Sponsored by: Fiera®
I’ve written before about the shamefully unequal attention, research and financial support dedicated to women’s health in the U.S. – especially when it comes to sex, or – god forbid – pleasure.
Until recent decades, women were not even included in biomedical studies, and they are still largely underrepresented – despite the fact that we make up HALF of the population consuming medical products and information! Researchers have been extrapolating solutions to health conditions based on results in mostly male populations even though we KNOW that men and women’s bodies are different. It’s no wonder that historically, doctors’ recommendations for managing libido, desire, arousal, pleasure and satisfaction don’t always work for women.
I recently had the opportunity to interview one of the main consultants helping to bring female sexuality/sexual health to the forefront of our nation’s discussions. She is part of the Fiera® team turning the tide in the way that we think about, talk about, respond to and support women’s desire.
Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt is the Director of Female Sexual Medicine at Academic Urology’s Center for Pelvic Medicine. I was very lucky to pin her down for a conversation about her work on women and desire, and the innovative development of Fiera®.
If you haven’t already gotten the lowdown on Fiera, it is a sexual wellness product designed to help women get in the mood; a tool that naturally stimulates a woman pre-foreplay, allowing her to feel physically aroused and therefore more emotionally connected to a partner BEFORE sex. Designed exclusively for women and tested extensively, it is the first item on the market of its kind. Dr. Kellogg-Spadt filled me in on some more of the details. Some highlights from our conversation are below.
Hannah: First, can you tell me a little bit about your work and background?
Dr. Kellogg-Spadt: I have been doing work on female sexuality, dysfunction and therapy for more than 20 years. Women come to me with questions and concerns about sex and desire that they might not typically ask their general health care provider. The largest population I care for are women seeking solutions to painful intercourse, and the second largest population is women experiencing desire disorders.
Hannah: How did you get involved as a consultant for Fiera?
Dr. Kellogg-Spadt: I was very excited to be part of the consulting team that contributed to research and advocates for the use of this product because it truly occupies a unique space in the market. Traditionally, female sexuality enhancement involved using equipment that took the place of the partner, which could cause conflict between a pair and decrease intimacy. (Essentially, some men are threatened by a woman’s use of a dildo, which tends to more effectively stimulate orgasms in females than penile penetration alone.) Fiera, on the other hand, is an enhancement to use before any sort of sexual activity – not designed to bring a woman to orgasm, but rather to prepare her to be with a partner; a primer for sex and an enhancer of desire.
Hannah: How was the Fiera developed?
Dr. Kellogg-Spadt: Fiera was designed by a team of Stanford biomedical engineers. This group looked at it like a medical device, not a toy – as most products related to sexuality are viewed. They configured a high-quality mechanism with insane amounts of precision that would truly accommodate the FEMALE physiology for arousal. It was tested like a biomedical product, using the FDA-validated questionnaire to measure a female’s arousal, orgasm, pain and satisfaction. While they were only expecting to see increased arousal rates among study participants, the survey found improved ratings in ALL areas, including desire. This is the only device that has shown these results, which is very exciting.
Hannah: Does that mean that you often recommend Fiera to your clients?
Dr. Kellogg-Spadt: Oh definitely! Unlike other options that have been available to women who experience diminished desire, it is not something that will interfere with or alter your hormones. It has fast-acting effects, but is gentle and need only be used when a woman wishes. While created very specifically, based on female anatomy and sexual response cycle, it is also designed with couples in mind and really allows for reconnection and intimacy with a partner. Plus, it’s economical! While the upfront price might look a little daunting, Fiera costs far less than most prescription drugs OR toys designed for sexual pleasure. Your pleasure is worth investing in, and this is one of the most effective – SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN tools available.
Hannah: Since we know that for women, sex and desire and pleasure are tied to more than just physical/physiological arousal, how do you address some of the more mental, emotional aspects of sexuality with your patients?
Dr. Kellogg-Spadt: The most effective treatment plans are definitely comprehensive combinations of several different forms of therapy. I encourage people to truly prioritize pleasure. Especially in long-term relationships, life can get in the way of your sexual behaviors and interest. Fiera can help jumpstart this feeling again, but I also urge patients to practice mindfulness and be present in the moment. For most people, sex is a very important part of a fulfilling relationship and when we let this go, it can set couples up for tension, conflict and dissatisfaction. We don’t want this, and it doesn’t have to happen!
Are you interesting in trying Fiera? EmpowHER is offering an exclusive deal to you - $25 off! Sign up for Fiera’s newsletter to get the discount, plus you’ll get tips to keep your relationship strong.
Moreover, remember that by demanding products designed to fit women’s unique needs, rigorous studies that are inclusive of ALL types of people, and funding that focuses specifically on under-represented populations, we can ensure that our health needs and rights are part of the equation.