Internet-Based Therapy For Male Erectile Disorder And Premature Ejaculation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Inspired by the encouraging results of an uncontrolled pilot study (Van Diest, et al., submitted), an RCT comparing 12 weeks of Internet-based individual therapy with waiting list was conducted in The Netherlands, from March 2005 onward. Sexual and marital functioning, and treatment satisfaction were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 3- and 6-months follow-up. Methods: Applications and further interactions occurred exclusively through a password-protected Internet connection (www.sekstherapie.nl). To apply, a pre-treatment Internet-questionnaire was completed, asking informed consent before submission of pre-treatment questionnaire answers. After screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible applicants paid a 100 Euro fee before randomization was performed. To increase compliance, 55 Euros were reimbursed after completion of all assessments. Inclusion criteria were: heterosexual, male, reporting erectile disorder or premature ejaculation, living in a stable relationship. Excluded were applicants with other DSM-IV diagnoses, major relationship discordance, other sexual problems or major somatic etiology. Treatment included sensate focus therapy, cognitive restructuring, and was delivered by seven experienced certified sex therapists. Pharmacological support, if needed, was prescribed by the participant’s own GP. Waiting-list participants received identical treatment after post-treatment assessment. Data-analysis and preliminary results: Between-group (treatment vs. waiting list), within-subjects repeated measures analysis was performed to establish treatment efficacy. Repeated-measures analysis, including all participants, was performed to examine outcome stability. Thus far, 248 men applied, 121 were eligible, and 77 (49 with erectile disorder; 28 with premature ejaculation) were enrolled (41 treatment, 36 waiting-list).