Device to make the earth move

by JENNY HOPE, Daily Mail

When Jane Fonda was hooked up to a sexual pleasure machine in the movie Barbarella, the idea seemed as bizarre as the 41st century space heroine she portrayed.

But according to a scientist, an electronic device could soon be on the market which will make the Earth move for women every time.

Implanted in one of the buttocks, it promises to give an orgasm at the push of a remotecontrol button.

Surgeon Stuart Meloy has won approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to test the

device on women who have problems reaching a climax. If given the go-ahead, it is expected to cost about £8,000.

As well as Barbarella, Woody Allen's futuristic movie Sleeper also had an idea for a sex machine - named the Orgasmatron.

Volunteers for the 21st century version have a matchbox- sized signal generator implanted, connected by wires to the appropriate nerves in the spinal cord.

A hand-held remote control causes it to send electrical impulses which trigger an orgasm.

In October, Dr Meloy implanted wires in the spine of a woman who had not had a climax for four years, says a report today in New Scientist. 'When the device was switched on, the patient reported being almost instantly aroused,' said Dr Meloy. 'She described it as "really excellent foreplay".'

The patient wore the device for nine days, during which she had sex with her husband seven times and experienced a climax each time.

'She told me she had the first multiple orgasm of her life,' said Dr Meloy, from North Carolina.

He stumbled on the idea two years ago while performing a routine pain-relief operation on a woman. During the procedure two electrodes are inserted in the spine and tiny pulses of electricity applied. Patients are kept conscious so they can say when they feel less pain. 'I was placing the electrodes and suddenly the woman started exclaiming emphatically,' said Dr Meloy.

'I asked her what was up and she said, " You're going to have to teach my husband to do that".'

Dr Meloy tried to sell the patented idea to a company called Medtronic but the company lost interest and he decided to carry out his own trials.

He insists the implant is no riskier than a pain- relieving epidural, even though such procedures can trigger backache in up to one in five patients. However, experts doubt whether women will be queueing to try it. Dr Marca Sipski, of Miami University, said: 'Why would you do it invasively if you can do it with a vibrator?

'My research shows that orgasm is a purely reflex response. Even the sensation associated with orgasm does not require the brain. Women with complete injuries to the spine can still experience orgasm.'

Paula Hall, a sex therapist with Relate in the UK, says most cases of sexual dysfunction are psychological. 'Lack of self-awareness and not experimenting enough are the most common reasons.

'Where all else has failed, some people might consider surgery but I don't think having an operation is going to catch on.'

j.hope@dailymail.co.uk

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