What is ‘Sexual Surrogacy’ Anyways?

What Is Sexual Surrogacy—and How Is It Different from Surrogacy at SurrogateFirst?

The term “sexual surrogacy” can be confusing. While it sounds similar to the kind of surrogacy we specialize in at SurrogateFirst, it actually refers to a completely different therapeutic practice. This article breaks down what sexual surrogacy—also known as surrogate partner therapy—really is, how it works, and how it’s entirely unrelated to pregnancy or family-building surrogacy. We also clarify the types of surrogacy we offer—so that surrogates and intended parents alike can feel confident, informed, and supported. This article also aims to raise awareness and gently clarify the differences for the broader public, where the term surrogacy can carry more than one meaning.

Understanding Traditional & Gestational Surrogacy (With Compensation or Not)

When we at SurrogateFirst refer to “surrogacy,” we mean a woman carrying a baby for intended parents, under gestational surrogacy by default (unless otherwise specified). Learn more about these key distinctions here: Types of Surrogacy and What Is Surrogacy?.

Types of Surrogacy

• Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate uses her own egg and carries the pregnancy via insemination. She is biologically related to the child, which can introduce legal and emotional complexities.
• Gestational Surrogacy: An embryo created via IVF (often from the intended parents’ egg and sperm) is transferred to the surrogate, who is not genetically related to the baby.

Each type may be:

• Compensated (Commercial): The surrogate receives financial compensation beyond medical and legal expenses.
• Altruistic: The surrogate receives no additional compensation beyond reimbursement of actual costs.

At SurrogateFirst, we focus on compensated gestational surrogacy—a safe, structured, and supportive path for both surrogates and intended parents.

What “Sexual Surrogacy” (Surrogate Partner Therapy) Really Is

Sexual surrogacy, also known as surrogate partner therapy (SPT), is a therapeutic approach—not related to pregnancy—that supports individuals experiencing challenges with emotional and physical intimacy. According to a medical overview on Healthline, surrogate partner therapy is a structured, three-way relationship between a licensed therapist, a client, and a trained surrogate partner, designed to help individuals explore trust, connection, and comfort with intimacy in a therapeutic setting. SPT typically involves a collaborative treatment team made up of:

• a licensed sex therapist,
• the client, and
• a trained surrogate partner.

Sessions focus on body awareness, communication skills, emotional openness, and gradual comfort with physical closeness. Exercises may include non-sexual touch or structured intimacy practices—all within clearly defined and ethically monitored therapeutic boundaries. For more context, see additional descriptions on Medical News Today. This type of therapy is unrelated to reproductive surrogacy. So as you understand, SurrogateFirst does not offer sexual surrogacy or surrogate partner therapy—it is a distinct therapeutic field.

Final Note for Our Surrogates

At SurrogateFirst, surrogacy means helping intended parents grow their families by carrying a child on their behalf. It is a journey grounded in medical care, emotional support, and trust. We understand that the word “surrogacy” can mean different things depending on context. That’s why we’re committed to clear communication and education—for the surrogates we support and for the world at large. Research and public awareness continue to grow, and most people today recognize that being a surrogate has nothing to do with sexual surrogacy or therapy. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate and have questions or concerns, we’re here to answer them. Our goal is to support you every step of the way—with clarity, compassion, and pride in what we do.