"Perhaps sex should come with a Health & Safety Warning!." - Susan
6 Common Sex Injuries—And How to Deal
For when love really does hurt...you know, literally.
We can all agree that sex is pretty much one of the greatest things known to mankind. However, while it's mostly amazing, there are definitely occasional issues involved. And we're not just talking about an awkward slip-up—injuries can and do occur. We checked in with some top gynaecologists to find out which sex-related injuries are the most common—and how to deal with them should they happen to you. (Step one: Do not panic.)
Vaginal Tearing
This is perhaps the most common sex injury around. You know it's happened when you're bleeding down there after the deed, or it simply really, really hurts.
The fix: The reason tearing happens is that you're too dry down there, meaning the fix is pretty simple: Be sure you're lubricated enough before he enters you. "This can mean going slower during sex, or simply using lubricant," says Debby Herbenick, Ph.D., research scientist at Indiana University and author of Sex Made Easy. If you do all of this and you still experience tearing on the regular, see your gyno, who can prescribe certain antibiotics. If it's just a one time thing, wait it out. "Most vaginal tears are small and heal on their own," says Herbenick. "But if a cut is bigger or keeps bleeding, call a healthcare provider."
Something Gets Stuck…Up There
Yep. We're about to get graphic. The two most common "foreign objects" gynos encounter are forgotten tampons (hey, it happens), and lost condoms. And yes, gynos actually refer to them as "foreign objects." Now you know.
The fix: Start by taking a deep breath and not freaking out; these things happen and you can totally get the thing out. "The best course of action is to wait 10 or 15 minutes after you've had sex," says Herbenick. That's the time it takes for your vagina to get back to its normal, unaroused size—and it's a lot easier to reach up there in its normal state than it is when it's all engorged from sex. Then, simply take a deep breath, relax, and insert two fingers to try to get it out. If you can't, call your doctor ASAP and they can fish it out for you.
Carpet Burn
Go you for being adventurous and not just sticking to the mattress! Seriously, round of applause. However, this hot move can cause painful carpet burns due to friction (#BedroomBattleWounds).
The fix: Wash the infected area with cool water and antibacterial soap, advises Jennifer Wider, M.D., women's health specialist. If the skin is actually broken—as in, there is a physical cut as opposed to just giant redness—then clean it with antiseptic and apply antibacterial cream before putting a bandage on top. Of course, the best advice is to go on pre-emptive strike and put a soft throw down if you're having sex on a rough surface. Just be sure it's one of your backup blankets, as things could get a little, well, you know.
Back Injury
We're not ones to knock a good sex move, like reverse cowgirl or whatever else. But sadly, those "she did what?!" skills can also wreak havoc on your back.
The fix: Applaud yourself for being such a bedroom baller. Done? OK, now time for damage control. "Put an ice pack on your lower back to relieve inflammation. Then, once the inflammation subsides, use a heating pad to soothe your muscles," Wider advises. Finally, pop an ibuprofen and rest for a couple hours.
Yeast Infection
Most women who get yeast infections from sex get them either from receiving oral sex, or from having sex with a guy who has some saliva on his penis (i.e. after you've gone down on him), says Herbenick.
The fix: "Start by making sure that his penis is clean when he enters you," says Herbenick. If this means having him go to the bathroom after foreplay, then so be it. If you get yeast infections more than four times a year, you may simply be more prone to getting them in general—so talk to your gyno about that, and she can decide the best course of action.
Urinary Tract Infection
Anyone who's ever gotten one of these knows they're a real pain. Ugh. And sadly, you can get them from having lots of sex.
The fix: The best thing to do is to make sure you're lubricated enough at all times, whether that's by actually using lube, or just being sure that your partner doesn't enter you too early or go too rough. That helps prevent tears or irritation, which make UTIs more likely. Another key: Pee before and after sex. This also helps prevent UTI-causing bacteria from sticking around in your body. And finally, if you know you're prone to getting UTIs, take cranberry extract regularly; it keeps bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder.
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