Sex Offenders Seeking Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction—Ethics, Medicine, and the Law

Abstract

Registered sex offenders are seeking and receiving treatment for sexual dysfunction. It is unknown whether treatment of sexual dysfunction increases the risk of recidivism of sexual offenses. Physicians currently face a difficult choice in deciding whether to treat sexual dysfunction in sex offenders.

A narrative review of research on clinical responses to the problem of sexual offenses in the last decade

“…The potential long‐term side effects of this medication in young men has yet to be closely examined (Seifert, ). Clinicians must also decide whether to treat erectile dysfunction in sex offenders, as it is unknown whether treating erectile dysfunction may increase the risk of sexual recidivism (Phillips, Rajender, Douglas, Brandon, & Munarriz, ) or reduce it (Fedoroff, ). Table summarizes published research on GnRH, showing that GnRH is effective in reducing paraphilic urges.…”

Testosterone and Sexual Offending: From Pathophysiology to Treatment

“…The rate of sexual dysfunction among SO is greater than that in the general population, with a prevalence of approximately 20% Turk J Endocrinol Metab Selek et al 2018;22:254-259 Testosterone and Sexual Offending (31,32). SO seek medical evaluation and treatment for sexual dysfunction frequently.…”

“…However, SO are not obligated to disclose their status as offenders to the medical professionals. Therefore, many of them may be treated as otherwise healthy individuals (31). The treatment of sexual dysfunction in SO raises an ethical and legal debate for the physicians because of the possibility of recidivism.…”

“…The treatment of sexual dysfunction in SO raises an ethical and legal debate for the physicians because of the possibility of recidivism. Testosterone treatment is the most suspected intervention for this purpose, as it is an important driver of libido and sexual function (31). Recently a new argument has risen, especially among urologists.…”

Commentary on: Sex Offenders Seeking Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction—Ethics, Medicine, and the Law

“…Does the physician refuse treatment because the man may then shoot another person? The authors of the referenced paper [1] go a step further regarding patients who may be registered sex offenders. They ask, “If an offender is aided in restoration of erectile function … and goes on to commit a sex crime, could the physician who assisted him be partially responsible?”…”