Premature Ejaculation Treated by the Dual Sex Team Method of Masters and Johnson

Abstract

The treatment of premature ejaculation has always carried a poor prognosis and recovery in an established case is uncommon. In 1970, in their book “Human Sexual Inadequacy”, Masters and Johnson reported the treatment of 186 cases of premature ejaculation with only four failures. Their technique is based on the use of a dual sex team comprising a male and a female therapist who treat the “marital unit”, not just the dysfunctional male. The present authors report initial success in the treatment of two premature ejaculators using a shortened version of the Masters and Johnson programme, requiring only seven treatment sessions. One case is described in detail to indicate the disturbed interpersonal dynamics which may undarly the development of premature ejaculation and to illustrate the manner in which the treatment principles are applied in its management. The success of the technique seems to derive from a reduction of anxiety in the coital situation and a strengthening of trust and confidence in the relationship between the marital partners.