Internet-based brief sex therapy for heterosexual men with sexual dysfunctions: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Introduction: Internet-based sex therapy for men with erectile dysfunction has been advocated as an easily accessible and cost-effective treatment.

Aim: 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.

Main Outcome Measures: 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).

Conclusion: 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.