The Orgasmatron: tale of a pleasure implant (2014)

The Orgasmatron, a pleasure-inducing implant developed by Dr. Stuart Meloy, has garnered attention for its ability to induce orgasms at the push of a button. This device, which connects to the spine to send pleasure signals, has a complex history. Meloy, a physician specializing in chronic pain management, discovered the device's potential after a patient reported pleasurable sensations from a pain management implant. Despite the recent media buzz, the Orgasmatron has not progressed significantly since its initial concept over a decade ago, primarily due to high costs and regulatory challenges. The generators required for the device are expensive, and insurance companies typically do not cover experimental treatments. Meloy would need to conduct a costly pivotal trial to gain FDA approval for sexual dysfunction treatment, which he currently cannot afford.

The idea of pleasure-inducing implants is not new; in the 1950s, Dr. Robert Gabriel Heath experimented with brain stimulation to manage psychological disorders, discovering that certain brain regions could induce pleasure. However, public interest in such technologies waned due to ethical concerns and the rise of effective psychiatric medications. While Meloy remains hopeful about the Orgasmatron's future, experts caution against surgical interventions for sexual dysfunction, advocating for therapy and education instead. The potential for such devices raises questions about their implications for personal autonomy and emotional well-being.