A couple’s decision to engage in sexual activity during an MRI scan has provided scientists with intriguing insights into human anatomy. Ida Sabelis and her boyfriend Jupp participated in this unusual experiment, which has sparked both interest and questions within the scientific community.
The research, published in the British Medical Journal in 1999, aimed to explore the physical changes that occur during sexual intercourse. The findings revealed that during intercourse, particularly in the missionary position, the penis takes on a boomerang shape, with one-third of its length consisting of the root of the penis. Interestingly, while female sexual arousal was observed to raise the uterus and lengthen the anterior vaginal wall, the size of the uterus itself did not change during arousal.
Despite these valuable insights, the study uncovered a puzzling phenomenon. Among the eight couples and three single women involved in the experiment, researchers noted that every instance of sex in the MRI scanner resulted in the woman’s bladder rapidly filling. According to expert Menko Victor ‘Pek’ van Andel, this may represent an evolutionary adaptation, potentially prompting women to urinate after sex to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Notably, this theory remains unconfirmed, yet the observation was consistent across all scans, even though most participants had visited the restroom prior to entering the MRI machine.
Sabelis, who described the experience as lacking in romance, emphasized her motivation for participating in the study. As an advocate for women’s rights, she aimed to enhance the understanding of female physiology within the realms of science and medicine. She characterized the experiment as both an “act of love” and a “performance,” highlighting the significance of scientific exploration in intimate contexts.
While the MRI experiment yielded enlightening results, it also served as a cautionary tale. In a separate incident, a 22-year-old woman suffered severe injuries after a metal sex toy was inadvertently left inside her body during an MRI scan. Believing the object to be entirely composed of silicone, she did not anticipate the danger. However, the metal core reacted adversely within the MRI machine, resulting in the toy being forcefully pulled into her body. Following the incident, warnings regarding the use of metal objects during MRI scans circulated widely, emphasizing the importance of patient safety.
As scientific inquiries continue to uncover the complexities of human anatomy, experiments like the one conducted by Sabelis and Jupp not only broaden understanding but also highlight the importance of safety in medical settings.
