STEP Program for Low Libido

(STEP for SDD Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Kelsey Lynch

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Asexuality, Untreated psychiatric conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

216 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new online program called STEP, designed to help couples with differing levels of sexual desire, which can cause relationship distress. The study will test two versions of the program: STEP-NT, which includes therapist support, and STEP-T, which couples complete independently, comparing them to a waitlist group. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of each version and assess couples' satisfaction with the program. Couples who have been together for at least a year and experience distress due to differing sexual desires may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers couples the chance to explore innovative solutions for improving relationship dynamics.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not start any new treatment for low libido during the study.

What prior data suggests that the STEP program is safe for couples with sexual desire discrepancy?

Research shows that the STEP program, whether done independently (STEP-NT) or with a therapist (STEP-T), is generally manageable. Studies have found that online programs designed to enhance sexual desire often improve sexual satisfaction and reduce distress, without major negative effects. For instance, past trials demonstrated improvements in sexual desire and reduced distress without causing harm. Similar programs have reported no serious side effects. Since this trial is not in its early stages, previous research provides a strong expectation of safety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the STEP Program for low libido because it offers a unique approach by providing two different methods of intervention: one with therapist guidance (STEP-T) and one without (STEP-NT). Unlike traditional treatments, which often involve medication or hormone therapy, these methods focus on behavioral and psychological strategies to enhance libido. The therapist-guided option, STEP-T, may offer personalized support, potentially leading to better outcomes for participants. Meanwhile, STEP-NT allows individuals the flexibility to self-guide through the program, which could be appealing for those seeking more autonomy in their treatment. Overall, this trial could revolutionize how low libido is addressed by providing more tailored and accessible options.

What evidence suggests that the STEP program is effective for sexual desire discrepancy?

Research has shown that the STEP program can assist couples with differing levels of sexual desire, known as sexual desire discrepancy (SDD). In a previous study, about 49% of participants experienced noticeable improvement, while 37% to 42% had significant reductions in sexual distress. The program incorporates techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, which have successfully boosted sexual desire and eased distress in similar cases. In this trial, participants will join either the self-guided version (STEP-NT) or the therapist-guided version (STEP-T), both of which have demonstrated potential benefits. Participants often report significant improvements in desire and relationship satisfaction, making STEP a promising option for managing SDD. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lori A Brotto

Principal Investigator

University of British Columbia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for couples experiencing Sexual Desire Discrepancy (SDD), where one partner has a significantly lower level of sexual desire causing distress. Couples must be willing to engage with an online program and provide feedback.

Inclusion Criteria

Be fluent in English

Be a couple

Be in a romantic relationship for at least one year

Exclusion Criteria

Presence of untreated psychiatric conditions at the time of recruitment (e.g., depression) that would interfere with participating in the treatment and homework

My partner or I identify as asexual, and this is not seen as a sexual dysfunction.

I will not receive sexual desire disorder treatment elsewhere during the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive an 8-week online intervention (STEP) designed to reduce distress related to sexual desire discrepancy, with two formats: therapist-guided (STEP-T) and self-guided (STEP-NT).

8 weeks

Weekly online sessions for STEP-T; weekly self-guided modules for STEP-NT

Waitlist Control

Participants in the waitlist control group do not receive any treatment for 10 weeks before being re-randomized to either STEP-T or STEP-NT.

10 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 2-4 weeks post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up.

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• STEP-NT
• STEP-T

Trial Overview

The study tests STEP, an online psychoeducational program for SDD in two formats: therapist-supported (STEP-T) and self-guided (STEP-NT). It compares these against a waitlist group to evaluate effectiveness and participant satisfaction.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Waitlist Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will not receive any treatment during the first 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, the participants in this arm are re-randomized to either STEP-T or STEP-NT.

Group II: STEP-NT Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to this arm will receive STEP without therapist guidance.

Group III: STEP-T Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to this arm will receive STEP guided by a therapist.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07203417

Evaluating Sexual Psychoeducation in Couples With ...

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week online intervention (STEP) designed to reduce distress related to SDD in couples. Two formats of the ...

2.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-sexual-desire-9-2025-c8f52

STEP Program for Low Libido (STEP for SDD Trial)

This trial is for couples experiencing Sexual Desire Discrepancy (SDD), where one partner has a significantly lower level of sexual desire causing distress.

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9144766/

Behavioral Therapies for Treating Female Sexual Dysfunctions

We present a state-of-the-art review of behavioral therapies for female sexual dysfunction disorders, focusing on empirically validated approaches.

4.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/385217149_Results_of_a_randomized_waitlist-controlled_trial_of_online_cognitive_behavioral_sex_therapy_and_online_mindfulness-based_sex_therapy_for_hypoactive_sexual_desire_dysfunction_in_women

Results of a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial of Online ...

Regarding sexual distress, 49 and 42% exhibited reliable change, with an additional 37%–42% achieving clinically significant improvements.

5.

med-fom-brotto.sites.olt.ubc.ca

med-fom-brotto.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2021/08/Brotto-et-al.-2021-DESIRE-JCCP.pdf

A Randomized Trial Comparing Group Mindfulness-Based ...

Results: Sexual desire and arousal significantly improved at each time point relative to baseline, with large effect sizes (d = −1.29 to −1.60), and similarly ...

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7556380/

Psychological Treatment of Low Sexual Desire in Women

A UK study found that among 6777 sexually active women, 34.2% experienced low desire [3]. When applying the morbidity criteria listed in the fifth edition of ...

7.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2024.2333477

Feasibility of a Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy ...

Partners reported moderate and small improvements in sexual distress for post-treatment and 6-month follow-up, respectively. Results support the ...

8.

researchprotocols.org

researchprotocols.org/2020/9/e20326/

Psychological Treatment of Low Sexual Desire in Women

Results: We expect improvements in sexual desire and sexuality-related distress in both intervention groups compared to the waitlist control.

9.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796725000543

A randomized controlled trial of online mindfulness and ...

Pilot trials suggested that users experienced large improvements in sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction, and distress, even when using eSense without ...