Pleasure can turn to pain in an instant (Picture: Getty)
Mixing pleasure with pain in the bedroom is more common than you think – and we’re not talking about BDSM.
Lovehoney has revealed the sex injuries Brits fall victim to most, with romps regularly resulting in everything from UTIs to vaginal tearing.
The retailer surveyed 2,000 people from across the UK, finding that 37% have had a mishap during sex.
Men (39%) were found to be more likely to experience bedroom disasters than women (36%), while 47% of people between 35 and 44 had suffered a coitus-related catastrophe, making them the most accident-prone age group.
The most common reported injury was carpet burn, closely followed by bruisesand pulled muscles.
An unlucky few (each at 3% or less) also experienced more serious accidents including penile fractures, stuck foreign objects, and even broken bones.
How many Brits have experienced the most common sexual injuries
- Carpet burn: 65%
- Bruises: 54%
- Pulled muscle: 39%
- UTI: 23%
- Back injury: 16%
- Vaginal tear: 11%
- Haemorrhoids: 6%
- Anal tear: 5%
- Penis fracture: 3%
- A stuck foreign object: 3%
- Broken penis: 3%
- Broken bone: 2%
Via Lovehoney.
It was also uncovered that penetrative sex was not the only cause of bedroom mishaps. Almost a quarter of male respondents admitted to experiencing sex-related injuries while giving or receiving oral sex, compared to just 16% of women.
Sex and relationships expert at The Sex Consultant, Ness Cooper, offered her advice on how to avoid or deal with bedroom accidents, suggesting couples use a blanket when having sex on the floor to reduce the chance of carpet burn and apply nappy rash cream if they do break the skin.
When it comes to UTIs, Ness says: ‘Making sure you’re aroused during vaginal penetration can help reduce the risk of a UTI, while oestrogen vaginal cream can help maintain the pH balance of the vagina for those who are going through menopause.’
Don’t forget to pee after sex too, and wash the vulva with warm water rather than soaps – especially if you’re prone to infection.
Read More Stories
Lubrication can also help prevent vaginal tearing, as can more foreplay to ensure you’re fully aroused before penetration (no complaints there).
Take precautions to avoid accidents (Picture: Getty Images)
As the most hazardous sex positions were found to be doggy style, missionary and cowgirl, Ness adds: ‘Sex position straps can reduce uncontrolled movements that may lead to injuries, particularly during rougher doggy style sex…
‘And having a headboard to lean on with your arms can give you extra support during cowgirl thrusts.’
It’s not just bones getting broken either: more than half (57%) of those surveyed admitted they had previously broken a bed frame, one in three said they had ripped a shower curtain, and 34% reported breaking a chair.
The bedroom was the most likely place for injuries to occur, but sofas, stairs, showers, hotel rooms, workplaces and aeroplane toilets also played host to misadventure.
Before experimenting somewhere unfamiliar, Ness recommends: ‘Having sex in new locations can be a great way to spice up your sex life, though locations such as the shower can be tricky when trying to avoid injury.
‘If you want to be extra adventurous with positions during shower sex, be aware that it can be slippery. Checking any fittings you may be leaning against beforehand for stability is advised.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.