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A Combined- Constructionist Therapeutic Approach To Couples Experiencing Erectile Dysfunction: Part I

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Abstract

Marked changes have occurred in the conceptualization and treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in the past two decades. Emphasis has shifted to the role of biomedical and organic factors using medical and surgical interventions in the etiology of sexual dysfunction, deemphasizing the quality of the overall couple relationship. However, by using only a medical approach, the couple is left with balancing the positive and negative facets of a considerably different relationship with sex now in their lives and their relationship. This paper is Part I of a two part article on erectile dysfunction. Part I presents information on the bio-medical factors that may be related to ED and the medical model treatment approaches. Part II presents information on the psychological and systemic issues that may be related to erectile dysfunction, encouraging the use of a combined-constructionist framework.

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Correspondence to Joan D. Atwood.

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Atwood, J.D., Klucinec, E. & Neaver, E. A Combined- Constructionist Therapeutic Approach To Couples Experiencing Erectile Dysfunction: Part I. Contemp Fam Ther 28, 393–402 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-006-9017-8

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