RANCHI: Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry & Allied Sciences (Rinpas) plans to use pornography to treat patients of erectile dysfunction (ED) through Sensate Focus Therapy (SFT).

The experiments in other mental institutions, including Kasturba Medical Hospital in Manipal, has validated the technique to varying degrees of success. Rinpas plans to adapt the studies and use it to treat patients suffering from psycho-sexual ailments.

"Erotic imagery and models have been used since the beginning of modern psychology when pornographic material was not readily available. The imagery is utilized to stimulate the sexual organs of the patients who are otherwise healthy enough to have an intercourse. We are planning to include SFT among existing therapies we use to treat such patients at Rinpas," said Dr Amool Ranjan Singh, HoD, clinical psychology.

The technique has come as a boon for patients suffering from ED in India. According to various medical surveys, India has high prevalence of impotency and ED with almost 50% of male population suffering from related ailments.

"SFT is a technique used to differentiate between psychogenic erectile dysfunction and any other medical causes of ED. During examination, the therapist exposes the patient to pornographic material to check whether the bio feedback mechanism of person is generating the correct response. In case the desired response is obtained, first stage of treatment is started where the couple are asked to touch each other's bodies excluding sexual organs. Intercourse during the therapy is also forbidden," said Dr Shweta Jha, clinical psychologist, Maharashtra Institute of Mental Health.

"Most of such cases basically involve anxiety problems which creates problems in experiencing arousal. This may be induced from unhealthy lifestyle, performance issues and dysfunctional relationships. We had treated a healthy middle-aged man having kids who had obsessional focus on the penis, resulting in impotence," said Dr Siddharth Sinha, senior resident, neuro-psychiatry department, Rinpas.



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