etc.  I'm sure a lot of other folks out there have their own techniques they use effectively as well. If you have a SO that would be a great place to practice, that is if they are willing to be a workout partner.

HiProGlo

Try seeing a provider right before the provider...
Oh.. how about masterbating right before the encounter with the provider.. Hmm....

Absolutely...tantra is THE way to go...breathing is key, along with tightening of the pc muscle near your ass just below your balls. Additionally, by putting quite a bit of strong pressure with a few fingers on the pc area between your ass and scrotum and holding the pressure point there for a short while, you will be able to hold off. A cock ring, placed around your balls and cock together, will also assist. And of course..practice (lots of it) makes perfect! A tantra "teacher" is a great way to start learning the process and check out www.tantra.org. Multiple male orgasms...without ejaculation are mind blowing and when you finally "pop", after perhaps almost an hour of intense/slow lovemaking, you will almost black out from the intensity of the release. Definitely worth persuing! Eros may list tantra "teachers" in your area and a couple of 2+ hour sessions will very likely start to change your style of "lovemaking" permanently...and all for the better!

Unless you want to desensitize yourself to the touch of a woman....I don't care how good a provider is, she can't touch you the way you touch yourself...So Daytripper, unless you only want to be frustrated...leave it alone before a session. I know, you guys have been taught, it's all about getting off. But listen to Dino....learn Tantra. Then instead of spraying, numbing,jacking or binding your cock so you don't feel everything 100%...You can enjoy, for as long as you want, and feel it in every nerve-ending in your body...Tantra makes you so sensitive, that some say it's almost like an out-of-body, levitation experience.Education guys, is key here...Lots O'Licks, Robyn

most serotonin uptake inhibitors (Prozac, Paxil) will delay or block male orgasm & ejaculation. Be careful though. I've taken my dose to close to an appt. & have been unable to come (in a 2hr session!!!).

then quietly chant *nam myoho renge kyo* while gazing at the flame of a candle in a darkened room for 30 minutes.

To become a real marathon man, consult the book "How To Make Love All Night (and Drive a Woman Wild)" by Barbara Keesling, Ph.D. and a former sex surrogate. The book teaches a guy to have multiple "O's" with no down time.

There are a few condoms on the market (i.e. Trojan's Extended Pleasure) that contain a desensitizer in the lubricant to help you last longer. But I remember a couple of hobbyists gave them a try and reported that the condom made their penis so numb that they eventually lost their erections.

Regarding Barbara Keeslings book, I got it about a month ago, and have been practicing the techniques involved.  So far I have, successfully, had 1 multiple orgasm session, althought I wouldn't say the first one was a full orgasm.  Using the techniques in the book I was able to stop my orgasm mid ejaculation, and continue for another 10 to 20 minutes before my full on orgasm.  No down time.

Thanks to all for the replies.
I've been looking into tantra and will also get the book mentioned.