Patient-Reported Barriers to Sex Therapy for Men Referred by Their Urologist: A Pilot Study.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Sexual Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Sex therapy is recommended for male sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders, and low libido.
• However, patient utilization of sex therapy remains low, even after urologist referral.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patient-reported barriers and facilitators to sex therapy attendance.
• To determine predictors of compliance and perceived benefit from sex therapy.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 106 cisgender males referred to sex therapy by a urologist for sexual dysfunction.
• Analysis of attendance rates, psychiatric comorbidities, insurance status, and follow-up survey data.

Main Results:

• 59% of patients attended their initial sex therapy consultation.
• Patients with psychiatric comorbidities were more likely to attend, while commercially insured patients were less likely.
• Of those attending, 71% found sex therapy helpful and would recommend it.

Conclusions:

• Stigma, shame, provider dismissal, and scheduling are key barriers to sex therapy attendance.
• Provider credibility, motivation, partner support, and accessible scheduling are facilitators.
• Improving referral processes and addressing stigma can enhance sex therapy integration into sexual health management.