Spinal Device Yields Surprise Orgasm

Feb. 8, 2001 -- A woman who was being treated for chronic back pain experienced a sexy side-effect when an electrode was placed in her back to relieve the aches and pains

In the middle of the operation, the woman’s ecstatic groan startled her doctor.

“It’s not uncommon for a patient to say “ohhh” or “ahhhh” but this lady exclaimed, and when I asked her what was the matter she said 'you have to teach my husband to do that,'” said Dr. Stuart Meloy on today's Good Morning America.

The Winston-Salem, N.C.-based anesthesiologist and pain specialist discovered — quite by accident — that a device which he used to treat chronic back pain may also produce orgasms in patients. He has just patented this unexpected use of the device and is trying persuade the product manufacturer to market the device to help women who have trouble reaching orgasm.

"We were granted the patent on January 2nd of this year," said Meloy. "Right now we're looking at establishing a study protocol and then looking for funding for it."

Dr. Jennifer Berman, a urologist and co-author of For Women Only, A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life told GMA that it is possible the device could help women who have difficulty reaching orgasm.

"Forty-three percent of women experience sexual dysfunction; orgasmic disorder is one dysfunction," said Berman. "We have noted anecdotally enhanced arousal and orgasm in women and are gearing up for a clinical trial along those lines so there is definitely merit to this theory."

Device Gets Under Users’ Skin

Manufactured by Minneapolis-based Medtronic, the spinal cord stimulator device has been around since the 60’s and Meloy emphasized that it was created to treat back pain. It is still unclear as to the degree that the company wants to get involved in the alternate use.

But one thing is clear: the public is all ears.

After the story hit the news, Meloy was bombarded with questions and completed more than a dozen press interviews.