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Surrogate partner therapy: ethical considerations in sexual medicine
Talli Rosenbaum1, Ronit Aloni, Rafi Heruti
1Sex Therapy and Physical Therapy, Inner Stability, Ltd., Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Introduction:
Surrogate partner therapy (SPT) is a controversial and often misunderstood practice.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to review the history and evidence-based literature regarding SPT, describe and provide a model for ethical SPT practice, and present two case examples illustrating ethical concerns.
Methods:
Literature review and report of clinical experience were the methods used.
Main Outcome Measure:
Results of literature review and clinical experience were assessed for this study.
Results:
Sex therapy pioneers Masters and Johnson introduced surrogacy in sex therapy; however, there is a lack of published evidence supporting treatment efficacy and ethico-legal questions have limited the practice from becoming a common intervention. SPT can be an effective intervention that may enhance sexual medicine practice. However, SPT must be offered according to legal, professional, and ethical standards.
Conclusions:
Sexual medicine practitioners should consider SPT based on the ethical paradigms offered, and sex therapy practices utilizing SPT should collect and publish outcome data.
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