By C1 Staff
NEW SOUTH WALES — A new report from the UK is describing a very odd behavior performed by inmates, one that is incredibly strange and potentially dangerous.
While performing a study on the development of infection and immunity in society, researchers from the University of New South Wales’ Kirby Institute were introduced to ‘penile implants,’ where inmates would place foreign objects under the skin of their penis, according to The Atlantic.
In a survey administered to the inmates, the team found that almost 6 percent of male prisoners in correctional facilities in Queensland and New South Wales had an implant, and nearly three quarters of them were inserted while behind bars.
“As most of these penile implants are inserted in prison, these men are at risk of blood borne viruses and wound infection,” said Lorraine Yap, a Research Fellow from the School of Public Health and Community Medicine and Kirby Institute. “Harm reduction and infection control strategies need to be developed to address this potential risk.”
While the survey did not ask why the inmates had chosen to engage in this practice, other sources state that such a practice is meant to make the bearer “more memorable to their sexual partner,” to pledge allegiance to a gang, or even to inflict pain during sex.
Some of the objects inserted included beads made from melted toothpaste caps, buttons, dice, and deodorant roller balls.