Meet our Expert Dr. Elena Marsh Sexual Health & Wellness Specialist
Dr. Elena Marsh brings over 10 years of experience in sexual health education and clinical research to Tease and Toy. She holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Public Health from Northwestern University with a concentration in Reproductive and Sexual Health.
Dr. Marsh research explores pleasure equity, sexual wellness product safety, and the role of body literacy in healthy intimacy. Previously, she worked as a clinical sexologist and educator, supporting individuals and couples of all backgrounds in building confident, shame-free sexual lives.
A certified sexuality educator with AASECT, Dr. Marsh is a sought-after speaker at wellness conferences on topics including consent, body-safe materials, and de-stigmatizing pleasure products. At Tease and Toy, she personally reviews product content and ensures every recommendation prioritizes evidence-based, inclusive, and body-safe standards.
“I didn’t get into this field to sell products – I got into it because I kept meeting people who’d spent years feeling disconnected from their own bodies. If I can help someone feel a little more at home in their skin, that’s the job done right.” – Elena Marsh
Quick Q&A with Dr. Marsh
Q: What first drew you to this field?
Dr. Marsh: “Honestly? Frustration. I kept meeting patients who had never been given accurate, shame-free information about their own bodies. They’d absorbed so much misinformation from culture, incomplete sex ed, or silence at home. I realized there was a real need for someone to bridge the gap between clinical research and everyday, practical guidance. That’s the work I still love most.”
Q: What’s the most common misconception you encounter about sexual wellness products?
Dr. Marsh: “That using them means something is ‘wrong’ with your sex life or relationship. I hear this constantly, even from people in happy, connected partnerships. In reality, exploring pleasure is a normal, healthy part of self-care and connection. No different than prioritizing sleep, exercise, or mental wellness. I’d actually flip the narrative: curiosity about your own pleasure is a sign of self-awareness, not a red flag.”
Q: What should first-time buyers look for?
Dr. Marsh: “Two things matter most: safety and intention. Prioritize body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, or stainless steel. Avoid products containing phthalates or other concerning chemicals. If a listing doesn’t disclose material composition, that’s a red flag.
On intention, think about your goals: solo pleasure, partnered play, or both. I always tell people: don’t buy based on what’s trending, buy based on what actually fits your life.”
Q: How do you approach product safety and testing?
Dr. Marsh: “Rigorously, and without shortcuts. Every item we recommend goes through review of material composition, manufacturing standards, independent testing data. We also look at things people don’t always think to ask about – like how easy something is to clean, whether it’s compatible with common lubricants, and whether the design accounts for different bodies and abilities. Safety, inclusivity, and comfort always come before trends or hype.”
Q: Any advice for someone feeling nervous or embarrassed to explore this space?
Dr. Marsh: “Start exactly where you are. Curiosity about your body is completely normal and healthy. There’s zero shame in wanting to understand what feels good. In my clinical work, I’ve never once met someone whose curiosity was the problem; it was almost always the silence around it. Education reduces anxiety: the more you learn about your preferences, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel. And remember, you’re in control, there’s no ‘right’ way to explore, only what works for you.”
Q: How do you think about inclusivity in sexual wellness?
Dr. Marsh: “It’s central to everything I do. Bodies vary and sexual wellness resources have historically ignored a lot of that variation. I make it a point to consider accessibility features, gender-neutral language, and diverse use in every recommendation. Pleasure isn’t one-size-fits-all, and our guidance shouldn’t be either.”
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about sexual health?
Dr. Marsh: “Genuinely just health. We wouldn’t hesitate to ask a doctor about back pain or sleep issues, but sexual health questions get treated as taboo. I’d love for people to feel as comfortable asking about arousal, comfort, or product safety as they do asking about any other part of their well-being. We’re getting there, but there’s still work to do.”
Learn more about Dr.Marsh professional input on sex toys. Here are some of the many commentaries that Dr. Marsh has supported with Tease and Toy collection:
