Menarini is the world’s largest Italian biopharmaceutical company in the world. Here in the Philippines, Menarini has recently launched an advocacy that focuses on promoting awareness on premature ejaculation among Filipino couples. Armed with the knowledge that 20% of relationships and marriages break down because of premature ejaculation, the sexual dysfunction suffered by 1 out of 3 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 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 Suzi Entrata, Regine Tolentino and husband Lander Vera-Perez. The lively exchange catalysed an open discussion of the condition.
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Rj Ledesma, : Dr Joel Aldana, President of Philippine Endourological Society (PES); Dr Dennis Serrano, past president of PUA; Josephine Elicano, Marketing Manager; Anthony Pangilinan, Maricel Laxa, Regine Tolentino, Lander Vera-Perez, Dr Ulysses Quanico, President of Urological Association (PUA); Dr. Margie Holmes, Ms Ninia Torres, General Manager of Menarini, ; Dr Jaime Songco, President of Philippine Society of Urologic Oncology (PSUO); Dr. Paul Sunga
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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.
