An online program to support sexual and mental health in prostate cancer survivors
Tests the online program E-Mergir in prostate cancer survivors, compared with waiting.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: E-Mergir: A Digital Psychosexual Intervention for the Promotion of Mental and Sexual Health of Prostate Cancer Survivors
Key facts
- Where
- Porto, PortugalSee the site
Where in Portugal
- Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do PortoPorto, PortugalTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Universidade do Porto
- Trial code
- NCT07754929
- Record updated
- 10 August 2026
- Original description
Prostate cancer (PCa) survivors frequently experience enduring psychosexual challenges following treatment, including sexual dysfunction, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Despite these difficulties, access to tailored support remains limited, highlighting the need for scalable and accessible alternatives such as digital interventions. This study presents the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of E-Mergir, a digital psychosexual intervention developed for PCa survivors. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness strategies, the intervention aims to enhance both sexual and mental well-being. The trial employs a wait-list control design with randomized allocation. Participants will complete assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up, using validated measures related to sexual outcomes (sexual satisfaction, pleasure, function, distress, and beliefs) and mental health outcomes (quality of life, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, relationship satisfaction, and automatic thoughts). The study aims to determine whether E-Mergir is an effective digital intervention for improving psychosexual outcomes in PCa survivors, compared to a wait-list control group. It also aims to examine treatment predictors to illustrate the mechanisms through which improvements in mental and sexual health are achieved. If effective, E-Mergir could address a critical gap in supportive care for PCa survivors and serve as a model for culturally tailored digital psychosexual interventions globally.Read full original descriptionShow less
E-Mergir: a Randomized Controlled Trial to Test the Efficacy of a Digital Psychosexual Intervention for the Promotion of Mental and Sexual Health of Prostate Cancer Survivors
Prostate cancer (PCa) survivors frequently experience enduring psychosexual challenges following treatment, including sexual dysfunction, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Despite these difficulties, access to tailored support remains limited, highlighting the need for scalable and accessible alternatives such as digital interventions. This study presents the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of E-Mergir, a digital psychosexual intervention developed for PCa survivors. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness strategies, the intervention aims to enhance both sexual and mental well-being. The trial employs a wait-list control design with randomized allocation. Participants will complete assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up, using validated measures related to sexual outcomes (sexual satisfaction, pleasure, function, distress, and beliefs) and mental health outcomes (quality of life, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, relationship satisfaction, and automatic thoughts). The study aims to determine whether E-Mergir is an effective digital intervention for improving psychosexual outcomes in PCa survivors, compared to a wait-list control group. It also aims to examine treatment predictors to illustrate the mechanisms through which improvements in mental and sexual health are achieved. If effective, E-Mergir could address a critical gap in supportive care for PCa survivors and serve as a model for culturally tailored digital psychosexual interventions globally.
Inclusion: Prostate cancer survivors,; 18 years old or older,; Ability to give informed consent,; Regular use of a smartphone and internet access.
Exclusion: Other diagnosed oncological diseases over the past five years,; Severe neurological impairment or other severe psychological/psychiatric diseases (depression, generalized anxiety disorder, psychosis-related disorders),; Other uncontrolled/unstable diseases,; Severe hearing and/or visual impairment,; Under psychotherapy or treatment for sexual problems,; Participating concurrently in other clinical trials.