This month, the Department of Veterans Affairs decided to cancel an initiative from the Biden administration aimed at providing vibrators for female veterans.
Some lawmakers and watchdog organizations view this as yet another misstep from a seemingly out-of-touch agency.
Referred to as a “clitoral therapy device,” the plan was intended to address the “clinical needs of the disabled patient population” seeking treatment under veterans’ care, according to a government bid accessed by the Post.
In a national solicitation released in 2024 and revised last July, the VA specified that these so-called CTDs must be FDA-approved, powered by AAA batteries, be “portable for female sexual dysfunction,” and favor small businesses for contract fulfillment.
However, federal authorities abruptly stopped the bidding process last week. The document released on May 6 stated, “After careful consideration, the government has decided not to enter into the CTD contract.”
The reason for this decision was not disclosed, and a spokesperson for the Department of Veterans Affairs did not provide an explanation when contacted by the Post.
Although the solicitation did not specify a contract value, the devices mentioned on the Veterans Administration’s website were priced at $359 each.
Before the cancellation, the request sought vendors that would provide FDA-approved, battery-operated devices designed for female sexual dysfunction.
“I’m a bit surprised to hear that,” said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.). “But, I suppose I shouldn’t be. And honestly, I’m a bit hesitant to look it up online.”
Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), who chairs the House Veterans Affairs Committee, commented to the Post that any VA contract should primarily benefit veterans. He noted that the VA was founded to serve while also protecting taxpayers’ investments. Bost stated that VA Secretary Doug Collins is working diligently with Congress to improve the agency’s operations, which he claims have been poorly managed during the Biden administration.
Bost and his colleagues aim to ensure that contracts related to prosthetics and surgical implants undergo Congressional scrutiny before any awards are made.
The Department of Veterans Affairs indicated that the suspension does not prevent the federal government from making “small purchases” of sex toys if deemed necessary by VA clinicians.
This move, however, did not fully satisfy some critics.
A military analyst remarked, “This decision exemplifies how progressive civilian culture has permeated military perspectives. The Department of Veterans Affairs shouldn’t be involved in every aspect of veterans’ issues. Perhaps it’s best to leave certain matters to personal discretion and online retailers.”
The agency’s website discusses a “whole-person approach to sexual health,” mentioning devices aimed at “reducing pain and improving arousal.”
The language regarding “sexual health devices” suggests they can include tools like vaginal dilators and EROS clitoral therapy devices, intended to aid women in recovering from trauma or surgical procedures.
An article from the National Institutes of Health in 2000 about the device’s FDA approval notes that this prescription-only device “uses a small vacuum pump that provides gentle suction to the local area” to increase blood flow and promote sexual arousal.
