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Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
A randomized controlled trial of guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for erectile dysfunction
Erik Andersson1, Christian Walén, Jonas Hallberg
1Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden. erik.m.andersson@ki.se
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|July 30, 2011
Summary
Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) significantly improved erectile function in men. This online therapy offers a promising treatment for erectile dysfunction, showing lasting benefits at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Urology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) negatively impacts men's quality of life and relationships.
- Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) is effective for various health issues.
- Limited evidence exists for ICBT in treating erectile dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of ICBT for men with erectile dysfunction.
- To compare ICBT with an online discussion group control.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-eight men with ED were randomized to ICBT or a control group.
- ICBT involved a 7-week web-based program with therapist email support.
- Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Functioning (IIEF-5) at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The ICBT group showed significantly greater improvements in erectile performance post-treatment compared to the control group.
- Initial between-group differences were small (d = 0.1) but increased substantially at 6-month follow-up (d = 0.88).
Conclusions:
- ICBT is a viable treatment option for erectile dysfunction.
- The positive effects of ICBT on erectile function are sustained at 6-month follow-up.
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