The O Shot: How a Revolutionary Procedure Can Reawaken Orgasms

During a girlfriend’s recent birthday lunch, the topic of aging came up. The group, which was comprised of successful women mostly in their forties, remarked on the many positives of being the age we are. We unanimously agreed that today, we are way more comfortable with our bodies, our selves, and our sexuality than we ever were in our twenties—or our thirties, for that matter. It seems experience, and both the good and the bad in life, have given us tools to stand steadfast in who we are and what we want. 

But life is also filled with trade-offs. Naturally, this lunchtime conversation turned to the other side, and we did discuss some things we missed from our carefree twenties. We never needed any set hours of sleep to look great back then, for instance (let alone function). We also now have a codependent relationship with the hair salon, as we don’t have the liberty to come and go only when in need of a haircut; we touch up the grays every six weeks. And how about the subject of sex now vs. at, say, 27?  Someone at the table had to remind us about the explosive orgasms we use to get (remember those? The ones that caused your eyes to roll to the back of your head?). But they are long gone. We all agreed, and then we laughed and laughed. Until we didn’t. Dead silence. The change in sexual desire is simply due to age. It’s inevitable—but does it have to be? 

Let’s escape this lunch scene and dissect the notion for a second. Hormones are a doozy on a woman’s body, yes. Estrogen fluctuations after having kids, being perimenopausal or carrying the stress of being a successful woman in your forties wears on the body, no matter how much you meditate, do kegels or do yoga. Is this the kind of sex life so many will have in their forties and beyond? Just decades of half-assed orgasms? 

Later, I was looking through emails when I found a pitch from Dr. Usha Rajagopal, the San Francisco plastic surgeon who is gaining traction for a procedure that “heightens and reclaims your orgasm.” It’s called the O-Shot. This procedure has been out for several years, with various doctors having more or less their own version. I researched her background, and she is reputable as well as esteemed (25 years of experience, a trainer and speaker at national plastic surgery conferences, and medical director of San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, where they have a one-of-a-kind “V Suite” for vaginal rejuvenation. The O-Shot is, for the most part, a one-and-done procedure that involves a fine medley of PRP technology, plus a syringe that is—brace yourselves—inserted directly into your clitoris. Of course, the vaginal area is numbed (that part of the procedure might have hurt the most. But since the O-Shot promised to deliver the orgasms of yesteryear, I thought it might be well worth the discomfort). This is a procedure I can wholeheartedly recommend for any woman wanting to reclaim what was once hers—her orgasm.

I say this as a beauty editor: sex and a great orgasm can do more for your skin, confidence, and overall well-being than any $800 face cream. That being said, the O-Shot costs around $1500. If you can afford it, don’t feel ashamed—make the appointment! There should never be a feeling of shame surrounding reclaiming something that will help your body and mind. If it helps to put things in a logical perspective, research says that when you spend your money on experiences vs. material possessions, it leads to greater happiness. I will only say that, in my experience, this procedure yields happiness in multiples—just like your future orgasms.

Unlocking the Beauty Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

I’m a very strong proponent of the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers. I believe this therapeutic modality might just be the closest thing we have to turning back the clock. Long favored by professional athletes, billionaire biohackers with too much time on their hands, and celebrities who are often under the scrutiny of the public eye, HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) is fairly simple as a treatment. You lie down in a capsule not unlike a tanning bed, where concentrated doses of oxygen are absorbed by your body. HBOT is superb for cellular regeneration, muscle repair, enhanced cognitive function/brain health, increased energy, and immune support. 

Now, what do I personally love about it? Let’s get real—the vanity factor, of course, because hyperbaric oxygen therapy benefits your skin and hair. The potent oxygen your body receives enhances circulation, promoting tissue repair and revitalization, resulting in a beautiful glow for your complexion. This oxygen can provide support for healthy hair follicle growth and vitality. By infusing your complexion and hair with oxygen while boosting collagen production, HBOT improves elasticity for your skin, delivering a youthful appearance that more than rivals what any topical cream can pull off. Each session runs anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour.

So, let’s get practical. How often should you indulge in HBOT? According to Dr. Mayur Patel, a notable pharmacist turned HBOT advocate and the president of OxyHealth (a leading provider of hyperbarics), it all depends on your goals. For general wellness, most providers recommend two to three sessions per week. If skin rejuvenation is your focus, aim for three sessions weekly. For injuries or medical conditions, daily sessions may be necessary for several weeks. For pre- and post-care practices, Patel suggests staying hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing, and avoiding perfume and lotion before your session. “During your session, focus on deep, steady breaths to enhance oxygen absorption, and afterward, hydrate again, engage in light movement, and enjoy a nutritious snack to aid your recovery,” he says.

As for where to experience this beneficial oxygen therapy, there are several reputable wellness centers around Los Angeles and New York City (if you live outside these self-centered zones, well, Google is your friend). I’ve enjoyed using Remedy Place in L.A.—it's clean, cutting-edge, the chambers are top-notch, and it's never crowded, so you don’t have to talk to anyone. 

As wonderful as HBOT is, no one said it was cheap. Sessions typically cost anywhere from $100 to $600. That said, my recommendation is that, if you fall in love with the experience and want to incorporate it into your lifestyle, consider renting a chamber or renting to own. OxyHealth offers a range of options, from portable soft-shell to robust hard-shell models, with prices between $9,000 and $50,000. Remedy Place also sells chambers starting around $50,000. 

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

Dr. Patel emphasizes that if you go this route, it is important to choose a chamber with FDA 510(k) clearance for safety. While soft-shell models are suitable for home use, hard-shell chambers are generally reserved for clinical settings. He also notes, “When comparing chambers, think about quality and longevity—high-quality models can last 10 to 15 years, making them a worthwhile investment in your health and beauty.”

If you take your health seriously, you’ll understand that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a potent tool for rejuvenation as well as beauty. Whether you’re tackling specific health issues or simply seeking to combat the effects of aging, I believe this therapy can significantly enhance your body’s natural repair abilities. And remember, always consult a qualified healthcare provider to tailor the experience to your needs.