Psychological Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Without Partners: Outcome Results and a New Direction

Abstract

Studies concerning the psychological treatment of erectile dysfunction in men xuithout partners are reviewed. A significant majority of single men experience improved erectile functioning following surrogate-assisted or men's group therapy. However, the expense and unresolved legal status of surrogate therapy and logistical problems in forming men's groups limit the availability of these treatments. “Personal Potential” is a new audio cassette adjunct for individual therapy. To approximate a men's group experience, “Personal Potential” includes discussions by former clients, didactic presentations, communication roleplays, and sexual and social homework assignments. Routine attention to communication problems in men without partners may also increase patient satisfaction with intracavernosal vasodilator self -infections, penile implants, or vacuum constriction devices.