Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCFS?

The Medical Center for Female Sexuality specializes in treating women who are having problems associated with sex. Many women's problems have physiological roots and medical professionals are beginning to recognize more and more treatment possibilities for many of these problems.

What differentiates the MCFS from other doctors or medical providers?

The MCFS only treats female sexual dysfunction. In addition, the MCFS integrates a medical and psychological treatment modality to ensure treatment for all facets of female sexual dysfunction. Finally, the specialized training experienced by the MCFS staff has provided them with a level of empathy and caring not often experienced from medical professionals. In these days of managed care, it is rare to find a medical professional who is able to take the time to really listen.

What types of problems do you see at the MCFS?

The professionals at the MCFS see women with a wide variety of sexual complaints. The facility treats women who are experiencing a lack of sexual desire, either as a recent development or those who feel they have never had a sex drive at all. Women who are unable to become sexually aroused are also treated, as are women who have pain or difficulty associated with intercourse as well as women who are having problems with orgasm. Most complaints will fall somewhere into one of these categories, but some will not. In some cases, a woman is unable to define the problem herself. In these cases, the professionals at the MCFS will help her do so.

What treatment methods are used at the MCFS?

The professionals at the MCFS use a variety of modalities including topical testosterone, progesterone, papaverine and L-Arginine. The Center also uses a large range of oral medications including DHEA, Wellbutrin, and Viagra. The professionals work with the Eros device, dilators and vibrators as well as biofeedback. Some psychological treatments include behavior modification techniques, guided imagery, and relaxation exercises.

What happens at an appointment?

The first appointment will take approximately 90 minutes. Patients first meet with Bat Sheva Marcus L.C.S.W., M.P.H., clinical director of the MCFS. She will take an extensive psychosexual history. Patients will then have a thorough physical exam. Most blood tests and other medical tests will be performed during this first appointment. Occasionally, patients will be asked to return to have blood drawn on a specific day.
Often, the MCFS staff will be unable to provide a treatment plan until the results from all of the tests are completed. Patients will be asked to schedule a follow-up visit where the team will be able to present a treatment plan for the patient.

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Since the MCFS is a medical facility, treatments are covered by many insurance companies. The organization is not in-plan with any insurance companies, so patients are required to contact their insurance company directly for reimbursement. The MCFS will assist with this process.

Why was our Sexual Health Center started?

Over the course of his 25-year practice, Dr. Michael Werner, a urologist specializing in male sexual dysfunction and infertility, learned a lot about the lives of the men he treated, and he could not ignore the plain fact: women were suffering from different types of sexual dysfunction and there was very little help. Read more.

Read about a typical first visit at our Female Sexual Health Center.