Couple Engages in MRI Experiment to Study Sexual Anatomy

A couple has participated in a unique scientific experiment that involved engaging in sexual intercourse inside a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. This unusual study, conducted by researchers and published in the British Medical Journal in 1999, aimed to provide insights into human anatomy during sexual activity.

Ida Sabelis and her boyfriend, Jupp, volunteered for the project, which sought to explore the physiological changes that occur during sex. According to the study, the researchers concluded that “taking magnetic resonance images of the male and female genitals during coitus is feasible and contributes to understanding of anatomy.” Notably, the results revealed that during intercourse in the “missionary position,” the penis takes on a shape resembling a boomerang, with one-third of its length comprised of the root. The study also noted that during female sexual arousal—prior to intercourse—the uterus elevates while the anterior vaginal wall elongates, although the size of the uterus remains unchanged during arousal.

While the findings were insightful, researchers encountered an unexpected phenomenon. Among the participants, which included eight couples and three single women, scientists observed a common occurrence: the women’s bladders filled rapidly during the scans. Menko Victor ‘Pek’ van Andel, an expert involved in the study, suggested this could be an evolutionary adaptation intended to encourage women to urinate after sex, potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. Van Andel noted, “In every final scan, we could see a big, full bladder, even though most of the women went to the toilet before they went inside the MRI.”

Sabelis, reflecting on the experience, described it as lacking romance but emphasized her commitment to advancing understanding of the female body in medical science. She stated that the endeavor was an “act of love and a performance,” highlighting her advocacy for women’s rights in scientific research.

The study’s scientific approach contrasts sharply with another incident involving an MRI scan that resulted in serious injury. A 22-year-old woman faced significant harm after a sex toy, mistakenly believed to be entirely made of silicone, contained metal at its core. During her MRI procedure, the metal reacted with the machine, leading to the dangerous extraction of the toy from her body. Reports indicated that the foreign object was pulled into her chest cavity, resulting in major injuries, although she survived the ordeal.

Social media users have since circulated warnings against wearing metal objects during MRI appointments, with one individual sharing a graphic image accompanied by the cautionary message, “Never wear a butt plug to your MRI appointment. My God.”

These contrasting narratives highlight the complexities and potential risks associated with MRI technology in personal and scientific contexts. While Sabelis and Jupp’s participation contributed valuable knowledge to the field of sexual health, the other incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by foreign objects in medical settings.