The two of us were just discussing the other day how some ob/gyns totally get that reproduction has something to do with sex and some just don’t. Ask one about Kegels, and she’ll happily stick in a gloved hand to see if you should be doing more of them; ask another, and she’ll look at you as if you’ve just asked about the mating habits of emperor penguins. Which is why it’s kinda cool to hear about Dr. Andrew Scheinfeld, the first American ob/gyn to sell sex toys out of his practice. (He’s based in Manhattan, not Peoria, natch.) The bad news: they’re not covered by insurance…at least not yet. The good news: “Dr. Feelgood” has partnered with a manufacturing company that makes high-quality toys that are not only beautifully designed (none look like scary medical devices) but that are also safe for the body: Swedish company Lelo (we’ve been long-time fans). He has them displayed in the therapeutic healing section of his office, but has his female office manager introduce the products to his patients (he thinks it would be inappropriate for him to do so).
I bet He’ll get alot of business. Could be every girl’s fantasy. Can wait for the next visit!
Doctors “favor” certain drug companies and products, it is about time they start helping women in a good, healthy non-drug way.
When I went to my GYN for an recent orgasm difficulty, related to perimenopause, he admitted it was common and prescribed drugs for me (estrogen and Viagra, the latter of which I cannot afford and my insurance will not cover due to my gender) and told me to “eat right and take care of yourself” he inquired about stress and other meds I was on, too. But, what really helped the problem was good high quality “marital aids” which were not mentioned in the visit.
He’s a good guy, and cares about women and at least admits “it’s not in your head, it’s your hormones. The female body sometimes becomes less sensitive to sexual stimulation during perimenopause.” WHen I asked him, “Why is this not mentioned in most of the literature? I have read almost a dozen books about menopause and perimenopause and NONE of them mentioned more than a passing reference to Orgasm. All they seemed to care about was Libido. My guess is because that effects a woman’s male partner.” He said to me, “We live in a sick, mixed up world L, people are afraid of and often get angry about female sexuality in any form.” I said, “Unless it’s to sell trucks, beer or gym shoes.” He laughed and agreed.
The next visit, I would like to talk to him about the solution we found, and even if he won’t stock sex toys, at least he may THINK of mentioning them.
I know, if he does this, he runs the risk of “offending” the more hung up and prudish of his patients, but why should the other women who may NEED some added stimulation and not realize it is a good solution go without the information, because a few people have “issues” with anything other than Missionary Position, penile-vaginal interpretation for all of what “Sex” encompasses in their lives?
I have an appointment next month. I wonder if I should bring visual aids?
Having tested almost all of the Lelo range that Dr Scheinfeld is retailing I can say without a doubt that he has selected one of the finest ranges of toys available.
I’m not sure that I go along with professionals endorsing products but I suppose that comes from my years of working for the NHS in the UK and abiding by their hypocratic oath.
I say if this opens up new opportunity for women to purchase products which will enrich their sex lives then why not. You only live once.