In the most widespread version of chastity belts, gentlemen "put" these gadgets on their ladies to protect their "most precious treasure" and, thus, leave calmly to fight against the infidel. These gadgets, usually metallic, were placed between the thighs of women and had two holes that allowed urine, feces and menstrual blood to be evacuated, but prevented the entrance of daring visitors.
Other versions, not so romantic, are taking shape and deny the previous one based on health problems (ulcers, lacerations...) that could lead to long-term use (wars could last months or even years) of these "accessories". Moreover, they even believe that they could be used, in more "bearable" versions and for short periods of time, by the women themselves to protect themselves from frequent rapes, especially during soldiers' quarters, sea crossings...
And to top it off, the Scottish doctor John Moddie he pointed out that they were used to prevent women from masturbating. And at this point we come to this "word", infibulation .
Infibulation was an invention of the German S.G. Vogel in 1786 and consisted of enclosing both hands in portable boxes, in order to prevent masturbation. Normal if we think that for this individual masturbation was a disease.
P.D.:According to the RAE, the verb infibular means placing a ring or other obstacle on the genital organs to prevent intercourse and infibulation has led to the mutilation of the female genitalia.
Source:Curious Medicine Stories – Luciano Sterpellone
Photo:Medieval Shop