Struggling to get the fire lit? These sexual wellness treatments will bring the heat back to the bedroom.
Libido gone left? You’re not alone.
The study also showed that 59% of New Zealanders agree there’s a stigma attached to sexual health, but 65% believed more open discussions around sexual health would break down these barriers.
In response, the organisation launched Emotional Support Bits – custom plushies shaped like intimate parts to spark conversation and dismantle taboos around sexual wellness.
And they’re not the only ones. Cosmetic injectables clinic The Face Place launched its Intimate Wellness Month back in October, to break the stigma around sexual wellness by fostering conversations and empowering individuals to take charge of their sexual health – especially those in perimenopause or menopause.
“We see intimate wellness as a natural extension of our mission to help people feel confident in their own skin,” says Dr Jenni Irvine, owner of The Face Place. “Too many people suffer in silence with issues that are both common and highly treatable.”
Many factors contribute to a loss of pleasure during sex, including pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, which can lead to pelvic floor weakness or vaginal laxity, as well as reduce lubrication or the ability to orgasm.
For others, it could be the ability to achieve and maintain an erection during intercourse.
“We see strong demand for intimate wellness treatments from both men and women, although women do make up the majority of our patients,” Irvine says.
“Men also seek treatment, most commonly for concerns such as erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, lichen sclerosus, or changes following prostate surgeries.
“Our goal is to empower people to live confidently and comfortably at every stage of life. We believe intimate wellness deserves just as much attention as skincare or fitness.”
A suite of treatments have been developed to help support sexual wellness, improve sexual function and enhance sensation.
These four fiery treatments are said to help reignite the flames once more.
Femme Shot
This natural, non-surgical option is pitched at those wanting to regenerate their intimate areas following childbirth or during menopause. Also known as the O-Shot, this rejuvenation treatment involves drawing a vial of the patient’s blood, before the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is extracted and injected into sensitive areas. The platelets release growth factors that are said to help regenerate tissues in the vagina and clitoris, for improved sensitivity, natural lubrication and bladder control. The Femme Shot is also said to increase arousal and quality of orgasms. The follow-up to this is the Homme Shot, which borrows the same principles as the Femme Shot but is said to improve erectile dysfunction, blood flow, sensitivity and sexual performance.
Where to try it: The Face Place has two clinics in Auckland – one in Quay St, the other in Takapuna – both of which offer the Femme Shot. Expect to pay $1980 for a 75-minute appointment, which includes an initial consultation and first treatment. A repeat treatment within six months of the first is recommended, and is priced at $1320 for 45 minutes. Thefaceplace.co.nz
Forma V
Scared of needles? Consider Forma V, which uses advanced radio-frequency technology to target vaginal tissue, reawakening the skin’s natural collagen production, improving sensation and restoring pelvic floor tone. It’s promoted as a must-try for those concerned with dryness, sagging or loss of tone due to ageing or childbirth, and additional claims have been made around Forma V’s ability to tighten both the labia and vulva. Physical benefits aside, the non-invasive treatment is also said to support the health and overall appearance of intimate skin.
Where to try it: Skinfinity in Auckland’s Grey Lynn offers Forma V, and recommends booking three sessions scheduled four weeks apart for best results. A bundle of three 30-minute sessions is available for $2150, with the first session priced at $850 and two subsequent sessions at $650 each. Skinfinity.co.nz
Femtouch Laser
Femtouch Laser, or Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR), is another non-surgical option to enhance vaginal health, this time harnessing CO2 laser technology to do so. In the same way that CO2 laser can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin when performed on the face, this treatment is said to help maintain the structural integrity and elasticity of vaginal tissues. Other benefits range from improving the body’s natural lubrication, enhancing physical sensation, restoring vaginal function and decreasing the likelihood of urinary incontinence.
Where to try it: At Ponsonby Doctors, Femtouch Laser is priced at $950 for a 45-minute initial consultation and first treatment. A full course of treatment includes three sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. A package of three treatments is available for $2500, with each subsequent treatment taking 30 minutes. There’s a caveat worth mentioning here, however – as the treatment is newer, it is still under review for broader scientific validation. A full disclosure statement around the safety, efficacy and risks involved with this treatment is available at: Ponsonbydoctors.co.nz
Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound
Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is one of the newest treatments on this list, said to offer a painless, non-invasive alternative to treat erectile dysfunction. A technician uses a small, handheld probe to apply sound waves to different areas of the penis and perineum to stimulate new blood vessels for boosted erectile function. This sound wave technology is also said to activate stem cells, promoting growth of new penile vascular tissue. Unlike tablets, penile injections and vacuum pump therapy, which require some prep steps before engaging in sexual activity, LIPUS is said to offer ongoing benefits, meaning an improvement in sexual spontaneity is possible.
Where to try it: LIPUS is one of the treatments on offer at Urology Care in Wellington, a clinic that helps address a variety of urological conditions – spanning erectile dysfunction and male incontinence to male cancers or kidney stones. A course of treatment involves six 15-minute sessions, twice per week for three consecutive weeks, POA. Treatment is by referral from a GP only, after which the clinic will contact you to arrange an appointment. Urologycarewellington.co.nz
Spice Up Your Life
If you don’t want to go down the treatment route, don’t fret – there are plenty of products to help boost libido and lubrication.
Kiki de Montparnasse Lotus No. 9 Massage Oil Candle, $146, is a scented, natural wax candle that transforms into a massage oil. Its low melting point sits around body temperature (between 38-43°C) meaning it won’t burn or scald when applied to skin. Blow out the flame and pour over skin for a sensual partnered play experience.
Vacation Vibes The Amalfi, $56, is a discreet, cone-shaped vibrator which features five speeds and modes to match your mood. It’s water-resistant and latex free, and allows up to one hour of use before recharging.
Maebl Intimate Lubricating Serum, $90, is crafted with organic coconut, jojoba and argan oils to support the body’s natural lubrication and offer relief from dryness. The New Zealand-made, gentle formula is said to respect the body’s natural pH levels and is dermatologist-tested to be used on even the most sensitive skin. Note: as this formulation is plant-oil-based, it is not compatible with condoms.
The Good Patch Desire 4pk, $55. “Getting in the mood starts with the right mindset” is the tag-line that accompanies these fire-starting stickers, which claim to boost arousal with their blend of vitamin B6, reishi and black maca powder. Remove the backing and place one patch on the inside of the wrist, and leave on for up to 12 hours.
Myregna Hydrating Cream, $130, is a non-hormonal cream which harnesses the brand’s cell biology system to support genital skin health, which can be prone to dryness, thinning or tearing after menopause. Developed by cell biologist Dr Iona Weir, the 100% natural cream is said to restore natural lubrication and promote function and sensation during intimate moments.
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