Talking About Vibrators: A Qualitative Study of Urogynecology Patients and Physicians
Caitlin E. Carlton, Meheret Mekonnen, Karissa A. Leong, Brittany L. Roberts, Bradley E. Jacobs, Cara L. Grimes, Rebecca G. Rogers, Erin C. DeverdisImportance
Sexual dysfunction is common in urogynecology patients. Vibrator use can improve sexual function. While patients are open to learning about vibrators, the topic is rarely discussed in a clinical context.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to explore urogynecology patients’ and physicians’ beliefs and opinions about discussing vibrators in the clinical setting for improving sexual function.
Study Design
A qualitative study was conducted between September 2024 and February 2025. Urogynecology patients and practicing urogynecologists completed screening questionnaires, followed by one-on-one phone interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using rigorous grounded theory methods to identify key themes in the 2 cohorts.
Results
Twenty-six urogynecology patients and 25 urogynecology physicians participated; thematic saturation was achieved at 19 interviews in both groups. Patient interviews yielded 3 thematic categories: (1) conversation barriers, (2) conversation facilitators, and (3) specific suggestions. Conversation barriers included embarrassment, fear of judgment, believing they’re too old, lack of background knowledge, time constraints, and physician discomfort. Conversation facilitators included societal normalization, physician-initiated conversations, screening questions, patient-physician rapport, handouts/brochures, and posters. Specific suggestions were to be matter-of-fact, cite data, and use a health context. Major themes from physician interviews were causes of physician avoidance—including feeling underprepared, personal discomfort, concern about brand influence, and topic complexity; causes of perceived patient avoidance—patient disinterest and patient discomfort; and resulting practice patterns.
Conclusions
Urogynecology patients and physicians identified key barriers to discussing vibrator use. Participants also highlighted several strategies to facilitate these conversations. Addressing the identified knowledge and resource gaps may improve urogynecologists’ competence and confidence in this area.