Therapeutic Sexual Devices for Women's Health: A Doctor's Guide to Medical Treatment for Intimate Dysfunction

The short answer is: yes!

Studies have shown that most women have used a vibrator in some capacity. Let’s normalize and increase knowledge about sexual devices as a lifestyle product. When a woman’s intimacy is interrupted with undesired symptoms, novelty products can be used beyond pleasure.

Pain with vaginal intercourse can be a reason to consider using a sexual device for rehabilitation, tolerance, and arousal. Evaluation with a pelvic floor physical therapist may involve vaginal dilator recommendations. There are also collision aid devices that can be used to prevent deep penetration if pain is associated with partner size and deeper penetration.

Device Types for Pain Management:

• Graduated vaginal dilators (silicone sets ranging from 0.5" to 1.5" diameter)

• Collision aids/buffers (adjustable rings that limit penetration depth)

• Topical vibrators for desensitization therapy

• Heating therapy devices for muscle relaxation

Insurance Navigation: Vaginal dilators prescribed by gynecologists or pelvic floor therapists are often covered as "medical devices" with diagnosis codes for dyspareunia. Request a letter of medical necessity from your provider stating the therapeutic purpose.

Vaginismus is a condition resulting in overactive vaginal muscles and increased muscle tone possibly making vaginal penetration difficult. There can be several reasons for this state of dysfunction ie trauma, scar tissue, etc. Approaching this dysfunction with instructed dilator therapy by a pelvic floor specialist is a safe way to approach a resolution to this issue. Even if the immediate goal is not vaginal intercourse, improvement in symptoms can allow for routine speculum exams required for cervical cancer screening.

Device Types for Vaginismus:

• Progressive dilator sets (medical-grade silicone, sizes 1-6)

• Vibrating dilators for muscle relaxation

• Biofeedback dilators with pressure sensors

• Warming dilators for enhanced comfort

Insurance Navigation: Vaginismus treatment devices are frequently covered when prescribed for "pelvic floor dysfunction" or "sexual pain disorders." Physical therapy-prescribed devices through durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers often have higher coverage rates. Check if your plan requires pre-authorization for DME.

Would you consider a sexual device? Please select sexual devices and lifestyle products that are nontoxic and nonporous. This includes medical-grade silicone options. Cleaning these devices properly is important to decrease irritation and infection.

Decreased sensations can be distressing physically and emotionally. It can affect arousal and orgasm. Vibrator therapy may be used to increase blood flow and subsequently sensation to external and internal genitalia.

Device Types for Sensation Recovery:

• Low-frequency therapeutic vibrators (designed for blood flow enhancement)

• Clitoral suction devices for increased sensitivity

• Internal vibrators with variable intensity settings

• Warming therapy devices for circulation improvement

Insurance Navigation: When prescribed for "sexual arousal disorder" or "female sexual dysfunction," some insurers cover therapeutic vibrators under mental health benefits or DME. Submit with documentation showing medical necessity for circulation improvement or nerve stimulation therapy. HSA/FSA funds can often be used with provider prescription.

Orgasmic dysfunction can be addressed by using clitoral stimulators and/or G-spot vibrators to assist with orgasmic concerns. There are primary and secondary orgasmic dysfunctions. Since most women have clitoral orgasms, clitoral vibration can provide focused stimulation to an area of the genitalia that is solely meant for stimulation. Less women have vaginal orgasms, but the G spot is an actual area located on the anterior aspect of the vagina. G-spot dildos and vibrators can increase stimulation to a focused area of the vagina that may enhance a woman’s ability to experience or return to internal orgasms.

Device Types for Orgasmic Dysfunction:

• Targeted clitoral stimulators (air pulse and vibration technology)

• Curved G-spot vibrators (specifically angled for anterior vaginal wall)

• Dual stimulation devices (combined clitoral and vaginal)

• App-controlled devices for gradual intensity building

Insurance Navigation: Orgasmic dysfunction treatment may qualify for coverage under sexual health therapy. Work with sex therapists or gynecologists who can prescribe devices as "therapeutic aids for sexual function." Some plans cover under behavioral health benefits. Document how dysfunction impacts quality of life and relationship health.

If being used for dysfunction, consider checking with your insurance company for coverage on sexual devices. If devices are prescribed by a healthcare provider or deemed medically necessary after an assessment by a medical professional such as a pelvic floor physical therapist, they may be considered durable medical devices or able to be purchased with flex spending funds.

General Insurance Navigation Tips:

• Get proper diagnosis codes from your healthcare provider

• Request letters of medical necessity explaining therapeutic benefits

• Use in-network DME suppliers when possible

• Check HSA/FSA eligibility with provider prescription

• Appeal denials with additional medical documentation

• Consider secondary insurance if primary denies coverage

Ask your healthcare team how you can explore the therapeutic ways to use a sexual device for sexual dysfunction. Request or inquire about expert direction from a sex educator or a pelvic floor physical therapist.