ABSTRACT

FROM THE SEXUAL MEDICINE SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA FALL MEETING, NOVEMBER 17-20, NEW YORK, NY

Published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Official Journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine, Volume 3, Supplement 1, 2005.
Abstract 105, Page 47

A Bed-Alternative for Couples with Medical Conditions that Limit Sexual Satisfaction: Initial Results with the HarmonySystem™
 Morgentaler, A.; Murdock, M.; D’Antonio, E.; Boston, MA; Greenbelt, MD

Introduction and Objectives: The bed is the traditional site of sexual activity, yet medical conditions such as obesity, arthritis, back or hip pain may limit sexual activity and pleasure on a flat, broad surface.  The HarmonySystem is a bed-alternative, resembling a cross between a chair and exercise bench with adjustable heights and seat angles. It is specifically designed to enable couples to have sexual intercourse with the man standing or sitting and the woman sitting or lying down.  This pilot study was undertaken to assess patient response to the HarmonySystem among couples with arthritis or obesity.

Methods:  Fourteen adults (seven couples) with physical complaints of back or neck pain (3 couples) or obesity (4 couples, mean BMI=38), completed a four part, thirty-eight question survey about their satisfaction with their sexual activities. They were then provided with the HarmonySystem. After four to six weeks of using the HarmonySystem they completed the same questionnaire.

Results: Use of the HarmonySystem increased overall sexual satisfaction from 26% to 64%.  Pleasure with intercourse was rated as Very Satisfactory or Satisfactory by 64% before the HarmonySystem and in 93% of subjects afterwards.  Acceptable vaginal penetration was noted by 63% of subjects before the HarmonySystem compared with 93% with it. No limitation of sexual activity due to their medical condition was noted 50% of the time without the apparatus, and in 64% with it. Improvement in the sexual experience with the HarmonySystem was noted in 14/14 individuals, and all responded that they would recommend the HarmonySystem to others with the same physical conditions.

Conclusions: These initial results indicate that a bed-alternative such as the HarmonySystem may improve sexual satisfaction and pleasure among couples with a variety of medical conditions by enabling them to safely and comfortably engage in sexual intercourse in a standing and sitting positions.