Premature ejaculation is a common issue affecting many men, with an estimated 1 in 3 men experiencing this sexual dysfunction. While there are various treatment options available, such as topical anaesthetics and SSRIs, these medications come with potential side effects and must be taken well in advance of sexual activity, reducing spontaneity.
A new solution has emerged in the form of a smartphone app called Melonga, which aims to help men improve control over ejaculation and extend intercourse. Developed by psychologists and urologists, the app offers a curriculum that includes arousal-awareness training, pelvic floor exercises, mindfulness techniques, and cognitive behavioural strategies. Users are taught to identify the “point of no return” before ejaculation and utilize techniques like breathing, relaxation, and start-stop methods to reduce arousal. The app also emphasizes communication with partners and challenges negative thought patterns through cognitive behavioural therapy.
In a recent small randomized trial involving 80 men, those who used the Melonga app saw a significant increase in their intravaginal ejaculation latency time, from an average of 61 seconds to 125 seconds after just four weeks of use. In contrast, the control group showed minimal improvement. Participants reported not only a physical benefit but also an improvement in their relationships and enjoyment of sex due to the longer duration.
The app’s developer, Prognoix, has received praise for providing a discreet and effective solution to a common problem. Giorgio Russo, a researcher at the University of Catania, Italy, commended the app for its “dramatic” effects, with 22% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for premature ejaculation after using it. Russo also highlighted the role of anxiety in premature ejaculation and how exercises like Kegel exercises can help manage anxiety and improve control.
While there are other apps available to address premature ejaculation, Melonga stands out for its evidence-based approach and positive results in a controlled study. The digital nature of the app offers privacy and convenience, making it accessible to those who may feel hesitant to seek help in person. Overall, Melonga represents a promising alternative to traditional treatments for premature ejaculation, providing a user-friendly and effective solution for men seeking to improve their sexual health.
