The role of sex therapists in treating erectile dysfunction: Working toward multidisciplinary treatment with physicians

Abstract

Sex therapists use unique skills to assess and treat nonmedical factors that contribute to the causation or maintenance of erectile dysfunction. In addition to conducting thorough psychosocial evaluations, sex therapists elicit in-depth sex histories, assess possible patterns of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, and evaluate potential relationship dynamics associated with erection problems. Sex therapists evaluate sociocultural influences, psychosexual trauma, sexual skills or techniques, emotional factors, psychological conflicts, performance anxiety, intimacy dysfunction, and sexual attitudes. The work of sex therapists should complement the work of medical professionals, leading to a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Aside from understanding and appreciating this standard of care for erectile problems, sex therapists and physicians need to take active steps to build and nurture these collaborative relationships.