Bedroom Bloopers: 6 Common Sex Related Injuries and How to Avoid Them

This year is all about having your best sex and, in the process, having mind-blowing orgasms. But with great rewards, there can be risks. Popstar, the better orgasm company, is breaking down six common sex-related injuries so you can proceed and penetrate with caution.

Quite possibly, the last thing any man wants to break is his penis. While it isn’t technically a broken bone (believe it or not, there are no bones in the penis), you can break your boner. A penile fracture is actually a tear in the tunica albuginea, the sheath in your shaft that helps your erection stay firm. It usually happens during aggressive thrusting, when things bend at an unfortunate angle. Ouch.

To lower the chances of breaking your boner, avoid rigorous thrusting during more difficult positions like cowgirl (or cowboy), where control is more easily lost. Statistics show that any variation of the cowgirl position is the riskiest of risky business positions. Remember, doggy style gets the job done, and you will most likely finish with your penis in one piece. If you are going to try a more involved position, keep it slow and sensual. Your penis will thank you.

The last thing you want to have happen (other than a penile fracture) is to feel a twinge in your back, a charley horse in your leg, or an unexpected sharp pain anywhere else mid-session. A pulled muscle is always a possibility with any physical activity, including sex. 

Stretch. Ok, so dropping into a lunge or child’s pose probably doesn’t make for the best foreplay. In fact, it might kill the mood entirely. While it may not be appropriate (or sexy) to stretch directly before having sex, it is all the more reason to incorporate stretching into your daily routine. It is also important to know your limits during sex and to stay hydrated. If you are staring down the barrel of an extended session, try to avoid positions that mimic advanced yoga positions.

When we think of penetrative sex, the “what goes up, must come down” theory applies. What could be sexier than Sir Isaac Newton? What goes in must come out, right? Well, not always. Another common sex injury that doctors run into is foreign objects going in…and, you guessed it, not coming out. While it isn’t impossible for adult toys to get stuck inside someone during sex, it is far less common than when using unconventional phallic foreign objects. Doctors have also found everything from electric toothbrushes to billiard balls stuck inside rectums.

If you aren’t looking to perform a vanishing act during sex, stick to body-safe toys that are designed for the activity at hand. Try to choose toys that have a base or retrieval cord. If there happens to be a magic show portion of your evening and something does disappear, try not to fish it out yourself; call a medical professional. You might be embarrassed, but that is better than having an electric toothbrush stuck inside you for the rest of your life.

An anal fissure is a tear in the anal lining caused by insufficient lubrication, foreplay, or excessive force during anal sex.

To keep your backdoor from flying off the hinges, you will need two things: preparation and lubrication. Regardless of whether you are pitching or catching, make sure both players are adequately ready and lubed to play ball.

Sex isn’t only about you. Unless you're masturbating, of course, then, by all means, make it about yourself. Sexual injuries can occur with your partner. If you are having sex with women, a vaginal tear isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. A vaginal tear occurs when there is insufficient lubrication or very rough penetration but can also occur due to sensitive childbirth-related scar tissue.

Lube, lube, and more lube. Make sure to prioritize lubrication, natural or otherwise. This is why foreplay is important: It greases the wheels, ensuring a smooth ride. If, after foreplay, things still feel a little dry, stop, address the issue, and try using water-based or silicone-based lube.

If great sex is like an earthquake, UTIs (urinary tract infections) are like potential aftershocks. A UTI happens when bacteria, often E. coli, enter the urinary tract. It isn’t just a woman’s problem; men can contract them as well, especially after unprotected sex.

There are a couple of essential befores and afters when it comes to sex. Before: make sure you and your partner are practicing good hygiene. Nothing puts you in the mood more than a steamy shower. And if you’re really feeling it, you can have shower sex. After: pee. A post-sex bathroom break helps to flush out any potential bacteria and lower the chances of infection.

In order to make sure your passion has fewer plights, always keep communication open, prioritize lubrication, and use more caution when necessary. It couldn’t hurt (pun intended) to keep a first aid kit in the house, and don’t ever let embarrassment stop you from seeking medical attention, should you need it. Always remember to be passionate, but don’t be reckless.