Sex is meant to be pleasurable, but enthusiastic lovers can sometimes take things too far in the heat of the moment. Certain vigorous activities put partners at risk for intimate injuries. While rarely serious, sex injuries cause pain and discomfort that disrupt enjoyment.
Being aware of the most frequently occurring sex mishaps can help you avoid potential pitfalls in bed. Learn how to recognize symptoms, prevent painful problems, and treat minor injuries for safer, steamier intimacy.
Common Sex Injuries That Hurt – and What to Do About Them
Sex isn’t meant to cause harm, but accidents happen. Friction, impact, and overexertion during passionate play can lead to minor wounds. Some of the most prevalent sex injuries along with tips to prevent and treat them are here:
Vaginal or Anal Tears
The vagina and anus have delicate tissues that are prone to tearing during penetration. Warning signs include:
– Sudden, sharp pain during insertion
– Bleeding during/after sex
– Burning, stinging, or soreness after
Prevent tears by using lubricant and avoiding rushed, forceful penetration. Go slowly, communicate about discomfort, and engage in more foreplay to allow time for arousal relaxation. Apply ice packs and avoid further penetration until tears heal. See a doctor for severe pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel movements.
Cervical Bruising
When the penis or toy bumps the cervix sharply, it can cause pain and light bleeding dubbed a “bruised cervix.” Symptoms include:
– Pain felt deep during penetration
– Cramping pain after sex
– Light spotting after intercourse
– Pelvic soreness between periods
Prevent bruising by caution with positions allowing deep cervical bumping. Treat with rest, hot packs, ibuprofen, and abstaining from penetration for 1-2 weeks. See a doctor if severe pelvic pain or heavy bleeding occurs.
Pulled Muscles
Getting extra acrobatic and limber during sex can overextend muscles leading to painful sprains and strains. Most common spots include:
– Inner thighs
– Calves
– Neck
– Lower back
– Shoulders
Use warm up stretches beforehand. Avoid holding demanding positions too long. Alternate activities and take breaks. Apply ice, rest the muscle, and take OTC pain relievers to encourage healing.
Carpet and Rug Burns
Friction against any rough surface can scrape tender skin during intimate activities. Look for:
– Raw, red rash on knees, elbows, back, etc.
– Burning and stinging when contacting water or clothing
– Potential scabbing and blistering
Put down a soft blanket or towel if you plan to get frisky on the floor. Keep rashes clean and apply antibiotic ointment and bandages so they don’t become infected. Avoid broken skin contact until fully healed.
Penile Fracture
While rare, if an erect penis gets bent suddenly or forcefully, it can cause a penile fracture. Signs are:
– Sudden popping sound/intense pain during sex
– Rapid swelling and bruising
– Inability to maintain erection after
Never force or bend an erect penis. Listen if your partner expresses sudden discomfort. Seek emergency care for a suspected fracture – surgery may be required for repair.
Sex or Orgasm Headaches
Abrupt head pain during arousal or orgasm is usually caused by muscle tension in the neck and scalp. Symptoms involve:
– Sudden, severe headache
– Pain usually on one side or back of head
– Headache timing linked to sexual activity
Apply pressure and massage neck and head during onset. Take OTC pain relief like acetaminophen. Drink water and prevent dehydration which can worsen headaches. See a doctor if headaches become frequent or severe.
Scratches and Skin Injuries
Enthusiasm during intimate handling and foreplay can lead to scratched, broken skin anywhere on the body. Culprits include:
– Fingernails
– Jewelry
– Teeth
– Sex toys
Trim nails smooth, remove jewelry/watches, and file down sharp tooth edges or fillings. Cover sex toys with soft sleeves. Keep scratches clean and watch for signs of infection like redness spreading past the scratch or pus.
Muscle Cramps and Spasms
Certain positions and movements can unexpectedly seize muscles with painful contractions and cramping. Usual areas affected:
– Legs and feet – Charley horses
– Hands or toes – Claw hand
– Underarms or calves – Muscle knots
Stretch before strenuous sexual activity. Hydrate well and get enough magnesium and potassium. Gently rub, stretch, and massage cramping muscles. Use ice packs and OTC analgesics for relief.
Bruising, Bites, and Soreness
Rough play like hickeys, love bites, bondage, paddling, or choking done incorrectly can cause minor tissue injury. Note:
– Discolored skin and bruises
– Aching, deep muscle soreness
– Cuts, scrapes, or skin breaks
Always set boundaries and safe words. Avoid hitting bone, restricting breathing/blood flow, or areas prone to bruising like the neck. Apply ice to ease bite pain and swelling. Seek emergency care if bites break skin.Massage, epsom salt baths, gentle movement, and NSAIDs help soreness.
Listen to Your Body (and Your Partner’s)
Pay attention to any discomfort during intimacy and speak up immediately if pain occurs. Stop, switch positions, use additional lube, remove jewelry, trim nails, or take any other needed precautions.
Minor sex injuries are common, but avoidable with prevention and care. Maintain open communication, set boundaries, use lubricant, and start slow. Stop activity promptly at any pain. Treat small wounds properly to promote fast, infection-free healing.
While injuries can happen during enthusiastic sex, maintaining awareness and control helps avoid outcomes that kill the mood. Prioritize pleasure and safety so you and your partner can both enjoy passionate, pain-free intimacy.
Preventing Common Sex Injuries
While some mishaps are accidental, following certain precautions can greatly reduce the most prevalent sex injuries.
General Tips to Reduce Sex Injury Risk
– Use lubricant – Lube prevents the friction that causes many tissues tears and burns. Reapply frequently.
– Engage in foreplay – Allow time for arousal to prepare the body for penetration through muscle relaxation and vaginal tenting.
– Communicate – Frequently check in with your partner about comfort levels.
– Start slow – Don’t rush into intense speed and vigor which raises injury risk. Build up pace gradually.
– Pay attention to positioning – Avoid angles, depths of penetration, and weight distributions that cause pinching or strain.
– Listen to your body – Shift positions or stop if any activity causes discomfort, numbness, or pain.
– Keep nails trim – Blunt smooth nails to avoid cuts, tears, and scratches on delicate tissues.
– Remove jewelry – Rings, watches, and bracelets harbor bacteria and can scratch or cut skin.
– Use soft barriers – Place soft coverings over hard furniture edges used during sex.
– Stay sober – Excess alcohol clouds judgment needed to avoid risky behaviors.
– Strengthen muscles – Improving flexibility, stamina, and core strength prevents pulled muscles.
Tips for Safer Vaginal and Anal Penetration
– Start with fingers or small toys to warm up and slowly expand the opening.
– Pour on lube and reapply – Use extra slippery lubricant and add more frequently.
– Adopt female-led positions – The partner being penetrated should control entry pace and depth.
– Angle penis/toy downward – Curving the insertion direction prevents striking the cervix.
– Bear down and relax muscles – This opens the vaginal canal and helps entry alignment.
– If pain occurs, stop and add lube or readjust
– For anal, start ultraslow with shallow depth and toy/penis smaller than the largest stool passed.
Precautions for Rough Sex and Impact Play
– Agree upon a safe word that signals all activity must immediately cease.
– Avoid restraining hands/feet in ways that prevent tapping out the safe word.
– Establish off-limit unsafe contact areas like the neck, spine, and abdomen.
– Avoid direct strikes to bones, organs, joints, and the head region. Target only fleshy, well-padded buttocks and thighs.
– Use flexible toys like floggers instead of stiff objects.
– Start softly and gradually increase intensity while frequently checking in.
– Stop immediately if any pain beyond minor discomfort is experienced.
– Never engage in breath play or choke/restrict blood flow to the brain.
Proper aftercare following rough sex involves comforting, rehydrating, and monitoring for any worrying physical or emotional responses.
Getting Prompt Treatment for Sex Injuries
While most sex wounds are minor, seek medical care right away if you experience:
– Heavy bleeding not controlled with direct pressure
– Partial or complete penile amputation
– Severe head or spinal pain after impact play
– Loss of consciousness
– Trouble breathing, speaking, or moving body parts
– Any symptoms of a stroke or heart attack
– Severe pain, swelling, or deformity in genitals
– High fever, confusion, vomiting, weakness
For less severe cases, non-emergency care can be sought if:
– Pain prevents daily activities
– Injuries don’t improve after 2-3 days home treatment
– Signs of infection like red streaks, foul odor, pus
– Persistent bleeding or discharge
– Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
– Soreness or pain lasting over one week
Don’t hesitate to call your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic to have any worrying symptoms evaluated. Some sex wounds like tears or fractures need medical attention to heal properly.
Practicing Safer Sex Protects Partners
While injuries can put a damper on your fun, taking some simple precautions helps minimize risk:
– Discuss desires, limitations, and boundaries before getting frisky
– Build intimacy through extended foreplay and arousal
– Use ample lubricant and reapply frequently
– Start gently and communicate at every stage
– Pay attention to pain or discomfort immediately
– Treat small wounds appropriately to prevent infection
– Monitor for any concerning symptoms after and follow up accordingly
Prioritizing prevention and early response stops little mishaps from turning into more troublesome issues. With openness, preparation, control, and care for your partner, intimate activities can remain mutually satisfying and safe.
