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Milan Markovic via Getty Images<\/p>\n
These kinds of injuries are quite common, according to doctors, but shame often keeps people from getting the help they need. <\/p>\n
Two emergency physicians shared some of the most common \u2014 and most alarming \u2014 sex-related injuries they\u2019ve treated, along with what people should know if something goes wrong.<\/p>\n
Penile Fractures Are As Dramatic As They Sound<\/p>\n
Ambardjieva said the \u201cclassic penile fracture\u201d<\/a> is one of the most urgent sex-related emergencies she sees.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s exactly as dramatic as it sounds \u2014 a loud \u2018crack,\u2019 immediate swelling, and a lot of panic,\u201d she explains. It most often happens when the penis slips out during thrusting and forcefully hits a partner\u2019s pelvis.<\/p>\n \u201cA penile fracture occurs when the tunica albuginea, the tough fibrous sheath surrounding the erectile tissue, tears,\u201d she explains. \u201cWhen the penis is erect, that tissue becomes thin and stretched, making it vulnerable to sudden bending or impact \u2014 even though there\u2019s no bone inside.\u201d<\/p>\n If someone delays seeking care, the torn tissue can heal improperly. \u201cThat can lead to permanent curvature, painful erections, or long-term erectile dysfunction,\u201d Ambardjieva said. \u201cThis is the one sexual injury where time really matters.\u201d<\/p>\n Objects That Get \u2018Lost\u2019<\/p>\n Ambardjieva said foreign objects getting \u201clost\u201d in the body are a routine part of ER and gynecology work.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve removed all kinds of items that weren\u2019t designed to go inside the body \u2014 cucumbers, carrots, sprays \u2014 and I\u2019ve also seen objects in the male urethra, like a pencil,\u201d she said. \u201cPeople are usually terrified and embarrassed, but it\u2019s more common than they think.\u201d<\/p>\n The problem often comes down to using objects without a flared base<\/a>, smooth shape, or any kind of safety stop. That\u2019s why you might run into this phrase: \u201cIf it has no flare, it shouldn\u2019t go up there.\u201d<\/p>\n Where something is inserted also matters. The vaginal canal is a closed space, so objects can get stuck but won\u2019t travel deeper into the body. \u201cThe rectum, however, has no anatomical stop and creates suction, meaning objects can be pulled further inside,\u201d Ambardjieva explains. \u201cThe urethra is narrow and delicate, making insertions particularly dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019re embarrassed to come into the hospital because you\u2019ve inserted something that\u2019s become stuck, Ambardjieva hopes you\u2019ll reconsider and not let the stigma keep you from getting care.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important to normalize this. We remove lost objects every week in the emergency and urology practice,\u201d Ambardjieva said. \u201cIt\u2019s a common medical issue \u2014 not something to be ashamed of.\u201d<\/p>\n Vaginal Tears And Bleeding After Sex<\/p>\n Small vaginal tears are another frequent reason for ER visits, especially among postmenopausal women<\/a> or anyone dealing with vaginal dryness.<\/p>\n \u201cEven a small tear can bleed more than people expect, which really scares them,\u201d Ambardjieva said.<\/p>\n Friction, insufficient lubrication<\/a>, or a tense pelvic floor can all cause micro-tears. She notes that water-based lubricants can dry out quickly, increasing friction, while silicone-based lubes stay slippery longer and can reduce tearing.<\/p>\n Bleeding, Ambardjieva said, becomes more concerning if it doesn\u2019t slow, comes with large clots, severe pain, lightheadedness or difficulty urinating. In other words, head to the emergency room as soon as possible. <\/p>\n Testicular Torsion During Sex<\/p>\n While less common, Ambardjieva has seen testicular torsion triggered during intercourse.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s sudden, sharp testicular pain \u2014 and it\u2019s an emergency until proven otherwise,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Torsion happens when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood flow. Without treatment within about four to six hours, the testicle can be permanently damaged or lost. Some men are more vulnerable because of anatomical variations that allow the testicle to rotate more freely inside the scrotum.<\/p>\n \u201cCirculation is blocked due to the twisting of the spermatic cord,\u201d Ambardjieva explains. \u201cWithout rapid treatment, usually within four to six hours, there is a real risk of permanently losing the testicle, because of lost lasting ischemia (insufficient blood flow).\u201d <\/p>\n Condom Mishaps<\/p>\n