Sexual dysfunction is a common problem affecting men and women around the world, causing distress and impacting relationships. Generally, a sexual problem is complex in nature and can have biological, psychological, interpersonal, social, and cultural roots.
Treatment for sexual problems often requires addressing both physiological and psychological factors, as well as improving the quality of one’s relationship. The Loyola University Sexual Wellness Program (LU-SWP) is a multidisciplinary approach for treating sexual disorders.
A recent study followed couples before and after attending LU-SWP from 2014 to 2020 to determine how a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating sexual dysfunction may impact a couple’s sexual function and relationship satisfaction. In total, 85 individuals participated in this study (42 men and 43 women).
The participants were asked to take questionnaires before and after completing the 6-week Sexual Wellness Program, which features a multidisciplinary team of therapists, urologists, and gynecologists. For the program, initial psychological assessments and individual interviews are conducted, followed by sexologic examinations completed by a urologist or gynecologist.
During the 6-week program, participants attended psychoeducational lectures on various topics as well as private couple’s therapy sessions. The couples also received assignments and engaged in sensate focus exercises, aiming to improve their communication, intimacy, and sexual functioning.
For the pre- and posttreatment assessments, the participants were asked to complete the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) to measure relationship satisfaction, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Brief Profile (PROMIS) to assess 7 subdomains of sexual function, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to measure erectile functioning for the male participants.
In the end, the participants ranged in age from 25 to 77 years with an average age of 49.82 years. The authors noted some impressive changes between the pre- and posttreatment assessments, with the most substantial improvement in relationship satisfaction.
Furthermore, participants experienced significant enhancements in their sexual well-being. Their PROMIS scores for global satisfaction with sex life, erectile function, and interest in sexual activity all rose significantly compared to their baseline, while scores reflecting vaginal discomfort decreased considerably. Specifically, the overall global satisfaction with sex life score improved by approximately 5.57 points. Additionally, men, on average, reported a notable 4.33-point increase in their IIEF score compared to their initial baseline measurements.
These findings underscore the positive impact of taking a multidisciplinary approach to treating sexual dysfunction on the participants’ overall well-being and sexual health.
For more information on this topic, please read these publications from the ISSM Journals: The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine Reviews, and Sexual Medicine Open Access:
Couplepause: A New Paradigm in Treating Sexual Dysfunction During Menopause and Andropause
Psychological and Behavioral Treatment of Female Orgasmic Disorder
References:
Lynn, M., Iftekhar, N., Adams, W., & Mumby, P. (2023). Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of sexual dysfunction in couples using a biopsychosocial model. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(7), 991-997. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad059
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA Patients
Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Improve Sexual Health in Postmenopausal Women? Results from a New Clinical Study
September 7, 2021SMSNA Patients
Testosterone May Play a Role in COVID-19, Says New Research
July 13, 2021Did You Know?
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
April 13, 2021SMSNA Patients
A Possible Future Treatment Option for Male Hypogonadism
April 6, 2021SMSNA Patients
Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy May Be Beneficial for Women With Provoked Vestibulodynia
February 23, 2021Did You Know?
The Facts on Pelvic Organ Prolapse
March 9, 2021Did You Know?
Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction
February 2, 2021Blog
An Overview of Hard Flaccid Syndrome
March 2, 2021SMSNA
Diagnosing Testosterone Deficiency in Men
June 10, 2021Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
