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A Systematic Review on Mindfulness Meditation-Based Interventions for Sexual Dysfunctions.

The journal of sexual medicine
October 1, 2019
Izabela Jaderek et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleMeta-AnalysisSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to systematically review published studies on the efficacy of mindfulness-based therapies (MBT) in treating sexual dysfunctions.

Results Summary

MBT improved subjectively evaluated arousal, desire, sexual satisfaction, and reduced fear linked with sexual activity in women, but did not significantly reduce pain during sexual activities. One study found evidence for MBT's efficacy in treating male erectile dysfunction.

Population

Men and women with sexual dysfunctions, including genital-pelvic pain, desire/arousal disorders, and erectile dysfunction.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
mindfulness-based therapies (MBT)
increase
subjectively evaluated arousal and desire
women
-
led to improvement in
#1
mindfulness-based therapies (MBT)
increase
sexual satisfaction
women
-
led to improvement in
#2
mindfulness-based therapies (MBT)
decrease
fear linked with sexual activity
women
-
led to a reduction of
#3
mindfulness-based therapies (MBT)
increase
consistency between the subjectively perceived arousal and genital response
women
-
led to improving
#4
mindfulness-based therapies (MBT)
no change
reduction of pain during sexual activities
-
-
did not make a significant change in
#5
mindfulness-based therapies (MBT)
neutral
male erectile dysfunction
men
-
efficacy of
#6
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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultAgedArousalErectile DysfunctionFemaleHumansLibidoMaleMeditationMiddle AgedMindfulnessOrgasmSexual BehaviorSexual Dysfunction, PhysiologicalSexual Dysfunctions, PsychologicalTreatment Outcome
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality65/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations39
Citations/Year6.5
Relative Citation Ratio3.37
NIH Percentile87.3%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score2.11
Normalized Score0.63
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