Even the most playful of romps can have unintended consequences. Considering all the bumping and grinding that goes on during sex, it’s no surprise that injuries sometimes occur—from next-day soreness in sensitive orifaces to more serious issues From vaginal cuts or tears, rug burns, to fractured penis, there are many sex injuries that can be avoided.
Rug/Carpet Burn
Fooling around on the floor can be adventurous but may also lead to a painful friction burn on the skin that rubs against the carpet. The best way to avoid this is to first lay down a blanket or sheet. But if you were so spontaneous that you didn’t have time to prepare and you become injured, wash the affected area with mild soap and cool running water to reduce inflammation, swelling, and the risk of infection. Dry the skin thoroughly. If the lesion is weepy, cover it lightly with gauze or a bandage. Don’t apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which could cause further irritation.
Vaginal Tears
Vagina cuts or tears can be as painful as they sound. Tears can cause pain, bleeding, and even infection down the line. These surface cuts in sensitive vaginal skin often occur when a woman engages in intercourse but isn’t lubricated enough. The vagina isn’t as elastic as it should be, and tears and abrasions result. As uncomfortable as they can be, vaginal cuts generally heal quickly, even within hours after sex. If a day or two pass and the pain doesn’t subside, or bleeding doesn’t stop, check-in with your doctor. Since you definitely don’t want this kind of tearing to happen again, next time you and your partner hit the sheets, make sure you’re thoroughly lubricated naturally (lots of foreplay usually gets your waterworks going) or with the help of a store-bought lubricant.
Fractured Penis
The penis can become significantly bent while erect, rupturing the membrane lining the corpora cavernosa, the spongy tissue in the penis that fills with blood during an erection. As with a bone, a penile fracture may be accompanied by a snapping sound, followed by severe pain, bruising, and swelling. This injury is most likely to occur when the penis is at an extreme angle during intercourse. A 2014 study found that the woman-on-top position posed the highest risk for this injury. Another risky position was doggy style. A suspected penis fracture merits an immediate trip to the emergency room, as it often requires surgery to repair.
Muscle Spasms
If you’ve ever stayed in one position for too long, then you likely know all about muscle cramps and spasms. These occur when your muscles get too tired or fall asleep, and it can be momentarily painful. Some ideas to avoid this experience are to stay hydrated, switch positions more often (even if it is a momentary pause), or increase your overall flexibility by adding stretching into your daily routine. If you need to do other things to address the cramp, you can ice the area using ice cubes, or add heat by moving into the bath or shower.
Broken Bone
Yes, you can even break a bone or sprain a joint by getting frisky. These injuries might range in severity from bent fingers to cracked ribs depending on the situation, but most commonly these injuries come from falling off a bed, slipping in the shower or by dropping your partner. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t get so caught up in the moment that you don’t notice you’re about to fall off the bed or slip in the shower.
Vagina Soreness
To treat a tender, achy, or stinging vagina after sex, take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen. Soaking in a lukewarm bath may help ease soreness, too. If you experience it a lot post-sex and aren’t sure why, it is best to evaluate the circumstances. Are you being too rough? Maybe take the intensity down a notch. Does your partner do a lot of rapid thrusting without enough lubrication? If neither of these are behind the tenderness, you doctor can help you pinpoint the problem.
Head Trauma
When the lights are out and the action is heating up, it’s not uncommon for one partner to hit their noggin into the headboard, causing serious pain and dizziness. The injury could just be a hard smack with no lasting damage, or it may be a concussion, which is much more worrisome. A bang to the head probably means you’ll have to stop the sex session and grab some ice, which can help swelling go down. Watch for signs of a concussion such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If these occur, even a day or two later, see a doctor ASAP.
