A sex surrogate can be helpful in treating a number of sexual problems, including:

• premature ejaculation - the inability of a man to delay ejaculation or ejaculate at the appropriate time;
• erectile dysfunction - problems achieving an erection in sexual situations;
• problems with orgasms - either the inability to have them or a dissatisfaction with the current level of orgasms;
• fear of intimacy - anxiety related to physical contact or emotional closeness;
• sexual shame - feeling guilty or shameful for having sexual desires or experiences;
• self-confidence issues - having low confidence or a negative image of oneself;
• fear because of sexual abuse or trauma - this could be because of rape, incest, etc.;
• sexual orientation issues - confusion about one's sexual orientation or leaning;
• issues with sexual appetite - the lack of or a low level of sexual desire ;
• social anxiety - trouble interacting with people, socializing and more;
• lack of experience - especially in the case of a virgins; and
• lubrication issues - the inability to become properly lubricated before or during sex.

Essentially, you see a sex surrogate like you would a therapist. Typical sessions will begin with you and your surrogate talking about your sexual issues and anxieties. Unlike a typical therapist, however, a sex surrogate will be more "hands on" in their approach to your treatment. Sex surrogates use sexual encounters and physical interactions to treat their patients.{relatedarticles}

According to a New York Magazine article, Rita Bell, a New York sex surrogate, regularly uses massages, sensual touching, bubble baths, massages and intercourse to help her patients attack their issues, although not all patients' treatments require full-on intercourse. "There is no sex just for the sake of having sex. It's about solving the problem," Rita says.