Sex is one of God-given gifts to married couples to experience their relationship in a deeper, special level. However, not every married couple can experience to a level that they wanted for so many reasons, including physiological or sexual dysfunction. Somehow, directly or indirectly, it affects the relationship.
According to a study, about 20 percent of the relationships and marriage break down because of premature ejaculation and 1 out of 3 men suffer from this sexual dysfunction. Another study show that premature ejaculation is even more prevalent than erectile dysfunction.
And though sex is just one aspect of a marriage, however, it is a significant one. If not properly addressed, then it could spell a difference to a couple.
Personally, I think that the first thing to do is for a couple to honestly assess the dysfunction. Nothing beats an honest talk between couples. Next would be to seek medical attention. Take medications if necessary (upon consultation with a physician) to properly address the issue.
Menarini, a large Italian biopharmaceutical company, launched an advocacy that focuses on promoting awareness on premature ejaculation among Filipino couples.
The first hurdle to overcome however is not at all minor: there is so little awareness for premature ejaculation (PE), as men tend to deny the condition and women would rather grin and bear it, no matter how dissatisfied they are in the bedroom. Until recently, the winds have finally changed, and the topic is no longer confined and whispered about in secret.
In the first ever summit on Premature Ejaculation, the media and celebrity couples were free to speak up on what they know about the topic, and offer insights, observations — and even eye-opening stories were put forward by the likes of Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel-Laxa Pangilinan, Paolo Abrera and wife Suzie Entrata, Regine Tolentino and husband Lander Vera-Perez.
The lively exchange catalysed an open discussion of the condition. Experts were there providing guidance and wisdom: Dr. Margie Holmes, noted and popular author and psychologist specializing in sex therapy, as well as urologist and men’s health expert Dr. Dennis Serrano. During the summit, necessary actions that should be taken by a sufferer surfaced and were confirmed: begin by facing up to the issue… work with your partner — be supportive of each other’s needs and lack, discuss with your partner and the most crucial step, consult with your doctor. As the Sex Survey showed, couple tried different methods, and unfortunately reaching out to a doctor is not high on the list.
Dr. Dennis Serrano explains the condition: Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs when a man is unable to control or delay ejaculation on his own wish after vaginal penetration, resulting in short latency time and decreased sexual satisfaction, as well as personal distress and interpersonal difficulty. Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common sexual dysfunction in men, even higher than Erectile Dysfunction.
Dr. Margie Holmes stressed that the issue centers more on lack of control and should be measured not just by time but more on the ability to satisfy one’s partner.
RJ Ledesma, the summit host established early on: “Men with PE often report emotional and relationship distress and some avoid pursuing sexual relationships altogether because of PE-related embarrassment. But the issue is not isolated to men as female partners also experience emotional and psychological distress which often leads to unwanted stress in the relationship.”
This statement encapsulates what the crux of the problem is — that premature ejaculation is not just a physiological problem affecting men, it is an issue that affects relationships between partners, between husbands and wives. Stress, dissatisfaction, insecurity – the problem of PE affects many, and sadly behind closed doors, many choose to brush it away, when in fact, they can get help. This is one of the objectives of this event and like most things, awareness leads to understanding, understanding will lead to acceptance. And hopefully with acceptance (instead of denial) people can seek help, specifically from their doctors.
Menarini is determined to bring to the forefront of our consciousness the issue of PE — primarily for Filipino couples. The company had set up a website that can help guide a man — and his partner, in determining if he indeed suffers from this condition. The website helps a sufferer find the doctor for him, so that he can get treatment for the condition that hurts him, his partner and their relationship: visit www.controlPE.ph.
