Potent weapons vs premature ejaculation

Pete (not his real name), a promising corporate executive in his mid-30s, isn’t worried about what his wife considers “a problem” in their sex life. She has been complaining of being “sexually unsatisfied” because he always comes too soon, leaving her unfulfilled, frustrated and irritated.

Pete thinks his “minor shortcoming” is just a temporary condition caused by work-related stress and fatigue. His wife disagrees and is urging him to consult a doctor. “Absolutely not, nakakahiya iyon! There’s nothing wrong with me, I’m as strong as an ox. Once I get enough rest and relaxation, I’ll be back to my old self in no time,” counters Pete.

Pete’s story highlights the low level of awareness on premature ejaculation (PE) and the powerful stigma attached to the condition. The lack of information on PE and the fear of embarrassment if one admits the condition hinder PE diagnosis and treatment.

PE is the most common male sexual disorder. One in three men suffers from the condition. PE is more prevalent than erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence). It afflicts men regardless of age. PE occurs when a man is unable to control or delay ejaculation after vaginal penetration, resulting in short latency time and decreased sexual satisfaction, as well as personal distress and interpersonal difficulty.

PE exacts a heavy emotional toll on a man, producing feelings of shame, inferiority, low self-esteem and inadequacy, even causing a man to lose interest in sex altogether. However, it is a couple’s problem. PE affects intimacy and can eventually ruin a couple’s relationship. Men with PE are often either reluctant to discuss their condition or are in denial. Fearing they would hurt their man’s feelings, many women avoid raising the topic, resulting in a communication gap that prevents many couples from seeking medical help.

But the most important thing about PE is that once diagnosed by a doctor, it can be successfully treated. Increasing scientific knowledge and advances in medicine have opened new doors in the diagnosis and treatment of PE. We now know that PE is a multifactorial condition involving a complex interplay of both psychological and biological factors. It is associated with serotonin signals in the brain.

Effective treatment options include psychological counseling and sexual techniques that delay ejaculation. The good news is that an innovative drug specifically developed to treat PE will soon be available in the Philippines. In many cases, a combination of treatments works best.

Take the first step to conquering PE. Together with your partner, consult your doctor. By staying informed and seeking treatment for PE, men and their partner can look forward to a more fulfilling, stronger relationship.

PE-P Talk TRIVIA CONTEST: True or False: Premature ejaculation is more common than erectile dysfunction. E-mail your answer to [email protected] and get the chance to win a prize!  Congratulations to Ryan Alburo! Your correct answer to the question in the April 26 column was chosen as this week’s winner in the PE-P Talk trivia contest. You will receive an e-mail on how to claim your prize.

Dr. Paul Anthony L. Sunga is a urologist and a professor, Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, UERMMMCI College of Medicine and an active consultant of St. Luke’s Medical Center QC/BGC and Capitol Medical Center. A health information advocacy supported by A. Menarini Philippines, PE-P Talk is a column series that aims to raise awareness on and enhance understanding of premature ejaculation (PE) and its proper diagnosis and treatment. For inquiries, please e-mail [email protected] or visit www.controlPE.ph.