Ethical perspective on telemedicine usage in sexual medicine: A friend or a foe?

Abstract

Telemedicine has rapidly integrated into healthcare, overcoming initial barriers such as regulatory restrictions and technological limitations. Its role in sexual medicine, especially urology, has been accelerated by technological advances and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as telehealth continues to expand, key ethical challenges emerge, including concerns over privacy, healthcare equity, and informed consent. These challenges are particularly important in sexual medicine, where sensitive patient data and intimate conditions are involved. We aimed to examine the ethical implications of telemedicine in sexual medicine, focusing on data security, consent processes, and healthcare disparities. We further emphasize the importance of maintaining high ethical standards while integrating telemedicine as a complement to traditional care, ensuring that patient outcomes are not compromised.

Keywords

ethical consideration / female urology / male infertility / male sexual dysfunction / telemedicine

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The Author(s). UroPrecision published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Higher Education Press.