Take full control of premature ejaculation

Are you in control? For some men, this is a tough question.

Research shows that one in three men suffers from premature ejaculation (PE). In fact, it is the most common male sexual disorder. Apparently, it is more prevalent than erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence). There are many definitions of PE. Some men with PE are unable to control or delay ejaculation after vaginal penetration. Some men even have difficulty holding ejaculation prior to vaginal penetration. These result in short latency time and decreased sexual satisfaction.

PE affects adult males across all age groups. It may cause feelings of shame, inferiority, low self-esteem and inadequacy. These conditions may lead to frustration for both men and their partners. It is often a cause of personal distress and may cause problems in their relationships. Unfortunately, men and their partners don’t feel comfortable discussing these issues with their physicians. It is often kept within the confines of their homes. It is only when the situation becomes very frustrating that these issues are brought up with a physician.  It is now the physician’s role to help find a solution to their problem.

Once diagnosed by a physician, PE can now be treated safely with the help of pharmacological and nonpharmacological modalities. Nonpharmacological treatment options include self-help treatment, behavioral treatment and topical treatment.

Self-help treatments include the use of distraction by making the man think of something other than sex, engaging in sex more often, and drinking a minimal amount of alcohol. Since these treatments are quite subjective and difficult to replicate, it is not surprising that the success rate of self-help treatments is low.

Behavioral treatment modalities include counseling for the couple (education and communication), Squeeze Technique, masturbation exercises (“start and stop”), woman-on-top technique, individual supportive therapy and relaxation therapy or hypnosis. Behavioral treatment can initially produce good results; however, such benefits may decline with time. Its long-term efficacy is uncertain in acquired and lifelong PE. Other limitations of behavioral treatment are: It may require the assistance of an unwilling partner, it takes time to become effective, and it may be time-consuming and expensive.

Topical treatment options include local anesthetics (e.g. lidocaine) and herbal creams. However, topical treatments for PE have not yet been approved by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Side effects include burning sensation, penile and vaginal numbness, and persistent failure to reach orgasm in women.

In many cases, combining medications with behavioral therapy is the best treatment approach. The good news is that an innovative drug specifically developed to treat PE will soon be available in the Philippines. Don’t miss the next PE-P Talk column to know more about this breakthrough medication that can help couples take control of their relationship and their life.

ANNOUNCEMENT: In celebration of Father’s Day, visit your urologist on June 14 and get a free urological screening and checkup courtesy of the Philippine Urological Association.

Congratulations to Joaquin Ong! Your correct answer to the question in the May 24 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. Jose Vicente Prodigalidad is head of the Section of Urology at Asian Hospital and Medical Center and treasurer of the Philippine Urological Association. 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.