A controlled study to evaluate directed masturbation in the management of primary orgasmic failure in women

This paper presents the results of a prospective controlled study evaluating a programme of directed masturbation against a combined sensate focus and supportive psychotherapeutic approach in the management of female primary orgasmic failure. Of the 20 patients who followed the masturbation programme 90 per cent gained orgasmic capacity compared with 53 per cent of 15 patients who were treated conventionally. Eighty-five per cent of the patients treated by the masturbation programme and 47 per cent of the control group of patients became coitally orgasmic on at least 75 per cent of coital occasions. The difference is statistically significant at the 5 per cent level. The results suggest that directed masturbation is an effective adjunct in the management of primary female orgasmic failure.