PENIS CAPTIVUS: Here is why you could get stuck during sex
It is not always a myth that couples can get stuck together during sex. The condition, medically known as penis captivus, is largely associated with traditional myth - witchcraft.
Last week Alex Muhumuza 38, a driver from Kawolo Lugazi in Buikwe district, made headlines after getting stuck in bed while having sex with a married woman Sarah Namagoye, a resident of Buwenge Town Council in Jinja district.
The two had booked a room at a local lodge in Buwenge Town Council and spent a night together.
It is not always a myth that couples can get stuck together during sex. The condition, medically known as penis captivus, is largely associated with traditional myth – witchcraft.
While rare, this curious occurrence has spurred scientific inquiry into its underlying causes, drawing upon a variety of disciplines to shed light on this enigmatic event.
Dr. Robert J. G. Chapple, a consultant urologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, England, suggests that “muscle spasms in the vaginal wall can result in a temporary clampdown on the penis, making withdrawal difficult or impossible.”
He added that one prevailing theory posits that Penis Captivus may be attributed to intense contractions of the vaginal muscles, often occurring during moments of heightened sexual arousal.
Regarding psychological factors and emotional states, Dr. Laurie Mintz, a professor of psychology at the University of Florida and author of “Becoming Cliterate,” said this also plays a significant role in sexual function and may contribute to the occurrence of Penis Captivus.
“Anxiety, stress, or fear can heighten muscle tension and interfere with the natural flow of sexual activity, potentially leading to involuntary muscular contractions that impede disengagement,” he said.
Mintz further highlighted that Anatomical variances or abnormalities within the male or female genitalia could predispose individuals to experiencing Penis Captivus.
He said, “Structural anomalies affecting the shape or size of the penis or vagina may increase the likelihood of mechanical entrapment during intercourse.”
Dr. Linda Brubaker, a urogynecologist and dean of the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, highlights vaginismus as a potential risk factor for Penis Captivus.
He explains that medical a condition like this, “is characterized by involuntary muscle spasms of the pelvic floor muscles, which can result in painful intercourse and difficulty with penetration, potentially exacerbating the risk of genital entrapment,”
In Uganda, this is not the first time such incidents are happening in the same area. Last year, a taxi driver from Swanu Zone and a woman he had invited to a rented house got stuck together.
While the exact mechanisms underlying Penis Captivus continue to elude definitive explanation, ongoing research and interdisciplinary collaboration offer promising avenues for further exploration.
Experts say that by integrating insights from urology, gynecology, psychology, and sexual medicine, healthcare providers can better understand the multifaceted factors contributing to this intriguing phenomenon and develop more effective interventions and support strategies for those affected.
