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Cited by 84Sexual function and dysfunction studiesMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsSexuality, Behavior, and Technology

A systematic review on mindfulness meditation based interventions for sexual dysfunctions

Jaderek, Izabela, Lew-Starowicz, Michal·2019·The Journal of Sexual Medicine
DOI 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.07.019
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mindfulness-based therapies (MBT) are more and more frequently used in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions; therefore, it seems very important to assess evidence-based data on the clinical efficacy of these interventions. AIM: To provide a systematic review of published studies into the efficacy of MBT in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: The material for the analysis was obtained by searching 3 internet databases: EBSCO, PubMed, and ResearchGate. Articles describing therapeutic interventions on the basis of mindfulness and their efficiency in reducing sexual dysfunction symptoms in men and women were sought. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 15 original research articles were included to the review: 4 articles were devoted to the analysis of the efficiency of the mindfulness-based therapy in the reduction of sexual dysfunction related to pain in the genital-pelvic area, 10 to desire or sexual arousal disorders or both in women, and 1 to erectile dysfunction in men. RESULTS: Studies indicate that MBT led to improvement in subjectively evaluated arousal and desire, sexual satisfaction, and a reduction of fear linked with sexual activity, as well as improving the consistency between the subjectively perceived arousal and genital response in women. The research indicated that MBT did not make a significant change in a reduction of pain during sexual activities. Evidence-based data were found on the efficacy of MBT in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction in 1 study. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: MBT could be effectively used in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, specifically to improve sexual arousal/desire and satisfaction and to reduce sexual dysfunction associated with anxiety and negative cognitive schemas. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The few studies available are affected by several methodologic limitations, including small numbers of participants, patient selection, application of complex therapeutic interventions, and a lack of homework assessment, which makes definite conclusions difficult to draw. CONCLUSION: The effects of MBT in female sexual dysfunctions are promising. In future studies, the mindfulness-based monotherapies should be implemented to verify their potential in reducing symptoms of sexual dysfunction. More research is needed to explore the potential of MBT in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction. Jaderek I, Lew-Starowicz M. A Systematic Review on Mindfulness Meditation-Based Interventions for Sexual Dysfunctions. J Sex Med 2019;16:1581-1596.

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  • Mindfulness holds promise as a treatment of ED, particularly when applied in a group therapy format.

    “Recent studies have suggested that mindfulness holds promise as a treatment of ED, particularly when applied in a group therapy format.131”

    From A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM) (2021) · cites this paper as [131]

  • A treatment protocol based on daily home-practice activities and integrated elements of psychoeducation, sex therapy, and mindfulness skills improved communication and intimacy with the partner and increased self-efficacy, but self-reported erectile function did not change immediately after treatment; men reported more satisfaction, sexual pleasure, and better coping/management of ED.

    “A treatment protocol based on daily home-practice activities and integrated elements of psychoeducation, sex therapy, and mindfulness skills has shown to improve communication and intimacy with the partner and increase self-efficacy by learning tools to cope with their ED. Although self-reported erectile function did not change immediately after treatment, men were found to report more”

    From A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM) (2021) · cites this paper as [131]

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Authors
Jaderek, I., & Lew-Starowicz, M.
Affiliations
Department of Psychiatry, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education , Warsaw , Poland
Venue
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
2019-10-01
Volume
16
Issue
10
Pages
1581-1596
ISSN
  • 1743-6095 (ISSN-L)
  • 1743-6109
DOI
10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.07.019
OpenAlex
W2975148394
Cited by
84
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 6
FWCI
1.14
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • The Journal of Sexual Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
Keywords
mindfulness-based interventions, sexual dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, female sexual arousal disorder, sexual pain, erectile dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, sexual anxiety, cognitive schemas, treatment efficacy
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Arousal, Female, Humans, Erectile Dysfunction, Libido, Male, Middle Aged, Orgasm, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological, Treatment Outcome, Meditation, Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological, Mindfulness

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