It's been fairly well-documented that antidepressants can diminish sexual desire—I've mentioned it here before and, yep, you're right, I should have said something about it again. I just wish peoples' doctors would always address this possibility and perhaps suggest ways of dealing with it so that their patients are somewhat prepared to tackle the issue with their partners (and themselves).

Despite the fact that SSRI manufacturers are aware of this significant consequence, they don't seem to be clambering to fund studies to figure out why sexual dysfunction is a factor for a good percentage of people who take their drugs. The labelling on Prozac (available for viewing at http://tinyurl.com/lvmukh) states, "there are no adequate and well-controlled studies examining sexual dysfunction with fluoxetine [Prozac] treatment." It's surprising, in a way, that they haven't instigated one themselves—big pharmacy has shown immense initiative when researching new drugs to aid in sexual dysfunction when there's a potential windfall involved (see the documentary Orgasm Inc. for more on this)—but perhaps when it comes to many antidepressants, it's just more profitable to continue broadcasting the notion that alleviating depression trumps any unpleasant side effects.

All this is to say that you cannot put your fate in the hands of companies that seem to have no interest in being fully accountable for their products—it only panders to the notion that you can do the same. A person who has taken the initiative to go on antidepressants must also be prepared to deal with potential side effects. In the case of a diminished sex drive, you can't simply turn away from a partner or make insensitive remarks about their own undeterred libido; you must at least be willing to discuss options and give them some agency in the situation. This may involve taking a drug holiday with the consent of a doctor in addition to seeking therapy, either by yourself or as a couple, and looking into alternative therapies that don't include libido-reducing side effects. It's a lot to handle, I know, but if we're going to continue turning health matters over to industries that are still tinkering with formulas, we need to take some personal responsibility when we use their products.

The good news is that it can be repaired. I have had two cack out on me under similar circumstances (one of them actually exploding spectacularly where the cord meets the vibrator and taking out power in two rooms of the house) and now both are mended and in perfect running order. The bad news is that the person who fixed them is a theatre technician friend who is not quite ready to begin a side business fixing ladies' health massagers. "I'm afraid to open up shop because I don't have the tools or the know-how to repair anything that is all moulded and sealed," he says, but does concede that the Wand is a cinch to repair; so if you have any friends who are handy, you might try consulting them. If not, you'll have to find an amenable small appliance repairperson in your area. Don't be discouraged if you phone tradespeople and they behave as though you're crank calling (and welcome to my world every time I consult a business generally unrelated to the sex industry)—if you're persistent you'll find someone. I spoke to Reg of Reg's Appliance Service (www.regsappliance.com—is he cute or what?) just to get an idea about price and willingness. Reg services East Toronto and Scarborough and says he would happily do a repair such as this, but only if you purchased a replacement cord through the original manufacturer. "You don't want to try to patch another cord onto it or be soldering and taping a cord," he warns. "You really don't want to get a shock when you're using something like that." Just so you know, though, one of mine was patched and the other rewired with the old cord and I've been shock-free so far.

Reg charges $50 an hour and suggests you order your own parts, given that, if he or any other repairperson has to order the cord, you'll likely be paying for their time. He estimates it would take less than half an hour to do the repairs, so that bit would cost you around 15 or 20 bucks. Global Electronic Supplies is where you'll want to order your replacement cord and you can do this by calling 1-800-668-8776. The part number is HV 250R907 and with tax and shipping it would cost you around $25. Altogether, you're looking at $45, a saving of around $30 dollars over buying a new one.

Whatever direction you choose, one way to keep the cord in good shape is to not wind it around the vibrator itself, which twists it unnecessarily and compromises the wiring, but to simply bundle and tie it off below the vibrator.