MRI scans are strong diagnostics with high-definition images of what lies inside a body. Strong magnetic fields require precaution, as brought out by an instance where a young woman suffered very serious injuries due to an oversight in a metallic core within a silicone sex toy that she happened to have before the MRI scan. This makes a stark reminder about the potentially deadly consequences of missing metal objects when such procedures are being performed. In April 2023, a 23-year-old woman went into an MRI with a silicone plug containing a metal core that was not known.

She thought that the item is made entirely out of silicone according to the advertising. However, the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine interacted with the hidden metal, dragging the object through her body and causing excruciating pain. According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the scene was harrowing, with the woman screaming in agony and requiring immediate hospitalization. Despite pre-scan screenings, which are routine prior to a scan, the patient did not inform the facility that the object existed because he presumed it was purely non-metallic. This caused serious injuries that led to the patient's law suit against the manufacturer for deceitful misrepresentations of material content.

MRI machines employ magnets between 0.5 to 3 Tesla (T). This is thousands of times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. The tremendous force causes ferromagnetic materials, like iron and nickel, to be magnetized quickly and become strongly attracted toward the magnet. Objects as small as hairpins or paper clips will accelerate at 40 miles per hour inside the magnetic field.

The force can lead to catastrophic injuries in items lodged within the body, such as metallic implants or foreign objects. Metallic cores within devices, like pacemakers or intrauterine devices, must be disclosed to radiologists to prevent such complications.

How Metal Objects Interact with MRI Fields?

On these claims, Dr. Adam Taylor, a specialist in human anatomy, weighed his words in a international health website and added that the distance away and mass of this object would increase its velocity towards that of sound, "The acceleration would be phenomenal, but with a metallic core, it can't go anywhere near supersonic speeds. As for the size, the magnetic acceleration to the internal soft tissues would ensure that there could be severe intracranial trauma."

The injuries inflicted in this case likely involved damage to major blood vessels, nerves, or organs, highlighting the devastating impact of even minor oversight during an MRI scan.

This is not an isolated case. There are documented cases of metallic objects causing serious damage during MRI scans with a 65-year-old man with schizophrenia swallowed metal objects, including sockets and a hinge pin. The powerful magnetic field during an MRI scan caused the objects to rupture his stomach, resulting in serious injuries.

A toddler who ingested 11 small magnets perforated his bowel while undergoing a scan, making his case unique. In another deadly but extremely rare incident, there have been people who hide a firearm on themselves during MRI procedures. Magnetic attraction can trigger a discharge in a weapon and has led to some fatal injuries.

These cases emphasize the very strong need for adequate screening and patient education prior to an MRI.

Preventing MRI-Related Incidents

Medical professionals have been trained to avoid risks. This is by properly screening a patient for metallic objects. In general, most pre-scan protocols include:

• Patients are interrogated about implants, recent surgery or exposures at work related to metals.
• Radiologists sometimes use handheld metal detectors to search for hidden items.
• People who work with metal, like welders or machinists, will need additional testing to detect microscopic metal fragments within soft tissues or eyes.

The case emphasizes the importance of product labeling by manufacturers, especially those products that are likely to unintentionally cause harm to health. The patient's assumption that her device was 100% silicone points to a larger problem in consumer markets with misinformation.

It also reminds the patients to report any possible dangers to the medical professionals, no matter how the objects look non-metallic. In sensitive cases, patients can request private discussions with healthcare providers to ensure safety without discomfort.

In the end, it is a joint effort from manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients that can prevent such tragedies. Manufacturers must ensure truthful marketing, while healthcare providers should educate patients about the dangers of metal objects in MRI settings. For patients, understanding the risks and actively participating in pre-scan disclosures can be lifesaving.

This young woman's experience is a sobering example of the unforeseen dangers posed by MRI machines when precautions are overlooked. It serves as a wake-up call to address gaps in patient awareness, medical protocols, and product transparency. By learning from this incident, the medical community and the public can work together to ensure MRI scans remain a safe and effective diagnostic tool.

DengiAll, India's first indigenous dengue vaccination, has completed its Phase-III human trials across 19 locations in India and is now waiting for final approval before being distributed across the country.

The vaccine, which has been in development since 2008 and is set to hit shelves in 2027, is a single dose medication that protects patients from all four variants of dengue fever.

Made by Panacea Biotec with technology from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), the vaccine aims to provide long-term immunity and reduce the significant public health burden of dengue fever in India and globally.

Dr Syed Khalid Ali, Chief Scientific Officer at Panacea Biotec told The Print, "Dengue has puzzled scientists and immunologists for decades now. People infected with it can show anything from mild flu-like symptoms to even death. A lot of it has to do with the serotypes of dengue, and how they interact with each other.

"DengiAll has been in the making for over 15 years, and it comes at a time when half the world’s population is at risk of dengue. There’s no question about need. We needed such a vaccine yesterday.”

How Does It Work?

DengiAll works by using live, weakened versions of all four dengue virus types (DEN1, DEN2, DEN3 and DEN4) in a single shot to train the immune system to recognize and fight all variants of the virus and and protect the body from future natural infections.

The vaccine is also a tetravalent vaccine meaning that it is designed to provide balanced immunity against all four variants and overcome the challenge of each of the different types, making it a crucial feature as getting a second dengue infection with a different serotype can be more severe and deadly.

Dr Ali explains, "The catch is, if you get infected with one serotype, you’re only protected from that one type. You can very likely get infected with dengue again, with another serotype. In fact, the second infection is more likely to be severe, even life-threatening."

Why Is This Vaccine Necessary?

Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, dengue presents with high fever, headache, joint pain and rash, and while often severe forms can be fatal. Over the years,

the mosquito-borne disease has become a major public health concern in India, ranking among the top 30 countries with the highest incidence of the disease.

States such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra often report high case numbers annually after monsoons due to climate change, urbanization, and multiple virus strains. According to Global HealthCare Academy, around 1.5 to 2 lakh people fall sick from it every year.

The global incidence of dengue has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with more than 129 countries reporting dengue viral disease by the end of 2023, according to the World Health Organization.

Apart from DengiAll, Butantan-DV is the only other single-dose, live-attenuated dengue vaccine approved in Brazil for ages 12-59 and is expected to rollout in 2026.

AIIMS New Delhi launched free cervical cancer screening through January as a public interest drive. In India, in every 8 minutes, 1 woman loses her life to cervical cancer, however, doctors say that it is highly preventable. Thus, as part of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Preventative Oncology at the Institute of Rotary Cancer Hospital and the National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the College of Nursing, is offering the WHO-recommended HPV testing, follow-up care, and vaccination.

Who Can Undergo These Screening?

• Women who are of the age 30 to 65 years can undergo cervical and breast cancer screening from Monday to Friday between 9am to 3pm.

• HPV vaccination is available for girls aged 9 to 14 years on Saturday between 9am to 12 noon at the New RAK Building, AIIMS.

• Community screening drives are also conducted across NCI Jhajjar through January 2026.

Dr Pallavi Shukla, Associate Professor of Preventative Oncology, AIIMS, who is coordinating the programme said, "This is one cancer which is absolutely preventable. Women should not neglect their health at any age, we must make earnest efforts to eliminate cervical cancer from India."

Also Read: Every Two Minutes, One Woman Loses Her Life To Cervical Cancer: UN

What Is Cervical cancer?

Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that develops in layers of the cervix. It is caused by abnormal cell growth that can spread to another part of your body. There are two main types of cervical cancer. These are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

Cervix is located in the pelvic cavity, about 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal. It serves as the entrance to the uterus to the vagina. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all cervial cancer are linked to human papillomaviruses (HPV) which are transmitted through sexual contact.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread.

Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding after sex
• Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods
• Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
• Advanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix):

Persistent symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer

• Painful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleeding
• Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine
• Persistent dull backache
• Swelling of the legs
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen

How Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?

Cervical cancer is largely preventable and, when detected early, highly treatable. The World Health Organization recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, before they become sexually active, along with regular cervical screening from age 30, or 25 for women living with HIV.

Despite this, unequal access to vaccination, screening and treatment continues to drive higher rates of illness and deaths in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia.

Pilot project to provide menstrual cups to school and college students in selected districts of Karnataka has been successfully implemented and now the Department of Health and Family Welfare has decided to expand the scheme across the state. The Government order noted a revised administrative approval which granted to provide 10,38,912 menstrual cups at a cost of more than Rs 61 crores through Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

This decision is said to cut government expenditure on sanitary napkins by Rs 10 crores. The government spend Rs 71 crores to purchase 2,35,74,084 sanitary napkins annually to provide to beneficiaries of the Shuchi scheme. The revised order states that the department will continue distributing sanitary napkins for the next three months, after which students will be provided one menstrual cup for the following academic year.

What Are Menstrual Cups?

Menstrual cups are a small, reusable intimate product used to collect period blood. It is not only good for maintaining menstrual hygiene but is also good for the environment.

How To Insert A Menstrual Cup Correctly?

Learning to use a menstrual cup properly might take some time and practice. If you have questions about which cup to choose or how to use it, your gynecologist can provide guidance. It's common to have some difficulty during the first few uses, but most people become comfortable by their third menstrual cycle. Here is how you insert it for use:

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before handling the menstrual cup.
• There are various ways to fold the cup for insertion, such as the C-fold, 7-fold, or punch-down fold. Experiment to find which one works best for you.
• Find a comfortable position, such as squatting or sitting on the toilet.
• Gently insert the folded cup into your vagina, aiming it towards your tailbone.
• The cup should sit just below your cervix and feel comfortable. It should sit lower than a tampon.
• Once inserted, the cup should open and create a slight suction against the vaginal walls. You can gently rotate the cup or run a finger around the base to ensure its fully open.
• If your experience any pain or discomfort, it’s important to consult with a health care professional or your gynecologist.

Dangers Of A Poorly Fitted Menstrual Cup

The problem arose because the menstrual cup wasn't sitting where it is supposed to be. The cup was pressing on the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, essentially blocking the flow. This blockage led to pain and other symptoms for the woman. While this is a very rare occurrence, it emphasizes the importance of understanding how the cup interacts with your body.

Lancet health explains that a poorly fitted menstrual cup can cause issues like leakage from improper fit or fullness, pain or minor injuries from insertion, rare allergic reactions, and possible urinary problems due to urethral irritation or blockage. Though infrequent, IUD dislodgement has been reported, but it's difficult to definitively link it to cup use. Infections, including the very rare toxic shock syndrome (TSS), are possible if cups aren't properly cleaned, but studies suggest they may be less risky than tampons or pads. Overall, while complications are possible, they are generally infrequent.

The size of the cup, how it's placed, how long it's used, and each person's unique body shape all play a role. Even though this kind of complication is unlikely with regular use, it's a good reminder to pay attention to how you use menstrual cups and to be aware of potential issues.

The size of the cup, how it's placed, how long it's used, and each person's unique body shape all play a role. Even though this kind of complication is unlikely with regular use, it's a good reminder to pay attention to how you use menstrual cups and to be aware of potential issues.