How Online Commerce Has Changed Sex Therapy – An Expert Interview with Sex Therapist Dr Zvi Zuckerman

Updated on December 12, 2021
Dr Zuckerman portrait

Sexual issues have been weighing down on countless men and women around the world since the dawn of humanity. Suffering from a sexual disorder can have a devastating effect on the person who is suffering from it, as well as on their partner. Still, it is a known fact that many (if not most) people suffering from sexual issues never seek-out treatment.

During the past decade, online commerce has become a widespread and popular option that’s used by millions. Nowadays, there are many solutions that can be discreetly purchased online.

We invited sex therapist, Dr Zvi Zuckerman, to speak with us about this fascinating topic.

Dr Zuckerman is a professional advisor for the Between Us Clinic – an online sexual dysfunction clinic – and the creator of the PE Program – an online treatment program for premature ejaculation. He has been in practice for over forty years and has treated many men and women suffering from a variety of sexual dysfunctions. As such, he is able to provide a unique perspective on how sex therapy has changed over time; and the impact that digital advances have made as of late.

So, Dr Zuckerman, from your perspective, how has online commerce changed the way people seek help for sexual issues?

The internet offers solutions that have never before been so easily accessible. Online commerce makes it far easier for men and women around the world to get help. 

We know that sexual issues are incredibly common. Research estimates that about 43% of women and 31% of men suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction! Despite this, a huge number of people allow their sexual problems to go untreated. For example, a recent study showed that only a quarter of men with erectile issues actually get treatment, while our data shows that 70% of women expect their partner to get help for their sexual issues!

That’s exactly why we developed the PE Program, which provides online exercises and guidance for overcoming premature ejaculation. The program provides a personalized exercise plan that guides men through the treatment. At the same time, clients have access to discreet email consultations should they have any questions or concerns. Through this program, people can get the treatment they deserve from the comfort of their own homes. 

Online commerce has also made other means of managing sexual dysfunction more accessible. Lidocaine and Prilocaine based desensitizing sprays and creams represent effective solutions for premature ejaculation that have been on the market for many years. These are solutions which I often suggest to my own patients. But, in past times, a man would have to go to his local pharmacy to purchase the product. For obvious reasons, many men are too embarrassed to walk into their local pharmacy and ask explicitly, or stand in line at the cashier with a spray for premature ejaculation in their hands!

These men now have the option of discreetly ordering such products online, without the risk of exposing their difficulty. 

Doesn’t this create a problem, where people with sexual issues are left without proper professional guidance?

Look – consulting with a sex therapist face-to-face is almost always the best option. But we know that in reality so many people are simply not willing to compromise their privacy. Others are not willing to pay the hefty fee chareged by a sex therapist. As a result – and as the research has shown – these peoples’ sexual dysfunction ends up going untreated. 

Many of the patients that I see in my clinic approach me after experiencing a whole lot of distress – some have experienced sexual problems for decades before they reach out for help. Living with a sexual dysfunction can lead to depression, low self-esteem and relationship problems. Some of my patients are on the brink of divorce by the time they approach me for help! So, again, a face-to-face consultation is the best way to resolve the issue. But for those people who would otherwise suffer in silence, online solutions can be life savers. 

Are there cases in which a man must consider the option of meeting with a sex therapist?

Sure, a sex or couples therapist can provide incredibly valuable input when, for example, the sexual dysfunction is linked to serious relationship issues. A therapist can help you to work through these issues and potentially save the relationship. ‘

On the other hand, if there is a pre-existing medical condition that’s causing your sexual issue, it’s important to get guidance from a medical doctor. Although it’s possible to buy medications for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation online in some countries, people should approach with caution. Why? These medications can have serious side-effects and they may interact negatively with other prescriptions that you’re taking. A doctor should clearly tell the patient about all of the possible side effects.

On top of that, in some men erectile dysfunction is an early warning sign for a more severe medical condition. For this reason, it’s always good to let your doctor know about any sexual issues that you’re having. 

Thank you, Dr Zuckerman, for the opportunity to discuss this fascinating topic. While the idea of getting treatment online may seem contentious for some, clearly treatments such as these are providing options to men who feel they have no other way out. 

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.