When should you talk to your doctor about PE?

Sex is an intimate topic seldom talked about by most people, even between the closest of friends. In the Philippines, it is still considered a “taboo” subject that many shy away from. But since sex is an integral part of love and marriage, it is crucial to see the right person when you need advice on sex and sexual problems, particularly premature ejaculation (PE).

This reminds me of a time when I overheard two men talking in a gym while doing their workouts. Though I did not mean to eavesdrop, I found their discussion quite interesting. A young man was confiding in a friend and was worried that his wife was dissatisfied with their sex life. Whenever he would try to make a move, she would simply turn away. He said he did not mind it at first, but now he complained that having sex was a rarity.

The man’s friend, on the other hand, was quick to assure him that he too experienced the same thing. He has also received the “cold shoulder” from his wife. When this went on for a while, he decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with his wife. But then, he got the shock of his life when his wife told him she was not satisfied sexually.

He went on to explain: “My wife said that I always ‘came’ too soon, leaving her hanging. She said that she often felt frustrated and even irritated at me. So from then on, I tried everything just to delay the urge—deep breathing, the stop-start technique, the squeeze method—but nothing worked for me. That’s when I decided to see a doctor. He said there was nothing to be ashamed about, that premature ejaculation is very common among men and is treatable. The doctor then prescribed a pill for PE, which has helped me a lot. Now things are better with my wife. I suggest you see a doctor, like I did.”

It was good that the story ended well and that the man was referred to a medical professional, since premature ejaculation is a medical problem with a medical solution.

In the past, people thought that PE was caused by age, sexual inexperience, diet or fatigue. Though there is a better understanding of PE as a medical condition, PE remains for the most part an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. Just like that man in the gym, many men feel alone, helpless and clueless about a sensitive topic like PE. Premature ejaculation is the most common male sexual disorder affecting one in three men and treatment specifically designed for PE is available. So if you or your partner has PE, talk to your doctor now.

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.

Dr. Romeo B. Reyes is a urologist and former chair of the Bacolod Surgical Residency Training Consortium of the Riverside Medical Center and The Doctors’ Hospital, Bacolod City. 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  and its proper diagnosis and treatment. For inquiries, please e-mail [email protected] or visit www.controlPE.ph