The most reliably reported study of the treatment of premature ejaculation is that of Dr Masters and Dr Johnson in St. Louis. In the past fourteen years they have treated over 200 couples whose main sexual problem was that of premature ejaculation, with only four failures.
The programme initiated by Masters and Johnson at the Reproductive Biology Research Foundation is fairly complex. They believe that as most forms of sexual dysfunction are learned (because of anxiety-provoking sexual experiences), they can be unlearned, and a new and better sexuality, more harmonious and pleasure-giving, can replace the older sexual dysfunction. They are convinced that sexual dysfunction is a problem to be solved by the couple and that it can never be solved by treating only one partner. They are certain that in all sexual problems there is no uninvolved partner. For cure, both partners need to be involved. They believe additionally that, particularly in sexual dysfunction in the male, fear of inadequate sexual performance is not only a threat to his psyche but to his masculinity. Men with premature ejaculation fear that their performance is inadequate compared with that of other men, and that they are ‘lousy lovers’. Masters and Johnson also believe that communication on sexual matters between the partners is essential. This communication is both verbal and non-verbal.
*218/16/1*
