Sex injuries are more common than one might think. In fact, the British erotic retail chain Ann Summers (think Adam and Eve on the other side of the pond) conducted a survey and found that nearly a third of sexually active people will experience some kind of sex-related injury each year, proving that sometimes love indeed does hurt.
The best way to avoid injury during sex is to know just what might cause harm. Here are nine possible sex injuries -- and just how to avoid them.
Penile Fracture
Now here’s a story you wouldn’t want to tell your coworkers. “My husband fractured his penis during sex.” Yes, you heard us right -- his member can actually be injured during sex.
Medical Daily reports that one particular position may responsible for the greatest amount of penile fractures during sex. That position is called the “reverse cowgirl.” In this position, the woman climbs on top of the man and faces away from him during sex.
Here’s the thing: The reverse cowgirl has become quite popular due to its possible orgasm-increasing potential, so don’t rule it out altogether. If you are going to give this position a try, be careful. Take it easy on your man to prevent injuries.
Accidental Tearing
Vaginas are sensitive creatures. And if they’re not lubed up enough, they’re prone to tearing. That’s why vaginal tearing can be a common sex injury.
To help prevent vaginal tearing, make it a point to get your freak on before sex. Foreplay prepares your body for the act of sex itself. It also allows your body to lubricate naturally.
Take it slow at the beginning of intercourse and ease your way into more aggressive sex. This makes for less trauma to your nether region because it gives your vagina time to expand and adjust.
And don’t be embarrassed to use lube. After all, vaginas can become dry even if we’re aroused. Lube can help decrease the risk of this injury.
Lost Condoms
We hear legends of lost condoms and dismiss them as silly wives’ tales. But in truth, this can and does happen.
Case in point -- the story of Emily Moore. You’ll never believe what happened to this woman.
“We noticed that the condom was lost because, after everything was over, it was nowhere to be found. Not in the sheets. Not on the floor. It didn’t break. None of the pets seemed to have snuck in and gotten it. It was just missing. And let me just say: A missing condom is a terrifying condom," Moore writes on Blisstree.
So just where was this missing man cover? It was behind her uterus. That’s a scary thing.
If you’re using a condom, always make sure it’s on tight. This can help to keep it from unrolling and falling off. And if a condom does become lost after sex, go to the doctor immediately. No sex injury is worth the consequences of refusing medical help.
Rug Burn
Sometimes you’ve just got to get your groove on in places other than the bedroom. Naturally, the floor can serve as a rather welcome spontaneous locale. That is, until rug burn sets in.
To prevent rug burn, throw a blanket on the floor. While this may briefly interrupt the moment, your skin will thank you. After all, no one wants to deal with the discomfort of rug burn later – whether on the back, knees or some other part. As with any abrasion, you risk infection and pain with a rug burn.
Falling off the Bed
The heat of the moment in full swing. In truth, you’re so into it that you roll over…and fail to notice that you’re already at the edge of the bed. Unfortunately, you experience anything but a soft landing.
Injuries caused by falling off the bed during sex are more common that you’d think. In fact, The Telegraph reports that one in 10 Britons have fallen off the bed during sex. And the bedroom was ranked the fifth most dangerous location for sex in general.
Stuck Sex Toy
In the day and age of sex toy parties, it’s easy to purchase some pretty pleasurable gems in a hassle-free environment. That said, there have been reports of sex toys getting stuck.
While you’re probably not going to lose a vibrator, there are things that can “get lost in the process.” For example, it’s easy to lose track of small balls (like those used in Kegel exercises) and beads.
To prevent this situation, be very careful if you use these items. Always purchase balls and beads equipped with long strings. This makes it harder to create an “oopsie” moment.
And if you do get something stuck, go to the doctor immediately. While this can be embarrassing, it’s essential. Remember that doctors have seen it all -- even missing sex toys.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are some of the most common post-sex mishaps. And they’re downright painful.
In general, sex introduces bacteria into a woman’s body. And often, this bacteria can find its way into the urinary tract. Women most often know that they have a UTI because this type of infection causes frequent urination and burning. If left untreated, this infection can lead to a kidney infection.
To help prevent UTIs from sex, urinate right before and after sex -- even if you don’t feel like you have to go. This is the cardinal rule of sex. And drink a lot of water to flush out bacteria. If you do develop a UTI, go to the doctor as soon as possible. Antibiotics can treat the problem.
Muscle Cramping
We often hear about muscle cramping during exercise. But what about sex? Well, sex is exercise, right?
To prevent muscle cramping in general, the Mayo Clinic says there are three things you can do. The first is to stay hydrated. The second is to stretch. And the third is to apply heat and cold to the area if a muscle cramp occurs.
Applying these concepts to sex just might make for a memorable moment, so give them a try.
Falling in the Shower
While it can be exciting to get your groove on in the shower, this act can be risky. And no sex act is worth a broken bone.
If you’re going to have sex in the shower, choose a safer option than mounting him while he’s standing. Consider having sex doggie style on the ground (if you don’t have bad knees). While this might not seem as spontaneous as the rock star sex we see in movies, at least you won’t fall.