Surprising ways sex-related hazards can happen

Who would ever guess that love can sometimes be a battlefield?  Or at least feel like you’ve been in one. From back injuries, pulled muscles, to cricked necks, practicing “safe” sex takes on a whole new meaning.

Normally we assume sex is supposed to be pure pleasure, fun and free of pain.  But sometimes a playful sexual escapade can have unintended consequences. Especially so when in the heat of passion, a bedroom blunder occurs. Usually these sexual mishaps are sustained in non-traditional settings outside of the bedroom – kitchen table, shower, or a staircase.

If things go wrong between the sheets, it brings to mind a song played by the 1970s band, Nazareth. Their hit song “Love Hurts” with the lyrics “love hurts, love scars, love wounds,” was meant metaphorically and not literally.  However, love occasionally can cause sex-related injuries that usually are not life-threatening but can be a source of temporary pain and misery.  Listed are some fairly common conditions that may need a gynecologists’ attention and how you can keep yourself from “getting burned when the flame is hot.”

Tears in the vagina

This usually occurs due to dryness in the vagina and not enough lubrication.  The best way to prevent this is to make sure before a man enters you, is to either go slower during sex or use a lubricant.  If vaginal tearing or bleeding still is happening after trying that approach, it’s time to see your gynecologist.  Most vaginal tears tend to be small and can heal on their own but if it is larger and is continuing to bleed, see a healthcare provider right away.

Vaginal soreness

One of the more common complaints gynecologists hear from women is vaginal soreness.  The best solution to the vagina that feels sore or achy after sex is to take a break from whatever is causing the soreness.  Taking an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen or soaking in lukewarm bath water can ease the pain.  It’s important to be well-lubricated during intercourse to ultimately prevent this. 

Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are a common female condition caused by the fungus Candida.  It manifests itself with intense itching, swelling, and irritation.  Unfortunately, once you have had a yeast infection, you’re more likely to get another one.  They can be spread by sexual contact but they are not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease. 

However, if you are scratching to relieve vaginal itching, you may inadvertently make small tears in the skin allowing bacteria or viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to enter into your body.  You don’t necessarily have to refrain from sex but the itching and burning may make sex uncomfortable.  Certain creams prescribed to treat a yeast infection can be irritating to a man’s penis and it may be advisable for him to wear a condom until the infection is cleared up.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are another annoying thing that is pretty common for most women to experience at least once in their life.  Symptoms include burning or stinging on urination, strong urge to urinate, or urine appearing cloudy looking.  First thing is to get on an antibiotic to clear up the infection.  During sex, make sure you are well-lubricated and don’t have rough sex that could end up causing tear or irritation.  It is also advisable to go use the bathroom both before and after sex to help prevent UTI-causing bacteria from sticking around in your body.  Drink lots of fluids to help flush out the bacteria. 

Foreign objects that get stuck in the vagina

You probably have guessed the most common foreign objects to sometimes get lost in the vagina – tampons and condoms.  If you realize something like a tampon or condom has disappeared inside you after having sex, wait about 10 to 15 minutes to help the vagina get back to its’ normal unaroused size, making it easier to insert two fingers inside to retrieve the object.  If you cannot get the object out, go to a doctor as soon as possible – no need to be embarrassed as they’ve seen this before and are pros at getting them out.

Back Injury

Your attempt at trying a new position rivaling acrobatic moves seen at a circus, can fail miserably when you injure your back.  Both men and women can hurt themselves particularly if they are not in the best of shape and lack flexibility.  If the injury is mild, put an ice pack on the spot to relieve inflammation.  Then, switch to a heating pad to continue soothing sore muscles.  Ibuprofen can also benefit a sore back along with basic rest.  If the pain does not lessen within a couple of weeks or gets progressively worse, make an appointment with your physician.  Now it you want to be truthful on how the injury happened, that’s up to you; otherwise be creative in your tall tale.

Penile fracture

A penis is actually not able to be “broken” as there are no bones in one, but injury can occur if an erect penis is forcefully bent, breaking the blood-filled chambers inside.  This can cause swelling, bruising, mild to moderate pain, and even be accompanied by a popping sound at the time it happens. 

Each year, around 1,000 cases of penis fractures occur in the U.S.  The most common cause is vigorous sex.  When thrusting during sexual intercourse, especially in the woman-on-top position, missing the vagina at the point of penetration can result in penile trauma.  Other common causes include penetrating the vagina before the penis is fully erect.  Most penis injuries heal on their own by refraining from intercourse for a period of time.  But if there is severe pain and bruising, a visit to a doctor is warranted. 

Rug burn

Feeling a little adventurous and decided to opt for the carpeted floor instead of the comfort of your bed’s mattress?  You may regret that if you end up getting rug burn due to friction.  If it’s just a minor abrasion, most likely nothing needs to be done.  But if the skin actually broke, clean it with an antiseptic and apply antibacterial cream.  Next time, at least put down a soft blanket.