There is a prevalent belief among many individuals regarding the existence of a mythical phenomenon known as magun (charm) that purportedly causes couples to become stuck during sexual intercourse.

However, medical professionals have unequivocally refuted this notion, asserting that the occurrence is, in fact, a medical condition rather than a result of supernatural forces.

These physicians have offered detailed insights into the reasons behind this peculiar phenomenon experienced by couples during sex, which they have identified as a medical condition known as penis captivus. They emphasize that there is no scientific substantiation to suggest that such occurrences are attributed to charms or spells.

Penis captivus manifests during sexual intercourse when the muscles in the vaginal area contract more tightly than usual, leading to difficulty or impossibility in disengaging the penis from the vagina, as explained by the senior health experts.

Allo Health, a specialized sexual wellness clinic in India, describes penis captivus as an uncommon and extraordinary sexual issue resulting from involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, causing the penis to become lodged in the vagina during intercourse. This unsettling occurrence can evoke a sense of fear and discomfort for both partners, leaving them feeling embarrassed and vulnerable.

While the precise causes of penis captivus remain somewhat elusive, the clinic suggests that the condition may arise from heightened vaginal muscle contractions during orgasm or inadvertent clamping of the penis within the vaginal canal during sexual activity.

Wakadaily, experts in the realms of urology and sexology affirmed the plausible nature of a penis becoming stuck inside a vagina during sexual intercourse. They stress the importance of seeking assistance from healthcare professionals in addressing this issue, as forcibly attempting to disengage the penis may result in significant harm and potentially life-threatening outcomes.

The physicians expressed dismay at the prevailing misinterpretation of penis captivus as a punitive measure or trap devised by a spouse or divine entities, which subsequently hinders affected individuals from accessing appropriate and timely medical interventions.

Dr. Chidumeje Okafor, a Consultant Family Physician at the Anambra State Ministry of Health in Awka, recently facilitated the separation of a couple who experienced this condition within the state. He offers insights into the nature of this phenomenon and discusses potential treatment strategies to address such occurrences effectively.

Okafor, who further works at Iyi-Enu Teaching Hospital Ogidi, stated, “Last week, a man (32) and a lady (25) were brought to the hospital in a Sienna bus and were tied together with a wrapper. They were in a sex position called spooning. The man was taking her from behind before the muscle spasm occurred.

“Muscle spasms occur when muscle involuntarily and forcibly contracts uncontrollably and can’t relax. That morning, as they were having sex, the lady achieved orgasm and sex became painful for them.

“Unfortunately, the man couldn’t withdraw his penis from the lady’s vagina when he started feeling the pains. They called a pastor who told them that the lady was married to a mermaid and it was the mermaid that used magun on her.

“Hearing that, I quickly admitted them and gave the lady a dose of anesthesia and some pain relievers. I also gave it to the man. After that, I started calming the lady down and eventually, I separated them. They were discharged almost immediately. They were victims of penis captivus.”

He proceeded, “Penis captivus occurs when the muscles of vagina clamp down severely on the penis, preventing the man from withdrawing. This situation is common to people with a history of vaginismus.

“This is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration. Whenever penetration is attempted, your vaginal muscles tighten up on their own. You have no control over it.

“There are two types of vaginismus that affect young or elderly people. One affects very religious people who have never had any vagina penetration before. The other may be those who have had penetration and later stopped due to an unpleasant experience.

“Vaginismus is the risk factor for penis captivus, while vaginitis, sexual assault, infections, and endometriosis are risk factors for vaginismus.

“The muscles that are implicated in this are mostly the muscle of pelvic floor called the levator ani muscle which provides support to the pelvic visceral structures and plays an important role in urinary voiding, defecation and sexual function.”

The physician noted, “These muscles are puborectalis, pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus. They are like diaphragms of the pelvic floor. The diaphragm prevents the chest organs, lungs and the heart, from falling into the abdomen. These three muscles also prevent organs of the pelvic from falling.

“So in penis captivus, these muscles contract intensely thereby preventing the penis from pulling out. When this happens, it’s advised that you don’t panic or allow anxiety to set in. Don’t be afraid, the more you try to forcefully remove it, the more it holds you down and you end up injuring yourselves. Call for help.”

Additionally, a Professor of Surgery and Consultant Urologist at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Onyeanunam Ekeke, agreed that “the condition is medical and not magun as people would say, especially the Yorubas, urging the victims to seek medical attention to save their lives.

“Penis captivus is an involuntary muscle spasm, painful contractions and tightening of the muscles wall of vagina, preventing any form of penetration, whether finger, penis or anything. These muscles contract intensely thereby preventing the penis from pulling out.”

He thinks that the recent surge in reported cases of penis captivus will draw much-needed attention to the topic, sparking research that can help address the stigma surrounding it.

In a 2015 article published in the European Scientific Journal, the authors explored the concept of magun, a Yoruba term gaining global recognition due to its association with mysterious and unexplained phenomena, which has raised many questions and sparked interest in understanding its significance.

“Researchers have attempted to define magun as a mystical-sexual enchantment or embargo placed on a woman (usually by her husband) to check her infidelity or as a deterrent to many (men) who otherwise could have been reckless in their sexual life.

“While it appears easier to answer the question of definition or what magun is, the workings of this phenomenon have continued to spawn puzzles and inquisitiveness thus, it generates more questions and questionings”, the authors noted.