Details writer Jeff Gordinier tells the story of Dr. Andrew Scheinfeld, a “reserved” NYC gynecologist who has officially aligned himself with Lelo, a Swedish company that designs “gorgeous” vibrators, cock rings and butt plugs.
Scheinfeld thinks he’s the first American in his field to sell sex toys directly to patients as part of his medical practice, though as we know, female “hysteria” was treated by doctors in ye olden times with vibrators or manual stimulation.
It’s interesting to think about a trip to the gynecologist as chance to not only check up on your medical health, but also your sexual health. Although: It’s definitely weird to have a male gyno do sex toy demos for women in the office. Scheinfeld’s “secret weapon” is his “bosomy and effervescent office manager,” Brenda — she’s the one who lets patients hold and touch vibes and cock rings, and will even point them towards a catalog of bondage gear.
Depending on how you look at it, the best/worst part is that Dr. Scheinfeld is not just a seller of sex toys.… He’s a buyer! (Best because he knows of what he speaks; worst because you may inadvertently picture him using a toy.)
He describes his first time as a shopper:
“I went to one of the sex shops in the Village. Here I am, an OB/GYN — I shouldn’t be affected by these things — but I felt the embarrassment.” Sheepishly he selected a sleek, humming wand, paid, and dashed home. Later, after his wife had returned from Europe, Scheinfeld worked up the courage to suggest that together they give the vibrator a spin. “It was wonderful,” he says, a smile breaking through his professional formality. “It just added a nice little spice to the relationship.”
Dr. Feelgood [Details]
Related: Lelo [Official Site]
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