Does sex therapy work

Introduction

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy aimed at addressing sexual dysfunctions and improving sexual health and relationships. It has evolved over the past few decades, incorporating various therapeutic approaches and techniques. This synthesis examines the effectiveness of sex therapy based on multiple research studies.

Key Insights

Effectiveness of Sex Therapy:
- Sex therapy is generally effective in treating sexual dysfunctions, with success rates varying between 71% to 76% in different settings .
- It is particularly effective for certain disorders like orgasmic disorder and sexual pain (vaginismus and dyspareunia) .
Therapeutic Approaches:
- The PLISSIT model and cognitive-behavioral therapy are commonly used in sex therapy, focusing on sex education, sensate focus, mindful awareness, relaxation skills, and specific sexual techniques .
- Combining sex therapy with marital therapy and physical methods can enhance outcomes, although more research is needed in this area .
Challenges and Considerations:
- Accurate diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions can be challenging due to unclear diagnostic criteria and high comorbidity.
- The effectiveness of sex therapy can be influenced by the presence of stable couple relationships and the absence of major marital, psychiatric, or physical problems.
Patient Selection and Dropout Rates:
- Sex therapy is more effective when both partners are willing to engage in the treatment program.
- High dropout rates (almost 50%) are a concern, indicating the need for better patient selection and engagement strategies.
Research Gaps:
- There is a lack of systematic studies on many female sexual dysfunctions, and more research is needed to compare sex therapy with other interventions .
- Most evidence for the efficacy of sex therapy is dated, and recent meta-analyses have shown mixed results, particularly for female desire and orgasmic disorders.

Conclusion

Sex therapy is a well-established and generally effective treatment for sexual dysfunctions, particularly when applied to specific disorders like orgasmic disorder and sexual pain. The success of sex therapy is enhanced by the use of structured therapeutic models and the involvement of both partners in the treatment process. However, challenges such as accurate diagnosis, high dropout rates, and the need for more contemporary research highlight areas for improvement and further study.

Does sex therapy work

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Treatment of Sexual Dysfunctions by Sex Therapy and Other Approaches

Sex therapy is a well-established treatment for sexual dysfunctions, and it should be more widely available for patients in psychiatry departments.

Sex Therapy, Female

Sex therapy for females aims to alleviate sexual impairments and improve communication and relationship quality, but accurate diagnosis is crucial due to unclear criteria and high comorbidity.

Sex therapy for female sexual dysfunction

Sex therapy shows results for orgasmic disorder and sexual pain, but its effectiveness for other female sexual dysfunctions remains inconclusive.

Sex therapy in an in-patient and out-patient setting.

In-patient sex therapy for neurotics has a higher success rate than out-patient therapy, with 76% at completion and 52% after 15 months, but no follow-up.

AB101. Sex therapy in andrology: methodology and clinical practice

Sex therapy, using the PLISSIT model and cognitive behavioral therapy, can effectively resolve sexual problems and enhance therapeutic motivation in men.

Sex therapy: considerations in the selection of patients.

Sex therapy is appropriate for patients with sexual dysfunctions, stable couple relationships, and no major marital, psychiatric, or physical problems.

[Sex therapy for sexual dysfunctions].

Sex therapy combines cognitive-behavioral, family, and psychodynamic approaches to effectively treat sexual dysfunctions, emphasizing the importance of considering biological, psychological, relational, and cultural factors.

Sex Therapy, Clinical Psychology of

Sex therapy has shown limited evidence-based practice for sexual dysfunction, except for female desire and female orgasmic disorder.

Individual Sex Therapy

Individual sex therapy, which involves actual sexual experiences between patient and cotherapist, is a more effective treatment for patients without a sexual partner.

The Effectiveness of Sex Therapy: A Review of the Literature

Sex therapy shows consistent etiology and treatment findings, despite methodological problems in the published literature.

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