Gallery of the Uncommon
INESC Porto spearheads new technology
A project that will develop a deeper understanding of vaginal exploration (medical exploration, of course).
Following the analysis of the aesthetics of breasts, the researchers at INESC Porto have turned their attention to the pelvic region. The project is called BioPelvic and consists of a vaginometer which is not to be confused with any other mileage meter. This is a phallic device with sensors and yes ladies, there is a wireless version.
Don’t worry, there’s no need to call out the Inappropriate Police, our researchers have good intentions (or at least that’s what they’ve told us). BioPelvic will be used to prevent disorders linked to the female pelvic floor muscles such as uterine prolapse, loss of bladder control, bowl incontinence and other abnormalities associated with the urinary and gastrointestinal systems. So that’s cleared up any doubts about other more unorthodox uses!
Moreover, the people involved are serious researchers, in addition to our guys at UOSE, who are always on the front line of research; scientists from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IDMEC) and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) are also taking part in this project.
The curious will certainly be interested to know exactly how the infamous vaginometer works. Perhaps there is not much science in this part; the shape of the device, which must not be confused with a potentially dangerous missile, is pretty self explanatory. But those interested in sensors and signal processing can always ask the committed team at INESC Porto for more information. Ok, so that leaves us with the issue of hygiene. Worry not; it would be difficult to find a device safer than the Biopelvic vaginometer. From partner to partner, or, patient to patient, the device is not only scrupulously cleaned and polished, but not one, but two condoms are used for extra safety.
The vaginometer has, of course, been put to the test, or this wouldn’t be real science. Whether the result was what the volunteers expected, we will never know. But even more mysterious is the motive that led one of the researchers involved in the development of this cutting edge technology, to keep a photo of the device proudly saved on his personal mobile phone.
