Is it time for Doctors to prescribe vibrators?
The vibrator industry frequently asserts the positive impact of its products on pelvic health. While this claim seems logical, there is limited scientific evidence supporting it. The belief in vibrators enhancing individual pleasure exists, but their application for pelvic problems remains insufficiently explored.
Are Vibrators Beneficial for Pelvic Issues?
According to American research, 1 in 7 individuals experiences pelvic problems, with 10% facing chronic issues. These problems encompass vulvodynia, vaginismus, urine incontinence, erectile dysfunction, prostate pain, and various other concerns. Consequently, a group of American researchers wondered: "If vibrators positively affect individual sexual health, and sexual health and pelvic health are closely intertwined, can we conclude that vibrators also have a positive impact on pelvic problems, or is it more complex?"
While vibrators are commonly known for enhancing solo or partnered sexual experiences, their application in the pelvic area appears to have utility. They may play a role in rehabilitating pelvic floor dysfunctions such as urine incontinence or vulvodynia, issues that significantly impact one's quality of life.
A recent study reviewed previous research on the effects of vibration on pelvic problems. It examined both 'direct pleasure' and 'indirect improvement of pleasure.' Researchers evaluated studies demonstrating how varying vibration intensity positively affected issues like difficulty reaching orgasm due to factors such as aging, urine incontinence, multiple sclerosis, and sexual dysfunctions. Vibration also improved blood flow in pelvic floor muscles. Another study showed increased pleasure during intercourse and improved vaginal lubrication, a key indicator of arousal, after regular vibrator use.
A New Treatment Option
The evaluation concludes that while more research is needed, vibration could indeed have a positive effect on overcoming sexual dysfunctions and other pelvic issues. The results are promising, prompting the medical community to delve deeper. Currently, doctors are not routinely trained in using vibrating devices, and as a result, they are rarely discussed as a treatment option.
Pleasure Matters
Prescribing vibrators for pelvic issues could bring about a positive change. Many pelvic treatments tend to avoid addressing sexual response, understandably to maintain comfort in the treatment room. However, acknowledging the significance of pleasure in patients' lives can have a significant impact. Critics may argue against doctors prescribing vibrators, but research shows that female participants viewed vibrator use more positively when recommended by their healthcare provider.
Read the full research article, ‘Is it time for Doctors to RC vibrators? A systemic review of pelvic floor outcomes.’, (originally published in Sexual Medicine Reviews).