Menarini launches ‘Commit to Control PE’ advocacy for couples

MANILA, Philippines - Menarini is the world’s largest Italian biopharmaceutical company in the world. Here in the Philippines, Menarini recently launched an advocacy that focuses on promoting awareness on premature ejaculation (PE) among Filipino couples.

Armed with the knowledge that 20 percent of relationships and marriages break down because of premature ejaculation, the sexual dysfunction suffered by one out of three men, the corporation aspires to inspire and encourage men to take action against this disorder.

The first hurdle to overcome, however, is not at all minor: there is so little awareness for 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 PE, 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 Suzi Entrata, and Regine Tolentino and husband Lander Vera-Perez. The lively exchange catalyzed 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, and 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.

Serrano explained the condition: 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. PE is the most common sexual dysfunction in men, even higher than erectile dysfunction.

Holmes stressed that the issue centers more on lack of control and should be measured not just by time but also 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 PE is not just a physiological problem affecting men, it is also 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 was one of the objectives of the summit and like most things, awareness leads to understanding, and 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 Filipinos’ consciousness the issue of PE — primarily among couples. It has 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.