A Saudi businessman has purchased an 18-carat gold penis enlarger as a medical device under his country's trade laws.

The purchase of the custom-made device, priced at $47,000 by Canadian supplier X4 Labs, raises questions about the distinction between medical devices and novelty items.

Sex toys cannot legally be imported into Saudi Arabia. However, the client claims to have a severe skin allergy to stainless steel - medically, therefore, he requires a gold version.

"This male health accessory is the most expensive traction device ever produced," commented X4 Labs. The device has also been encrusted with diamonds and rubies at the client's request.

"It's an unusual request," said the company's owner Rick Oh. "We didn't take it seriously at first, but once he sent us a deposit, we had to agree to it."

X4 Labs now offers all customers the option of custom-made penis enlargers. Product Co-ordinator Matt West pointed to the emergence of a niche market: "There is a demographic that is willing to pay for lavish medical devices for their private areas."

For more details, visit www.x4labs.com.