Science is often shown as people in white lab coats working with test tubes and machines, but real research does not always look like that. Many studies involve unusual setups that might seem strange to people outside the field, and this experiment was one of those rare cases.
In 1991, Ida Sabelis and her boyfriend Jupp agreed to have sex inside an MRI scanner as part of a medical study. What started as an unconventional idea turned out to offer valuable insight into human anatomy.
When describing what they observed inside the body, the study explained: “The images obtained showed that during intercourse in the ‘missionary position’ the penis has the shape of a boomerang and 1/3 of its length consists of the root of the penis.”
“During female sexual arousal without intercourse the uterus was raised and the anterior vaginal wall lengthened. The size of the uterus did not increase during sexual arousal.”
She admitted that at the time, she had no idea the experiment would become so well known or continue to be discussed decades later.
While speaking to the host, she recalled: “This was one of the first MRI machines ever, so taking the photos took some time.”
“So it was hilarious in that sense. Jupp and I wriggled into that machine and started doing our thing. Thankfully we didn’t get claustrophobic.”
She also made it clear that the experience was not romantic, even though it involved intimacy. Still, she described it as an act of love and a performance carried out for the sake of science.
