Barriers to diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation

Two men in their early 30s are unwinding in a bar over a couple of cold beers. “Have you talked to your doctor about it?” asks Guy A. “Of course not, sobrang nakakahiya ’yon and it’s totally unnecessary!” Guy B replies: “Sure, coming too soon isn’t cool. But who doesn’t have an off-night once in a while? I’m probably just tired and stressed out. Pare, all I need is some R and R, and I’ll be in tiptop shape again!”

Guy B may need more than just rest and relaxation to permanently banish his bedroom woes. He could be suffering from premature ejaculation (PE)—madali o mabilis labasan. With PE, 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.

One in three men has PE, the most common male sexual disorder that is even more prevalent than erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence). Far from being an “old man’s affliction,” PE affects adult males across all age groups.

Although PE directly affects men, causing feelings of shame, inferiority, low self-esteem and inadequacy, it is also a burden on their partner and ultimately becomes a couple’s problem. Because it erodes intimacy, untreated PE can destroy a relationship.

The first step to conquering PE is for a man to admit the problem and, with his partner, seek medical help. Once diagnosed by a doctor, PE can be successfully treated. Thanks to continuous research and technological advances, doctors now know a lot more about the diagnosis and treatment of PE.

To diagnose PE, doctors use the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), a simple but effective questionnaire consisting of five questions. Effective treatment options include psychological counseling and sexual techniques that delay ejaculation. An innovative drug specifically developed to treat PE is now available in the Philippines. In many cases, combining medications with counseling and sexual techniques is the best treatment approach.

Don’t let misconceptions and embarrassment stop you from overcoming PE. Act now and regain control of your relationship and your life. Consult your doctor today.

Dr. Herman Sorongon Jr. is a urologist and active consultant at the Davao Doctors Hospital. 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.