This experiment is examining the effects of quitting smoking on men's sexual health. In order to participate in this study we ask that you call our lab and participate in a confidential 15 minute telephone screening. If you meet the study criteria, you will be asked to come to the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin for three individual sessions. Each session lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You will receive 8 weeks of free nicotine patches and free weekly phone counseling. You will also be financially compensated.
During the first session, we would ask to record your height and weight as well as your blood pressure. We would also ask you to provide a saliva sample. You would be asked to complete a survey asking demographic questions as well as questions with respect to your sexual orientation, sexual functioning, your smoking habits, and your mood. You may choose not to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. All of the information we collect will be confidential and will not be linked to your name or any of your identifying information.
Because we are interested in measuring the physiological aspects of sexual function we would ask you to use a device called a penile plethysmograph. This device consists of a hollow rubber string that fits around your penis. This type of device has been used for over 50 years in research. You will be in a private room and will never be observed. You would use this device while you view an erotic video that shows a heterosexual couple engaging in sexual activity. A male researcher would explain how to fit the device, and then you would be left in a private room where you can do so on your own.
After the film, you will receive 8-weeks of nicotine patches and you will start these the following morning. You will come in for the second session approximately 3 weeks later and attend the third session 12 weeks from your initial visit. The second and third sessions are very similar to the first except that: (1) you would watch a similar but different erotic video; and (2) you would receive a shorter questionnaire packet.
Again, all your information would be kept confidential, and you would not be identified using your name. In addition to the 8 weeks of free nicotine patches (valued at $200), we offer free weekly phone therapy throughout the course of the study in order to increase your success. You will also receive free detailed feedback of all of your cardiovascular and sexual functioning assessments. Additionally, you will be financially compensated. This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has been approved by the UT Austin Institutional Review Board (IRB).
