Sex Therapy for Premature Ejaculation: An Overview

peer reviewedTwenty-seven trials assessing behavioural treatments for premature ejaculation were reviewed. Their effects were estimated intermediate to large. Most of them used techniques of pauses (i.e., “stop-start”). Some added penile compression techniques (i.e. “squeeze”) and some added the support of a vibratory device, but these adjunctions did not appear to provide further significant benefits. Other techniques aiming to regulate motor, respiratory and attentional components of sexual arousal (i.e. “regulating” or “sexual-functional” approach) also seemed efficient. On the other hand, exercises specifically designed to rehabilitate the pelvic floor did not appear clearly effective. The therapeutic processes were generally regarded as related to habituation-desensitization mechanisms and/or learning to self-regulate one’s excitement. It also seemed important to accompany the patient in order to ensure the proper use of the techniques and to address possible cognitive, behavioural and relational issues related to the sexual complaint. When access to sex therapy is difficult, it is still possible to recommend a self-treatment (i.e., “bibliotherapy”) as a first-line approach