Internet-based brief sex therapy for heterosexual men with sexual dysfunctions: a randomized controlled pilot trial.
BACKGROUND
Internet-based sex therapy for men with erectile dysfunction has been advocated as an easily accessible and cost-effective treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To test whether Internet-based sex therapy is superior to waiting list.


METHODS
Internet-based therapy was administered to heterosexual men with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, without face-to-face contact, in a waiting-list controlled design, with pre-, post-, and follow-up measurements at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. Treatment was based on the sensate-focus model of Masters and Johnson, and supplemented with cognitive restructuring techniques.


METHODS
Self-reported improvement of sexual functioning, erectile functioning (men with ED), premature ejaculation (men with PE), sexual desire, overall sexual satisfaction, and sexual self-confidence.


RESULTS
Ninety-eight men participated (58 ED, 40 PE). Sexual functioning was much or somewhat improved in 40 participants (48%). In participants with ED, a near significant effect of treatment was found (P = 0.065), with higher levels of sexual desire (P < 0.05) and sexual self-confidence (P = 0.05) in treated men, in addition to improved erectile functioning (P = 0.01) and overall sexual satisfaction (P < 0.001) in both groups. In participants with PE, treatment was not superior to waiting list. In participants with ED, erectile functioning (P < 0.05) and overall sexual satisfaction (P = 0.002) improved significantly. In participants with PE, latency to ejaculation (P < 0.001), sexual desire (P < 0.05), and overall sexual satisfaction (P < 0.05) improved significantly from baseline to posttreatment, with no further changes at both follow-ups. Sexual self-confidence in men with PE remained unchanged during treatment until follow-up at 3 months posttreatment, and then was found to be improved at 6-months follow-up (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Internet-based sex therapy for male erectile dysfunction was efficacious for male erectile disorder. For men with premature ejaculation, however, treatment was not superior to waiting list.
van Lankveld
Jacques J D M
JJ
Maastricht University, Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands. J.vanLankveld@DEP.Unimaas.nl
Leusink
Peter
P
van Diest
Selma
S
Gijs
Luk
L
Slob
A Koos
AK
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000628:therapy*; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D018783:Impotence, Vasculogenic / Q000628:therapy; D020407:Internet; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017216:Telemedicine; D014850:Waiting Lists