We live in a different time. I remember when chat rooms and meeting people from the internet was the plot line for a Lifetime movie. Now, we get in cars driven by strangers and fall in love via sophisticated algorithms and profile pictures. What a time to be alive! It is pretty apparent that technology plays a huge role in our lives. Since I live in the tech mecca of San Francisco, I am surrounded by techies and have connected with several start-ups that specialize in a field that I hold very near and dear to my heart: sex! At first, I thought that I had discovered a small niche in the tech community; now I know that technology and sexual health have quite the relationship, one that is more extensive than you might guess.
These days, the role of technology in sex is so much more than online pornography, although that market is still booming (or so I’ve heard). First, there is a whole wide world of alluring apps. There are apps, such as Kindu and Undercovers, that allow you and your partner to find new sexy things to try together. Think R-rated truth or dare, but sans slumber party with the added bonus of being able to potentially play on your commute! There are apps that give you ideas for new sex positions to try or even places to try them in. Finally, there are the obvious hook-up dating apps, including some that help you find a third (or fourth) should you be in the mood for some late night company.
Then there are some apps with not-so-carnal intentions, such as Tabú, a start-up that I have recently become involved with as a “sexpert.” And yes, my parents are “so proud.” Tabú helps promote sexual education via an app that allows its users to post questions and receive answers from their peers, as well as “sexperts,” who have been approved by Tabú as being knowledgeable in the field of sexual health. Tabú also has a college ambassador program to allow college students to provide quality sex education via campus workshops . Per Mia Davis, the founder of Tabú, “the goal of Tabú is to empower ‘millennials’ to take control of their sexual health. We understand that misinformation is rife in sexuality, and to truly break down the myths and taboos, we need to provide young people with answers. We believe that to open up a dialogue, we need to approach young people where they are – their phones, social media, and for college students, on their campuses.” With more and more people using smartphones and apps to interact, having resources to provide solid education to people is crucial. And education can be as simple as knowing about your own body. As you know, I am a big advocate for getting to know yourself, which I discussed at length in this post. Luckily, there are many apps that allow people to learn all about their sexual health and health in general. Certain apps, such as Clue and Glow, allow people to track their menstrual cycle, ovulation and other details relating to fertility. Some, such as Pelvic Track, even allow individuals to track symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as pain and incontinence.
Some apps even connect with other devices to help improve pelvic floor motor control ( like a fitbit for your vagina). Here is one example. Another company, Lioness, has developed a “smart” vibrator that helps users to better understand how they experience sexual pleasure. The vibrator pairs with an app that provides biometric data about how quickly the user becomes aroused and how long it takes to orgasm. The app allows the users to share this information with their partner. Some other vibrators on the market even allow your partner to control the device from afar via their cell phone! This can be useful for long distance relationships or for patients with pelvic pain who cannot tolerate penetration but still want sexual intimacy with their partner.
Intimacy is a key word. Smartphones and laptops have almost become a silent partner for most of us. It brings us information from other people that makes us feel like we are in constant contact without having any real contact at all. This brings me to one of the downsides of the internet and technology in general: everyone has access to it and can therefore contribute content. I frequently see patients who — terrified after reading about someone who was bed bound with pelvic pain for five years — ask, “Will that happen to me?” The thing I remind my patients is that it is impossible to know who your new internet “friend” really is. The person writing could be a thirteen year old teen who thinks it is hilarious to post in forums for people with chronic pain. Why? We may never know. Just like Pokemon-Go’s popularity, some things may never make sense. Just like the person who posted that he cured himself with some wonder-herb and is living the pain-free dream. Maybe he did, and that is great, but that doesn’t mean he has a medical background or any knowledge about your unique history and symptoms. In other words, Basically why should internet user #10065 be trusted to give you advice? The internet is not the end-all, be-all of information. I mean, Dr. Google didn’t even go to medical school! However, you can find a lot of well researched information online. Please refer to Liz’s post on determining what articles are legitimate. Yes, the internet can create great communities as a way to form support groups of people who share similar experiences, but remember to, always take information with a grain of salt.
Now, if you think the present world of sex and tech is amazing, wait till you hear what the future holds. Love and sex with robots may be here sooner than we think. I wonder, will the legalization of robot marriage be a future debate topic? Will 3-D printed robot babies be the new norm? The ethical and philosophical questions that go along with a robotic romance are endless, and if I am brave enough, I may explore it in a later post (or while watching Westworld). Sex-bots may still be in the future, but this sweet virtual reality sex jumpsuit is currently available in — surprise — Japan! While these developments make me question what this means for the future of intimacy and relationships, virtual reality and robots may have a positive impact on controlling STD/STIs and unplanned pregnancies. Furthermore, this type of technology may let you discover your own wants and needs without the pressure of a (human) partner being present.
As a provider, I find the potential future impact of technology on sexual health both fascinating and at times frightening. Someday, will I be treating patients who can’t have sex with their robot husbands? Or will I be treating robots which have such advanced Artificial Intelligence that they have chronic pelvic pain and are unable to function as “human beings?” But what scares me is this: what if I already am?
FAQ
What are pelvic floor muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that run from the coccyx to the pubic bone. They are part of the core, helping to support our entire body as well as providing support for the bowel, bladder and uterus. These muscles help us maintain bowel and bladder control and are involved in sexual pleasure and orgasm. The technical name of the pelvic floor muscles is the Levator Ani muscle group. The pudendal nerve, the levator ani nerve, and branches from the S2 – S4 nerve roots innervate the pelvic floor muscles. They are under voluntary and autonomic control, which is a unique feature only they possess compared to other muscle groups.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy. Currently, physical therapists need advanced post-graduate education to be able to help people with pelvic floor dysfunction because pelvic floor disorders are not yet being taught in standard physical therapy curricula. The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center provides extensive training for our staff because we recognize the limitations of physical therapy education in this unique area.
What happens at pelvic floor therapy?
During an evaluation for pelvic floor dysfunction the physical therapist will take a detailed history. Following the history the physical therapist will leave the room to allow the patient to change and drape themselves. The physical therapist will return to the room and using gloved hands will perform an external and internal manual assessment of the pelvic floor and girdle muscles. The physical therapist will once again leave the room and allow the patient to dress. Following the manual examination there may also be an examination of strength, motor control, and overall biomechanics and neuromuscular control. The physical therapist will then communicate the findings to the patient and together with their patient they establish an assessment, short term and long term goals and a treatment plan. Typically people with pelvic floor dysfunction are seen one time per week for one hour for varying amounts of time based on the severity and chronicity of the disease. A home exercise program will be established and the physical therapist will help coordinate other providers on the treatment team. Typically patients are seen for 3 months to a year.
What is pudendal neuralgia and how is it treated?
Pudendal Neuralgia is a clinical diagnosis that means pain in the sensory distribution of the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is a mixed nerve that exits the S2 – S4 sacral nerve roots, we have a right and left pudendal nerve and each side has three main trunks: the dorsal branch, the perineal branch, and the inferior rectal branch. The branches supply sensation to the clitoris/penis, labia/scrotum, perineum, anus, the distal ⅓ of the urethra and rectum, and the vulva and vestibule. The nerve branches also control the pelvic floor muscles. The pudendal nerve follows a tortuous path through the pelvic floor and girdle, leaving it vulnerable to compression and tension injuries at various points along its path.
Pudendal Neuralgia occurs when the nerve is unable to slide, glide and move normally and as a result, people experience pain in some or all of the above-mentioned areas. Pelvic floor physical therapy plays a crucial role in identifying the mechanical impairments that are affecting the nerve. The physical therapy treatment plan is designed to restore normal neural function. Patients with pudendal neuralgia require pelvic floor physical therapy and may also benefit from medical management that includes pharmaceuticals and procedures such as pudendal nerve blocks or botox injections.
What is interstitial cystitis and how is it treated?
Interstitial Cystitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by irritative bladder symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and hesitancy in the absence of infection. Research has shown the majority of patients who meet the clinical definition have pelvic floor dysfunction and myalgia. Therefore, the American Urologic Association recommends pelvic floor physical therapy as first-line treatment for Interstitial Cystitis. Patients will benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy and may also benefit from pharmacologic management or medical procedures such as bladder instillations.
Who is the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Team?
The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center was founded by Elizabeth Akincilar and Stephanie Prendergast in 2006, they have been treating people with pelvic floor disorders since 2001. They were trained and mentored by a medical doctor and quickly became experts in treating pelvic floor disorders. They began creating courses and sharing their knowledge around the world. They expanded to 11 locations in the United States and developed a residency style training program for their employees with ongoing weekly mentoring. The physical therapists who work at PHRC have undergone more training than the majority of pelvic floor physical therapists and as a result offer efficient and high quality care.
How many years of experience do we have?
Stephanie and Liz have 24 years of experience and help each and every team member become an expert in the field through their training and mentoring program.
Why PHRC versus anyone else?
PHRC is unique because of the specific focus on pelvic floor disorders and the leadership at our company. We are constantly lecturing, teaching, and staying ahead of the curve with our connections to medical experts and emerging experts. As a result, we are able to efficiently and effectively help our patients restore their pelvic health.
Do we treat men for pelvic floor therapy?
The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center is unique in that the Cofounders have always treated people of all genders and therefore have trained the team members and staff the same way. Many pelvic floor physical therapists focus solely on people with vulvas, this is not the case here.
Do I need pelvic floor therapy forever?
The majority of people with pelvic floor dysfunction will undergo pelvic floor physical therapy for a set amount of time based on their goals. Every 6 -8 weeks goals will be re-established based on the physical improvements and remaining physical impairments. Most patients will achieve their goals in 3 – 6 months. If there are complicating medical or untreated comorbidities some patients will be in therapy longer.
Comments
Thank you very much for sharing your information.