A review and analysis on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and drug therapy with bupropion on sexual relationship anxiety and marital conflict

What Is Sexual Anxiety? Sexual anxiety is a fear-based response to sex and/or intimacy. It often impedes sexual activity and can hijack a person psychologically, physiologically, and emotionally. There are many triggers for sexual anxiety and they can have an impact before, during, and after sexual activity. Sexual anxiety and erectile dysfunction are common sexual problems and have nothing to do with gender. Among the reasons affecting this disorder, we can point to personal expectations and concerns from the sexual partner. Sex is supposed to be pleasurable; But if you are constantly worried about the progress of the relationship, it will be difficult for you to enjoy! If you want to bring a glimmer of hope back into your love life, learn why anxiety can arise and learn the right strategies to deal with it. Various treatment methods are used to deal with sexual problems. This study was applied to answer the question of whether cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a reliable alternative to bupropion extended-release (BUP ER) to promote sexual function in infertile women and Reducing sexual anxiety and marital conflict. In this randomized clinical trial, ۱۰۵ infertile women with sexual dysfunction were randomly allocated to three groups: CBT, BUP ER, and a control group. The CBT group participated in a total of eight ۲-hr group sessions. In BUP ER group, ۱۵۰ mg/day Bupropion ER was administered for eight weeks. The control group did not receive any interventions. The female sexual function index (FSFI) and a clinical interview were used to assess their sexual dysfunction. The mean pre-to-post treatment scores of FSFI and its subscales increased significantly in CBT and BUP ER groups (except in the subscale of sexual pain) (p = ۰.۰۰۰۱, p = ۰.۰۰۰۱). The changes in the subjects were not significant in the control group. After adjusting for the baseline values, the results remained significant for the mean FSFI (p = ۰.۰۰۰۱), and its subscales between the groups. Compared to the control group, a significant increase was observed in the mean FSFI (p = ۰.۰۰۰۱, p = ۰.۰۰۲) and its subscales in the CBT group and in the BUP ER group (except in the subscale of sexual pain). Comparison of two intervention methods showed that CBT had the better effect on the sexual function improving (p = ۰.۰۰۰۱) and its subscales (exempting the subscale of orgasm) than BUP ER. CBT can be considered not only a reliable alternative to pharmacotherapy; it also produces better results in terms of improving sexual function and Reducing sexual anxiety and marital conflict in infertile women.

Keywords:

Infertility , Sexual activities , Drug therapy , Psychotherapy , Bupropion.