Bat Sheva Marcus, LMSW, MPH, PhD, lives in Riverdale with her husband and three children, and is clinical director of The Medical Center for Female Sexuality in Purchase, which she helped found in 2000 with Dr. Michael Weiner, a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist.
Marcus founded the center after getting masters degree in social work from Columbia University. The licensed social worker subsequently obtained a doctorate in human sexuality.
When not spending time with her husband and children, attending the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, where she is a member, and coaching “A League of their Own, a girls only softball league run through the synagogue, Marcus works tirelessly to treat patients at MCFS.
The center’s founding coincided with the advent of Viagra 10 years ago, which changed the way the public viewed male erectile dysfunction, and provided a successful treatment to what was once believed to be a purely psychological issue.
The center aims at treating female sexual dysfunction with the same vigor as male “ED.” MCFS was the first center in the area to address the fact that sexual problems often combine medical and psychological concerns, and has helped hundreds of women reach their full sexual potential.
“As we learn more about women’s sexual function, we are discovering there are physiological causes for sexual dysfunction that are not all in women’s heads,” Marcus said. “We have helped hundreds of women enjoy the improved quality of life that comes with a satisfying sex life.”
Marcus noted that sexual satisfaction is relative to the particulars of each person’s natural drives.
“Don’t worry about national averages or what other people are doing,” Marcus noted. “What is important is whether you and your partner are happy with your sex life.”
Since MCFS is a medical practice, most insurance companies generally cover treatments.
“I think that we are just starting to understand the medical part of this,” Marcus stated. “It is easier to blame things on people’s minds, but now we realize that hormonal, blood flow, and pain issues almost always include a physiological component.”
Many of the treatments for lack of female sex drive are similar to those men used, and even include Viagra. Viagra is useful for both men and women in helping with blood-flow issues, which often leads sexual concerns.
MCFS also uses a variety of modalities including topical testosterone, progesterone, papaverine, and L-Arginine.
The center uses a large range of oral medications including DHEA and Wellbutrin. Other treatments also include the Eros device, dilators, and vibrators, as well as biofeedback.
Psychological treatments include behavior modification techniques, guided imagery, and relaxation exercises.
Patients interested in learning about MCFS should call the center at (914) 328-3700 or visit them on the Web at www.centerforfemalesexuality.com.
