Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions do not occur in a vacuum; they impact the symptom bearer and his/her partner—sexually, emotionally, and interpersonally. The construct of the sexual equilibrium is the foundation for understanding the impact that one partner’s sexual dysfunction has upon the other and the resistances that may be encountered in treating such couples. Empirical research supports the negative effects of a sexual dysfunction upon the individual, partner, and couple. Likewise, treatment of the dysfunction generally leads to positive changes in the couple’s sexual, psychological, and relational life.
This chapter discusses the evaluation and treatment of sexual problems in couples and offers recommendations for deciding upon preferred modes of intervention—be it individual, conjoint, or a combination of medical/psychological treatment. Much work remains to be done in assessing the efficacy of the psychological interventions on couples.
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Althof, S.E., Needle, R. (2016). It Takes Two to Tango: Evaluation and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in the Couple. In: Lipshultz, L., Pastuszak, A., Goldstein, A., Giraldi, A., Perelman, M. (eds) Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3100-2_31
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3100-2_31
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