Amazon will list pelvic floor wands, Kegelweights, and other similar devices for women who use incontinence treatment as sex toys on its website, it was announced today.
Charities have called the online giant’s actions ‘absurd and insulting’, claiming that it could delay thousands seeking help for the same problem.
According to manufacturers, Amazon will place pelvic floor gadgets in a similar category to sex dolls and dildos starting November 15, according to Amazon. This will limit them to the ‘adults only section’.
GPs and physiotherapists may recommend devices to assist women in performing pelvic floor exercises correctly.
The exercises are a series involving movements that strengthen the muscles around the bladder and bottom.
Although they can be done by anyone, experts recommend that gadgets be used to help people with certain exercises or to encourage them to practice them daily.
According to Amazon’s decision, pelvic wands such as this one sold at Kegel 8 could now qualify for sex toys
Amazon, an online retailer, has been criticised for its ‘absurd’ classification of pelvic floor exercise devices as sex toys. Some say it will
Both men and women are advised to do daily exercises to regain bladder control after a pregnancy or operation.
They can also be used to reduce pain during sex by relaxing the vaginal muscle.
People who want to have stronger or more enjoyable orgasms should also do pelvic floor exercises.
Managing director of Kegel 8, a UK seller of the pelvic exercise products, Stephanie Taylor slammed Amazon’s decision.
“It is absurd to think that a person in pain, suffering from an embarrassing and debilitating condition, would then have the need to shop on Amazon through pages full of sex toys. dildos. vibrators. And more to find a therapy tool.
‘This decision will have a massive impact on consumers’ ability to access safe and medically approved pelvic health solutions and could risk putting them off from taking control of their intimate health.’
Ms Taylor called the decision by the global giant an ‘insult’ to those seeking help for what could be debilitating condition.
‘It’s surprising and frustrating to hear Amazon, and as a result, its customers, are unable to differentiate between what is a rehabilitation therapy device and a sex toy,’ she said.
She According to Amazon, the decision was made based on the misperception that any device called “wand” was a ruse used by sex toy manufacturers to present their devices to consumers as ‘body masseuses’.
She said that “wand” is a term used by many sex toys manufacturers to mislead themselves as a “body massaging” device…that bears little resemblance in design and functionality to pelvic floor or therapeutic wands.”
Ms Taylor claimed she would have loved Amazon to separate therapy devices and sex toys. However, she said that Amazon had made the wrong decision.
She said that ‘Pelvic healthcare professionals welcome a change by Amazon to help their customers differentiate between a sexual toy and a real therapy device’.
“Relabeling a wand-type therapy device in the category sex toys is a retrograde move and an insult for those suffering from a painful, debilitating condition.
Ms Taylor stated that pelvic floor exercises can treat or improve a number of conditions that are surprising common.
She stated that one in three people will be affected by pelvic floor conditions at some time in their lifetime, and that women are at greatest risk.
“Pessiatric health symptoms include poor bladder control, prolapsed pelvic organs, discomfort with tampon use, and painful intimacy.
She said that the Amazon decision would reverse progress in breaking the taboo regarding seeking help for issues like incontinence and pain during sexual intimacy.
She stated that although many of these conditions and symptoms can be treated, restricted access to pelvic healthcare solutions will delay treatment and prolong suffering. This will also undo any progress in making these issues less taboo.
The Amazon decision was also condemned by Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, a professional network of specialist physiotherapists affiliated to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.
Dr Kate Lough, POGP chair acknowledged that the issue is complex. People look for pelvic floor devices to improve their sexual prowess and to treat a variety medical conditions.
Dr Lough warned that Amazon could place all devices under the’sex toys’ category, which could lead to some people abandoning their use.
MailOnline reported that “there is a group who, if you said to go and look at some devices available, would feel just about comfortable enough viewing “pelvic health devices”.
“If they were labeled as sex machines, I think that could be offputting.
Dr Lough said that although the evidence was mixed, some patients preferred the devices to be used alone. However, this was still useful.
She stated that “Some people like a gadget, and they like feedback.” It was worth considering, she said.
“Having something in your vagina may help you locate the area you want to do the exercise from,”
Some patients who do pelvic exercises prefer to use vaginal weights such as this Kegel 8 one. It provides ‘feedback,’ which they can use in order to ensure they are doing it correctly.
She also highlighted the dangers of using devices in an incorrect way.
She explained that the problem is that people buy devices, particularly weights, and then the thing drops out.
Dr Lough suggested that people consult their doctor for advice on which gadgets to buy or how to use them best.
Dr Lough encouraged anyone suffering from incontinence or issues with the pelvic floor to speak to their GP.
She stated that no amount of leakage was normal and that it is never too late for people to seek help, regardless of how long they have been experiencing problems.
Opponents to Amazon’s decision have created an online petition requesting that Amazon stop its planned changes. It has over 60,000.
Amazon was reached for comment.