Premature Ejaculation: Science and Melonga
What is premature ejaculation? Why me!? Why is it difficult to treat? Why does nothing seem to work for me? Is Melonga a snake oil? Why does Melonga seem too good to be true? Why should I believe that it can help me?
These are some genuine questions that come to people’s minds. If you are experiencing premature ejaculation (PE), it’s completely normal to feel frustrated, confused, or even skeptical. Getting the right kind of treatment options can be instrumental in resolving your PE problem and improving your mental and physical health.
Premature ejaculation (ICD-10: F52.4) is one of the most common sexual health concerns faced by men worldwide. It is generally defined as the inability to delay ejaculation during sexual intercourse, resulting in distress for both the person affected and their partner. Despite its prevalence, many men don’t talk about it, leading to feelings of isolation and shame.
It is estimated to affect as many as 30% of men.[i] A Finnish study found that partners’ premature ejaculation condition also affects women’s relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning, causing anxiety and interpersonal and marital distress.[ii] However, those affected rarely seek professional help due to the social stigma.[iii] A research survey showed that only 9% of men with self-reported premature ejaculation consulted a physician.[iv] Even physicians are often uncomfortable discussing sex-related illnesses with their patients because of embarrassment and a lack of training.[v],[vi]
Even the patients who do manage to approach healthcare professionals face challenges. The two main treatment approaches recommended by the European Association of Urology are drug treatment using dapoxetine or in-person psychotherapy.[vii] However, patients face challenges with both treatment approaches: For drug-based treatment, the tablet must be taken 1 to 3 hrs before sexual intercourse and often comes with side effects such as nausea, headache and dizziness, and has to be taken lifelong. Because of these limitations, 2/3rd of patients discontinue using the drug within 3 months. On the other hand, in-person psychotherapeutic treatment is comparatively time-consuming and challenging to integrate into everyday work routines. The availability of psychotherapists also varies significantly from region to region, and most patients are hesitant to see a psychotherapist due to the general association of psychotherapeutic treatment with mental diseases.
Why Is Premature Ejaculation So Difficult to Treat?
PE can have multiple causes—psychological, physiological, and even relational factors that vary from person to person. Some of the most common causes include stress, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalances, and nerve sensitivity. Traditional treatments, such as medications, therapy, or behavioral techniques, can be effective for some, but they often come with side effects or fail to address the root cause for others.
Why Does Nothing Seem to Work for PE?
It’s frustrating when treatments don’t seem to work, but it’s important to understand that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to PE. Different people respond to different treatments, and it may take time to find the right one. This is where personalized, evidence-based solutions come in—solutions like Melonga.
What causes premature ejaculation?
Premature ejaculation can be caused by a combination of psychological and physical factors. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems can play a significant role. On the physical side, factors like nerve sensitivity, hormonal imbalances, and health conditions (such as prostate issues) can contribute. Melonga addresses these various factors through a holistic, personalized treatment approach.
What do the EAU, ISSM, and AUA guidelines say about premature ejaculation?
The European Association of Urology (EAU), International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), and American Urological Association (AUA) have established comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing and treating premature ejaculation. These guidelines emphasize a step-wise approach that starts with identifying underlying causes, followed by non-pharmacological treatments like behavioral therapy, and then advancing to pharmacological options or surgical interventions if necessary.
The EAU and ISSM guidelines recommend psychological counseling, behavioral techniques, and first-line medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or topical anesthetics. The AUA emphasizes the importance of patient education and a tailored treatment plan to ensure that the approach aligns with the patient’s specific needs. The table below is a tabular representation of the similarities and differences among the guidelines performed by Romano et al.[viii]
The Melonga app is a 12-week self-paced, self-contained digital therapeutics (DTx) app for alleviating symptoms of premature ejaculation. It provides guidelines and research-based mental perspectives, materials, and exercises (including cognitive behaviour therapy exercises) to patients digitally and in an engaging manner. It includes curated bibliotherapeutic content developed by domain experts, bringing together three decades of clinical research. The app is already CE-marked (fully developed) and has shown clinical efficacy in the ongoing CLIMACS clinical study.
The primary innovation of the project lies in providing an alternative patient-friendly care pathway for managing premature ejaculation. The embarrassment of being judged or laughed at by a healthcare professional, friend or family member is reduced dramatically by a phone screen compared to pharmacological or in-person psychotherapeutic treatment options.
Traditional pharmacological treatments have a high discontinuation rate among PE patients due to side effects and the inconvenience of on-demand treatment options. On the contrary, the Melonga app offers a non-drug, guideline-based treatment option delivered via a mobile app as the first digital therapy app for premature ejaculation. The content has been designed to be gender-inclusive and focuses on LGBTQ+ patients as well.
How long will it take to see results with Melonga?
The time it takes to see results varies from person to person. Some users report improvements within a few weeks, while others may need more time. Consistency and dedication to the prescribed treatment plan are key. Melonga is designed to offer long-term benefits, but patience is required, as it works gradually to help you achieve lasting results.
Is Melonga a Snake Oil?
It’s completely natural to be skeptical of new treatments, especially when it comes to something as personal as sexual health. However, Melonga is not a quick fix or a fad. It is a scientifically-backed, non-drug, self-administered therapy designed to help men manage and treat premature ejaculation through evidence-based techniques. It is grounded in sound scientific principles and clinical research, designed to provide long-term results without the side effects of medication.
Why Does Melonga Seem Too Good to Be True?
Melonga may seem too good to be true because it’s a non-pharmacological solution that works directly on the psychological and physiological factors contributing to PE. It offers an accessible, effective, and sustainable way for men to take control of their sexual health. While no solution is guaranteed to work for everyone, Melonga’s clinically tested approach offers a safe, drug-free alternative.
Why Should I Believe That It Can Help Me?
Melonga is based on years of research in the field of sexual health and uses a scientifically supported method to target the underlying causes of premature ejaculation. It’s not a miracle cure, but a proven tool that helps many men improve their sexual performance and mental well-being. When used as part of a holistic approach to PE, Melonga can be a life-changing addition to your treatment plan.
The Melonga app has been statistically found to be clinically effective in improving reported premature ejaculation outcomes in the ongoing CLIMACS clinical study.[ix] The study is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) study—one of the most rigorous forms of clinical analysis.
Is Melonga safe to use?
Yes, Melonga is safe to use. It is a clinically tested, non-invasive digital therapeutic designed to address premature ejaculation without the side effects commonly associated with medications. Since it doesn’t rely on drugs, the risk of harmful side effects is significantly reduced.
What makes Melonga different from other treatments for PE?
Unlike traditional treatments, Melonga uses a self-administered digital therapy that works directly on the psychological and physiological aspects of premature ejaculation. It offers a personalised, evidence-based approach that allows you to take control of your treatment in the comfort of your home. The table below outlines the comparison of the Melonga with different treatment options.
| Competitor | Product | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Oral medication | dapoxetine | Widely available, easy to administer | Kills spontaneity: need to take 1 to 3 hours before intercourse, the stigma associated with drug use |
| Topical gel and sprays | Lidocaine solution or gel | Simple to apply, easily available. Faster action compared to pills | kills spontaneity: need to apply 15 mins before intercourse and then wash. The partner may experience a numbing sensation due to residual drug on the skin. |
| Desensitising condoms | Thicker latex condom with lidocaine as a numbing agent | Convenient | Numbing sensation for the partner |
| In-person Therapy[x] | CBT session | Proven efficacy | Inconvenient, costly, stigma associated with attending therapy |
| Digital Therapy App | Melonga | Private, accessible, non-drug, engaging, long-term effect | New in the market, need to dedicate time, requires at least a few weeks for it to work |
Can I use Melonga if I have other health conditions?
Melonga is designed to be safe for most users. However, if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. They can help you determine if Melonga is the right choice for you and whether it interacts with any existing treatments you may be undergoing.
Has Melonga undergone any clinical studies?
Yes, Melonga has undergone clinical trials to ensure its effectiveness and safety. One of the primary studies, CLIMACS, has shown promising results in treating premature ejaculation and improving sexual health outcomes for participants. These trials are a key part of the app’s regulatory pathway and validation.
Can I combine Melonga with other treatments for premature ejaculation?
Yes, you can combine Melonga with other treatments, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the combination is safe and effective for you. Melonga offers a non-pharmaceutical approach, which makes it compatible with other treatments like therapy or medication in many cases.
How is Melonga monitored for quality and compliance?
Melonga undergoes continuous monitoring for both quality and regulatory compliance. We have a dedicated team that ensures all safety and efficacy data is up-to-date and in line with regulatory requirements. Our commitment to ongoing clinical research and user feedback ensures that Melonga remains an effective, trustworthy solution for premature ejaculation.
What happens to my data when I use Melonga?
Your privacy is extremely important to us. Any data collected through the Melonga app is anonymized and encrypted to ensure your personal details are kept secure. We comply with all relevant data protection regulations, including GDPR, and only use your data for improving the user experience and clinical research purposes, with your explicit consent.
Is Melonga approved by regulatory authorities?
Yes, Melonga is designed to comply with medical device regulatory standards. Melonga app is a Class I medical device according to Rule 11 in Appendix VIII of EU Regulation 2017/745 (MDR). The intended use statement of the app is as follows:
Melonga is intended to provide therapeutic techniques and exercises based on evidence-based psychoeducational and behavioral treatment methods appropriate for premature ejaculation patients of at least 18 years of age to assist them in managing their ejaculatory function. Melonga is intended for stand-alone use or as an adjunct to usual care to expand the psychosexual therapy options. The program may be used for a period of 12 weeks. Melonga is not intended to replace treatment by a healthcare provider, nor is it intended to provide information for diagnostic or therapeutic decisions.
Is Melonga secure to use?
Yes, Melonga is built with cybersecurity and user privacy as top priorities. The app adheres to stringent data protection regulations, including GDPR, and employs the latest encryption technologies to ensure that your personal information remains safe and confidential. We also conduct regular security audits to maintain the highest standards of protection.
References
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[i] Saitz TR, Serefoglu EC. The epidemiology of premature ejaculation. Transl Androl Urol. 2016 Aug;5(4):409-15. doi: 10.21037/tau.2016.05.11. PMID: 27652213; PMCID: PMC5001986.
[ii] Patrick Jern, Ida-Maria Sola & Daniel Ventus (2020) Do women’s Relationship Satisfaction and Sexual Functioning Vary as a Function of Their Male Partners’ Premature Ejaculation Symptoms?, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 46:7, 630-638, DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2020.1766612
[iii] Laumann, E.O., et al. Sexual problems among women and men aged 40-80 y: prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. Int J Impot Res, 2005. 17: 39
[iv] Porst, H., et al. The Premature Ejaculation Prevalence and Attitudes (PEPA) survey: prevalence, comorbidities, and professional help-seeking. Eur Urol, 2007. 51: 816.
[v] Solursh, D.S., et al. The human sexuality education of physicians in North American medical schools. Int J Impot Res, 2003. 15 Suppl 5: S41
[vi] Sotomayor, M. The burden of premature ejaculation: the patient’s perspective. J Sex Med, 2005. 2 Suppl 2: 110.
[vii] Martin, C., Nolen, H., Podolnick, J., & Wang, R. (2017). Current and emerging therapies in premature ejaculation: Where we are coming from, where we are going. International Journal of Urology, 24(1), 40-50.
[viii] Romano, L.; Arcaniolo, D.; Spirito, L.; Quattrone, C.; Bottone, F.; Pandolfo, S.D.; Barone, B.; Napolitano, L.; Ditonno, F.; Franco, A.; et al. Comparison of Current International Guidelines on Premature Ejaculation: 2024 Update. Diagnostics 2024, 14, 1819. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14161819
[ix] https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00032774
[x] Martin, C., Nolen, H., Podolnick, J., & Wang, R. (2017). Current and emerging therapies in premature ejaculation: Where we are coming from, where we are going. International Journal of Urology, 24(1), 40-50.
