Medical experts have dispelled the popular myth of “magun” as the cause behind couples getting stuck during intercourse, asserting that it is a medical condition known as penis captivus.

Contrary to beliefs in charms or spells, physicians emphasize that there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims.

Penis captivus occurs when the muscles in the vagina contract more forcefully than usual during s3xual intercourse, making it challenging or even impossible to withdraw the penis. India’s Allo Health, a dedicated s3xual wellness clinic, describes it as a rare and uncomfortable condition arising from involuntary contractions of the vaginal wall muscles.

While the exact causes of penis captivus are not fully understood, theories suggest it could be triggered by excessive vaginal muscle contraction during orgasm or accidental clamping down on the penis. Experts in urology and s3xology emphasize the importance of seeking professional help, cautioning against attempting to forcefully remove the penis, as it may lead to serious harm.

A recent case presented by Dr. Chidumeje Okafor, a Consultant Family Physician, highlights the experience of a couple stuck in a s3x position called spooning. The muscle spasm occurred after the lady achieved orgasm, causing pain and difficulty in withdrawal. The misconception of magun was addressed as Dr. Okafor administered anesthesia and pain relievers, successfully separating the couple.

Dr. Okafor explains that penis captivus is associated with vaginismus, an automatic reaction of the vaginal muscles to the fear of penetration. Two types of vaginismus, affecting both religious individuals and those with unpleasant past experiences, are considered risk factors for penis captivus.

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Okafor, who also works at Iyi-Enu Teaching Hospital Ogidi, said, “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 s3x 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 s3x, the lady achieved orgasm and s3x 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 continued, “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, s3xual 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 s3xual function.”

The physician added, “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.”

Dr. Onyeanunam Ekeke, a Professor of Surgery and Consultant Urologist, emphasizes the medical nature of penis captivus, dismissing notions of magun. He describes it as an involuntary muscle spasm and tightening of vaginal muscles, preventing any form of penetration.

As cases of penis captivus gain attention, medical professionals urge affected individuals to seek prompt medical intervention to avoid potential harm. The debunking of myths surrounding this condition encourages open discussions and research to better understand and address penis captivus.