At the 2025 Urology on the Beach meeting, Dayna R. Smerina, OMS-3 at Nova Southeastern University, and Dr. Amy M. Pearlman, urologist and co-founder of the Prime Institute in Coral Gables, Florida, shared insights from their groundbreaking research in the field of sexual medicine. Their collaborative work spans multiple projects, each aimed at addressing critical gaps in sexual health care and improving patient outcomes.
Their first major project together was a chapter on sexual enhancement products, where they navigated the challenging landscape of limited scientific research. According to Dr. Pearlman, the scarcity of data in the literature made writing the chapter particularly difficult. However, it also presented an opportunity to emphasize the value of case reports, particularly those documenting personal patient experiences. Smerina recalled a poignant case study about a man who, after undergoing prostate cancer treatment, found success in restoring his sex life through a non-medical prosthetic penis, encouraged by a close friend. This case, while anecdotal, highlights the power of shared experiences in the absence of robust clinical data, resonating with many who face similar struggles after prostatectomy.
In addition to the chapter, the pair worked on a video collection for an online journal focused on sexual medicine. This project brought together experts like Dr. Tori Mallow, a pelvic physical therapist, and Dr. Rachel Rubin, a urologist, to explore how healthcare professionals can better address conversations about sexual wellness products with patients. Smerina emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, with each specialist—whether a physical therapist, sex therapist, or urologist—playing a key role in facilitating open communication. She noted the challenge of getting patients to bring up sensitive topics, but also the value in ensuring that they feel comfortable discussing these issues with a range of healthcare providers.
Dr. Pearlman added that their goal was to create resources for providers who may not feel equipped to discuss sexual health topics in-depth. By providing educational videos, they hope to give patients access to information, even if their primary care provider or urologist is unable to offer comprehensive advice. These videos could serve as a bridge for patients, empowering them to seek additional support from specialists when needed.
The duo’s latest research project dives into detumescence time, a relatively underexplored aspect of sexual medicine. In their pilot study, they aimed to investigate whether combining PDE-5 inhibitors with a device called MaxPR, an erection ring developed by FirmTech, could help prolong detumescence—an issue often overlooked in clinical research. Smerina noted that their study revealed that the combination of the ring and medication was the most effective at extending detumescence time. However, even using the MaxPR ring alone yielded positive results, offering an option for patients who may be wary of taking additional medication due to potential side effects or other health concerns. Dr. Pearlman emphasized how small changes in detumescence could significantly impact sexual satisfaction, particularly in heterosexual couples or men with premature ejaculation.
As they look ahead, both researchers are excited about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to revolutionize sexual medicine. Smerina, who is also writing a review paper on the subject, described how AI could help generate data for underrepresented areas of research, such as sexual wellness products. AI systems could synthesize new data from existing, limited sources to make more accurate predictions, enhancing the depth and breadth of sexual health studies. However, both researchers are mindful of the ethical considerations that come with AI implementation, especially in fields involving intimate health. Dr. Pearlman stressed the importance of safeguarding patient data, emphasizing that patients need to trust the technology to ensure its usefulness.
The pair’s work reflects a growing recognition of the need for more research and open dialogue in sexual medicine. Whether through patient-centered case reports, educational video resources, or cutting-edge research on detumescence and AI, they are pushing the boundaries of what we know about sexual health and striving to create a more inclusive and informed healthcare environment.
Related topics:
The Relationship Between Aspartame and Fertility
Fresh Embryo Transfer May Improve IVF Success for Women with Low Prognosis, Study Finds
