When we talk about safe sex, you probably start thinking of condoms and swabbing, but there's more than that to be worried about in the bedroom — sex-related injuries are not uncommon. They can even happen on your own, as I learned when I fell out of bed masturbating (I roll a lot). Probably the most famous sex-related injury is the penis fracture. That's right, it can break. So no matter how much you might want to get carried away, think of what a penis fracture surgery could mean for your sex life and maybe take it down a notch.
How do you know if you or your partner is suffering from a penis fracture? Well, firstly there's the pain— there's a lot of pain. Other signs, according to the Mayo Clinic "might include a cracking sound, immediate loss of the erection, or the development of dark bruising of the penis due to blood escaping the cylinder". A cracking sound. A cracking sound from his penis. The only sound less-welcome in the bedroom then accidentally muttering an ex's name. Yikes.
But fractures aren't the only injury that happen during sex. Despite the obvious need to protect yourself against STIs, pregnancy, and the like, there are other injuries that can be the results of an overzealous romp. Here are the biggest culprits of sex injuries, position-wise:
1. Woman On Top
Girl on top is a favorite for a lot of people. There's the power of being in a dominant position, plus being able to control what you're doing and get exactly what you need. For many women that can find it difficult to orgasm, it's a go to position because you decide what's happening. Here's the thing: it's pretty much the most dangerous sex position out there.
A Brazilian study looked at 44 cases of suspected penis fracture and found that, out of the heterosexual cases, woman on top was the culprit 50 percent of the time. That's no small amount. So be careful where you land.
2. Doggy Style
I'll give doggy style a mention for two reasons. Firstly because in the same study it came in number two for causing penis fractures. Plus Kristi Latham, a physical therapist points out that doggy style's angle and aggressive thrusting can often end up to accidentally entry into the anus, which can tear if unprepared for penetration. Ouch. I know we all love doggy, and it's an easy position to get caught up in, but we have to be safe, people.
3. Reverse Cow Girl
This one doesn't surprise me. It has all of the possibility of accidentally slamming onto the penis as regular girl on top, but without the added benefit of being able to see what you're doing as much or how your partner is reacting to it. In all honesty, I've only tried it a couple of times, when I've been feeling brave and sexy and all like "I got this" only to realize immediately that I do not, in fact, have that. Proceed with caution.
4. Blow Jobs
Not only does anyone who's given one know that they can end up with your eye burning like b*tch, turns out a mis-fire in the eye can also lead to chlamydial conjunctivitis, says a 2007 study in the International Journal Of STD and AIDs. A reminder to guys to be polite and give us a warning, or at the very least aim more carefully.
5. Missionary
That's right, our old standby. It's not just penis breaks we should be worried about when it comes to sex-related injuries. Not only does missionary increase the chance of UTIs for the ladies, according to sex therapist Dr. Kat Van Kirk it can also cause “cervical bruising or other abrasions from deep thrusts", especially in women with shorter vaginal canals or partners who are well-endowed.
Want more of Bustle's Sex and Relationships coverage? Check out our video on sex positions for small penises:
Image: Caroline Wurtzel/Bustle (4); Giphy
