Practicing Medicine Keywords Premature ejaculation Sex therapy Psychotherapy Combined therapy Psychological approaches to the treatment of rapid ejaculation

Abstract This article reviews the psychological theories and treatment approaches to premature ejaculation. It also describes the potential negative psychological effect of this condition on the man and his partner. Recommendations and guidelines for providing individual and conjoint treatment with the partner are discussed as is the role of combined pharmacological and psychological intervention. The limitations of psychotherapy outcome studies are discussed and the success of psychological interventions for premature ejaculation is assessed from the studies' data. Finally, suggestions for improving the longterm therapeutic efficacy of psychotherapy are offered. Psychological intervention remains a vital alternative in the treatment of premature ejaculation