Future of Sex
tagline
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
  • Replika Romance: Meet the Humans Forming Romantic Relationships With AI

  • The Future of Sex Is Mind-Reading AI That Reveals Your Deepest, Most Unconscious Fantasies

  • Sex Robots Are Getting Closer to Feeling Human-Like With Second Skin Materials

  • 2023: Innovating Sustainable Infrastructure for Sex Tech

  • Speaking Out: Red Umbrella Podcast Talks Sex Work

  • Sex Tech Predictions in 2023: Challenging Mainstream Supply and Demand

  • Coming to a Crescendo: MysteryVibe’s Crescendo 2 Vibrator Review

  • Sex Tech News: The VDOM places second at Black Ambition Prize, MYHIXEL surpasses crowdfunding target, and Lora DiCarlo shuts down

Future of Sex is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Home > Augmentation > Does Having an IUD Make You a Biohacker or a Cyborg?

Augmentation
Home›Augmentation›Does Having an IUD Make You a Biohacker or a Cyborg?

Does Having an IUD Make You a Biohacker or a Cyborg?

By Carolyn Stransky
December 23, 2020
904
0

Pondering the T-shaped implant's role in altering human reproductive anatomy.

A bronze cast of a Mirena intrauterine device.
A bronze cast of a Mirena intrauterine device.

Humans have been pushing the limits of our bodies for decades to achieve better sex.

We go through foreskin restoration, take pills to treat erectile dysfunction, and even dream up ways to reroute the nerves in our vaginas.

There’s an overarching term for all of this: Biohacking.

Biohacking aims to expand the range of the body’s potential by incorporating various hacks into our natural biology. These hacks range from gene editing and drug use to physical body modifications and implants. For the sake of this article, we’ll focus on the latter.

Because it’s such a diverse movement, there’s no set definition for what makes something biohacking. If we look at the intersection of sex tech and biohacking, most agree that something like turning yourself into a human vibrator “counts” as biohacking.

But when we explore further into sexual wellness and reproductive health, it becomes distinctly… less clear. Take an IUD, or an intrauterine device. 

What's an IUD?

A medical diagram of a uterus with an IUD inserted inside.

These tiny T-shaped devices are made of plastic or copper and inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They work by changing the way sperm cells move so that these sperm cells can’t reach an egg. 

Once it’s in place, an IUD is more than 99% effective against pregnancy for 3 to 12 years—without any required maintenance from the owner.

So, it’s an implanted device that alters how a biological process functions.

Does this mean that someone with an IUD is a biohacker?

Well, that depends on who you ask. To some, it’s not just about the specific device being used, but rather how that technology is being applied. 

This is how Hannes Sapiens sees it. Sapiens is the managing director of Dsruptive Subdermals, a health tech company in Sweden focused on implantable microelectronics. To him, the determining factor for whether an IUD would be biohacking or a medical intervention depends on how the device is being used in relation to the intended purpose. 

“Typically, there’s some kind of curiosity or exploration component to hacking. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to invent something completely new, but rather you took something that’s used for a certain purpose and then use it for another purpose,” he explains.

Another factor to consider is how the device is built and the type of inspections it goes through (if any). According to sexologist Carol Queen, it matters. 

“[An IUD] is a human hack of our reproductive anatomy, right? But it went through the scientific process in its development…  whereas, say, the person who wants to implant a vibrator under the skin really is experimenting on themselves,” says Queen, who works as a staff sexologist at Good Vibrations in San Francisco. 

She adds: “Mainstream information, including science and medicine, barely delves into knowledge about sexuality—you have to specialize to get that.”

Image of Plastic IUD
The Mirena IUD pictured above is a form of long-lasting hormonal birth control.

Both Sapiens’ point about purpose and Queen’s question of scientific authority is echoed by medical professionals. These considerations contribute to many other facets of implanted reproductive health. For instance, who is able to properly insert or remove a device and whether that device can be covered by insurance.

“I don’t think I’d put IUDs in the category of biohacking since my understanding is that biohacking includes some element of do-it-yourself, and IUDs are firmly part of traditional, evidence-based medicine,” says Dr. Gillian Dean, director of medical services at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. 

She cites the United States as an example: “All five brands of IUDs available are FDA-approved, and there’s not really a ‘hack’ involved—people use them exactly how they’re designed to be used.”

Among people who actually have an IUD, opinions also vary.

“My IUD is not disruptive,” says Haleigh Thomas, a social worker from Wisconsin.

“It’s a mechanism to bring my future plans to fruition. It helps me create a timeline that truly is tailored to me and my ambitions, needs, opportunities.”

Barcelona-based software engineer Vanessa Yuen disagrees:

“If drinking over-glorified SlimFast counts as biohacking, then having a device in my uterus 24/7 that ‘hacks’ my body into not making babies definitely qualifies me as a biohacker.”

Does implantable birth control make you a cyborg?

But according to Dr. Dean, we could just be asking the wrong question: 

A more appropriate question might be if having an IUD makes you a cyborg. I think you could make a pretty strong argument there if we define a cyborg as someone whose human physicality or abilities are enhanced by implants or other technology.

This is part of the beauty of biohacking. Because it’s such a broad subculture, people are able to self-identify and join the community as they see fit.

“Anyone who self-identifies as a biohacker is, in my view, super welcome to do so,” says Sapiens.

“No matter if you’re taking supplements, hacking your sleep, or if you’re a hardcore body mod individual, welcome. Welcome to the show.”

Regardless of if you consider an IUD a hack, it’s hard to deny the potential impact that emerging technology—and specifically biohacking—will have on reproductive health. 

“[Exploring this space] makes talking about reproductive health interesting in novel ways,” says Sapiens. 

Maybe we can discover some completely new benefits from these devices. Maybe we can stick sensors in there and gather statistics or maybe we can put LED lights in them. And who knows what that might lead to in terms of exploring novel dimensions of what we humans can experience.

Image source: Sarah Mirk, BruceBlaus/WikimediaCommons, Sarah Mirk

Carolyn Stransky

Carolyn (she/her) is a queer software engineer and journalist based in Berlin, Germany. She's been reporting for Future of Sex since late 2020 and served as Acting Editor from April to November 2022.

Beyond Future of Sex, Carolyn also writes about the intersections of technology and sexuality for outlets like Autostraddle, Curve Magazine and elsewhere.

You can find her most places on the Internet @carolstran.
Previous Article

The Ongoing Issue of Transphobia in Dating ...

Next Article

‘Disability After Dark’ Podcaster Launches Accessible Sex ...

Related articles More from author

  • Kenneth R. Hanson headshot
    AugmentationDating & RelationshipsSex TechVirtual Sex & Entertainment

    2022: A Call to Action for Sex Tech Industry Leaders

    December 23, 2021
    By Kenneth R. Hanson
  • Keith Haring
    Augmentation

    ‘NOT OVER’ Art Exhibit Goes Online to Preserve Legacy of HIV/AIDS Activists

    July 13, 2020
    By M. Christian
  • Screenshot of beautiful fireworks
    Augmentation

    How Many People Want Implants That Deliver Instant Orgasms?

    May 25, 2016
    By Future of Sex
  • Augmentation

    Sex on the Mind: Could Brain Holograms Lead to Direct Neural Interfaces?

    July 14, 2018
    By M. Christian
  • A nitinol implant extends from a flaccid resting state when heated.
    Augmentation

    Can a Heat-activated Penile Prosthesis Solve Erectile Dysfunction?

    January 14, 2017
    By M. Christian
  • Augmentation

    The Future of Pleasure

    April 8, 2021
    By Ross Dawson

  • Bobbi Bidochka
    Sex TechVirtual Sex & Entertainment

    Sex Tech Buzzwords and Shifting Sexual Wellness Trends in 2022

  • A woman experiences pleasure while in bed.
    AugmentationRobots

    Can You Really Make a Woman Orgasm by Remote Control?

  • Dating & RelationshipsVirtual Sex & EntertainmentImmersive Entertainment

    7 Years After Fiancée’s Passing, Man Mends His Broken Heart Using AI Chatbot

Virtual Lust is a 3D interactive sex game.
3DXChat
Discover the best virtual sex parties and 3D sex worlds.
  • TOP REVIEWS

  • Meet the Humans Forming Romantic Relationships With AI

    Replika Romance: Meet the Humans Forming Romantic Relationships With AI

  • The future of sex is mind-reading AI that reveals your deepest, most unconscious fantasies

    The Future of Sex Is Mind-Reading AI That Reveals Your Deepest, Most Unconscious Fantasies

  • Sex Robots Are Getting Closer to Feeling Human-Like With Second Skin Materials

    Sex Robots Are Getting Closer to Feeling Human-Like With Second Skin Materials

  • R/gonewildaudio's gender inclusive audio erotica

    /R/gonewildaudio: An Array of Free, Inclusive and Categorized Audio Erotica

  • Fantasy Inspired Sex Toy by Tentickle Toys

    Out of This World: How Fantasy-Inspired Sex Toys Could Be the Next Big Trend

  • Virtual Sex in the Metaverse

    Virtual Sex Will Soon Become a Reality in the Metaverse

  • OnlyBans Game Play As A Sex Worker

    Play as a Sex Worker in New Onlybans Game

  • Black chess pieces laying across an orange background.

    Teledildonics and Chess: The Unexpected Possibilities That Could Enhance Sex

  • A couple with a woman sitting on a man's lap. They each are holding the Tenuto 2 with one hand.

    Tenuto 2 Erection-Enhancing Vibrator Rises To The Occasion

  • Woman looking at a laptop in a bed. You can see a blurry European city outside of the window.

    Here’s How Often Each European Country Is Searching For Sex Toys Online

  • A Woman Showing Her Smartphone.

    Disclosing Trans-ness on Dating Apps

  • Image of Emma the AI bot.

    Will Young Women of the Future Feel Pressure to Perform Like Robots?

  • Realistic Sex Games

    Review of the Best Sex Games and Most Realistic Sex Simulators of 2021 [UPDATED]

    0
  • Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    Review of the Best Massively Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    0
  • Sex Games for Mac

    The Best Sex Games for Mac

    0
  • foot-fetish-sex-games-girlvania

    Foot Fetish Games That Will Knock Your Socks Off

    0
  • The Best RPG Sex Games of 2021

    0
Fantasy sex game Dream Sex World lets you explore your wildest desires.
Multiplayer sex world Red Light Center continues to impress with its massive userbase and incredible sex graphics.
A blonde and light-skinned love doll face sppears next to the text Go now realdollxthe future is real.
  • 27KFollowers

Like Us on Facebook

Newsletter Subscription

Sign up for our monthly newsletter sharing the very best of the future of sex from our publication and others across the web.

DreamSexWorld offers a stunning XXX 3D world filled with incredibly interactive erotic experiences.

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

RLC_ad_v2

Tweets by @FutureofSex
Future of Sex Report

Follow us

  • Home
  • About
  • ADVERTISE
  • Contribute
  • Story Ideas
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2011 - 2022 Future Exploration Network
This website or its third-party tools use cookies to improve user experience and track affiliate sales. To learn more about why we need to use cookies, please refer to the Privacy Policy.

By clicking the agree button or continuing to browse through the website, you agree to the use of cookies. Accept Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT