The effects of behavioral therapy given to men with premature ejaculation on symptoms and their partners’ sexual functioning and sexual quality of life

Aims: This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of behavioral therapy administered to men diagnosed with premature ejaculation (PE) and its consequent effects on their partners' sexual function and overall sexual quality of life. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study design, men diagnosed with premature ejaculation and their partners from a urology outpatient clinic underwent behavioral therapy. The therapy incorporated the "stop-start technique" over six bi-weekly sessions, each lasting 45 minutes. Post-therapy evaluations were conducted after the sixth session. Results: Post-treatment results showed a significant decrease in men’s PEDT scores from 15.53±2.09 to 7.65±3.05 (p=0.012). Concurrently, their partners experienced an increase in FSFI scores from 13.90±11.1 to 21.70±7.86 (p=0.001) and SQOL-F scores from 37.82±8.50 to 84.01±9.68 (p=0.001). Significant improvements were also recorded in the FSFI subscales for desire (2.2±1.7 to 4.2±1.14), arousal (2.3±3.7 to 4.6±3.04), lubrication (2.5±2.7 to 3.7±1.7), orgasm (2.6±2.0 to 3.5±1.3), and satisfaction (2.0±2.2 to 4.4±1.8) for the female partners post-treatment, all with p<0.05. A notable decrease was observed in the pain subscale (2.3±2 to 1.3±0.9, p<0.05). Conclusion: Behavioral therapy directed towards men with PE not only significantly alleviates their condition but also enhances their partners' sexual functionality and quality of life, emphasizing the therapy's comprehensive advantages.

Keywords:

Premature ejaculation, behavioral therapy, PEDT, FSFI, SQOL-F sexual function,

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