title: Surrogate partner therapy: ethical considerations in sexual medicine.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surrogate partner therapy (SPT) is a controversial and often misunderstood practice.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Sex Therapy and Physical Therapy, Inner Stability, Ltd., Bet Shemesh, Israel.
authors.forename: Talli
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rosenbaum
authors.forename: Ronit
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aloni
authors.forename: Rafi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heruti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000941:ethics*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000628:therapy*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D012747:Sexual Partners
keywords: Ethics; Sex Therapy; Surrogate Partner Therapy