Talking about female sexual dysfunction is no longer taboo. That was the major take-away from our recent webinar discussion with Dr. Michael Krychman. We offered this webinar to focus medical attention on this rapidly emerging modality of sexual health and to provide some insight on diagnosis and the various treatment options available.
It also spotlighted our exclusive dedicated female sexual wellness device, Viveve™ . Dedicated… this is not just another add-on component. Viveve™ is a stand-alone, innovative treatment designed specifically to rejuvenate a lax vagina, providing tightness, increased nerve sensitivity, increased lubrication, stronger muscle contraction and reduced urinary leakage. We treat intimate female disorders that we couldn’t mention a few years ago.
Our straight-talking webinar was presented by Dr. Michael Krychman, Viveve KOL (Key Opinion Leader) and internationally recognized expert and author of numerous books focusing on sexual health conditions, therapies, and treatments. With a unique, clinical practice: Dr. Krychman, is not only a Board Certified OB GYN, he is a certified sexual Counselor and Therapist, prolific author, teacher, mentor, and speaker. When the Wall St. Journal, New York Times or other media need an authority on human sexual behavior, they call Dr. Krychman.
As a 30-year leader in medical technology, Salient recognized early-on the importance of finding treatment options for this female phenomenon. Forward-thinking leadership has always been a part of our corporate DNA. We launched the first vision correcting laser in Canada, and have introduced hair removal lasers, ELT, Laser Treatments for varicose veins and other ground-breaking technologies over the years.
Brimming with insight and decades of study and unmatched experience, Dr. Krychman begins where every great story begins – at the beginning. Ignored for decades, women have become increasingly aware that sexual dysfunction can be a major issue in their complete health and well being. Even more disturbing, he describes the serious effects this denial has created in many other vital areas, outside the bedroom. Today, these women are seeking, even demanding, improved sexuality, sensuality and the medical community’s response. They have waited too long.
Today Salient has, assembled a portfolio of Sexual Health technologies to address the sexual health concerns of both men and women. These include Platelet Rich Plasma systems (facilitating the P-Shot and O-Shot), the Medispec Accoustic Shockwave Therapy for erectile dysfunction and our ground-breaking Viveve™ platform. The Viveve™ utilizes a patented, cryogen-cooled monopolar radio-frequency (CMRF) to provide sustained tissue tightening and strengthening by substantially heating the tissue at depth – pain-free, long lasting and with no downtime.
To elaborate, Dr. Krychman shared a scenario straight from the examination room. Here is an example why “female sexual dysfunction is 50 years behind male sexual dysfunction. If a man complains about ED or PE, his blood pressure and cholesterol are immediately checked. It’s biological. If a woman complains about loss of desire or lack of orgasm, she’s automatically anxious or depressed. It’s psychological.” Until now. Now it is widely accepted that men also have psychological components to their sexuality and women have biological ones.
In a lively discussion of the “age factor” debate – whether the desire for a vibrant sex life diminishes with age – Dr. Krychman revealed some lesser-known data to illustrate his points. For example, “in the 18 – 29 age group, almost 1/3 of patients are saying that sex isn’t pleasurable and that they’re not able to achieve orgasm. There’s lack of interest.” If there is an age factor, common wisdom would have wagered on the elderly.
Regarding younger women experiencing situational or temporary dysfunction, “they show a lot of distress… helplessness. No one is talking about it… and that’s a huge missed opportunity… We’re not doing a really good job understanding the impact of problems with sexual issues.”
In an inevitable sea change, a primary question today has become, “So what do women want?” At present, there is no “common wisdom” or expected answer. According to Dr. Krychman, “Believe it or not, about 60% of women believe they’re having too little sex… they want more orgasms.” Women rank a good sex life over career, homeownership, travel and social life, which underscores Dr. Krychman’s statement that doctors are “underestimating the importance of sexual health.”
“Remember that there’s a body attached to the genitals”
Throughout the webinar, the overlapping of the body’s overall health and specific medical conditions is one of the most important medical concepts in human sexuality. “Sexual health and general health are very much intertwined.” There can be no overall health without good sex and no good sex without general health. In his own practice, Dr. Krychman estimates that 10% – 15% of the women who “come in with a sexual problem leave with a chronic medical condition.”
Whether it’s an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, “We haven’t really taken their (women’s) medical care as serious as we would a man who comes in with sexual complaints.”
Receiving (and returning) referrals from gynecologists, dermatologists, urologists, plastic surgeons, and cardiologists where the doctor is not prepared or interested in pursuing it, Dr. Krychman says, “regardless of your specialty, patients come to you with their sexual problems… there is a place to assess and treat them.”
After offering a virtual course in “Female Sexual Dysfunction, 101,” with a step-by-step protocol for introducing, evaluating and treating this emerging specialty, Dr. Krychman opened the webinar to questions. With an opportunity to hear from the “best of the best” and a high interest in jumping right in, many questions centered on “why should I add this modality to my practice?” and “Where do I start?”.
Dr. Krychman’s first response was about the potential to make a huge impact on both the general and sexual health and wellness of patients. From a savvy marketing standpoint, he said, “it sets you apart and makes you unique and special from other providers.”
For a private practice, clinic or spa eager to start a sexual health component, introducing the Viveve™ is a perfect opportunity to break-into this realm and position yourself alongside the innovative treatment you are providing. People will seek you out as a leader with a deep interest and commitment to women’s intimate health.
Leadership has its rewards. There’s a reason everyone “follows the leader. “ People respect them… believe in and trust them. Way beyond the financial rewards is the renewed passion for the work; championing a huge and hopeful segment of the population; recognition and mutual referrals from peers; personal pride and fulfillment.
Leadership has its responsibilities. More time. More learning. More energy. Most of all, leadership promises an ongoing commitment to ignite and inspire, to avidly search for newer protocols, advanced products and technology and a self renewing passion.
Be a leader in your market by adding sexual dysfunction treatments to your practice. Not sure how to proceed or in need of more information? Let’s talk!
