FirstMed Consulting Blog

A review of existing erectile dysfunction research suggests that Group therapy could be used to help men with impotence. The review, which appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, found that group therapy appeared to have just as much of a positive impact as drugs and suction devices. It called for the integration of sex therapy and other psychological techniques into practices that utilize drugs.

We at Firstmed question these findings. The majority of ED sufferers are affected due to a physical complaint. For those suffering with conditions such as Diabetes or recovering from Prostate Cancer, group therapy may be a useful tool for mental preparation but there is no substitute for medication that can increase blood flow in the body. Erectile dysfunction was largely deemed a psychological disorder before drugs treating the condition became widely available in the 1990s and it was this outdated ‘it’s all in your head’ attitude that deters many from seeking treatment.

Dealing with psychological aspects is fundamental to achieving a successful outcome but intensive therapy, group or otherwise can’t alone remedy ED, when the cause is physical.

I also wonder how many people would be interested in group therapy. It’s not uncommon for men to be uncomfortable talking to their partners about ED. Many won’t even broach the issue with their own doctor in a private consultation. The chance of many men being interested in sharing their experiences in a group context seems ambitious at best and very naïve at worst.

Having said all that, I could be very mistaken. I am curious to know how many people would consider group therapy. If you think group therapy could be the way forward, please let me know.