Sex may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
Sure, it can be really uplifting for health. Sex is a form of aerobic exercise that conditions the heart and lungs — and it triggers the release of endorphins that improve psychological well-being.
But there’s also the risk of injuries. Most boudoir blunders, like minor lacerations, abrasions and muscle soreness, resolve on their own. Others — such as heart attacks and penile fractures — require a trip to the emergency room.
“Heart attack risk is related to the intensity of the sex rather than being position-related,” Dr. Michael C. Gerling, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and director of musculoskeletal care at Bayonne Medical Center in New Jersey, told The Post.
“Penile fracture can occur in any position,” he added, “though three positions have been found most commonly linked to this severe injury, usually occurring when a forceful thrust is sent off course into the pelvic wall.”
About 1 in 175,000 men suffer a penile fracture — research has found that these carnal casualties are more common in the summer and on weekends.
Gerling reveals the three sexual positions that can result in stiff penalties — and some ways to prevent these wretched romp ruptures.
What is a penile fracture?
It’s a torturous tear of the tunica albuginea, the fibrous layer of tissue that provides structural support to the penis.
The forceful bending or trauma is often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound, intense pain, the rapid loss of erection and significant swelling and bruising.
If you believe you fractured your penis, you should immediately go to the ER.
“Unlike most fractures being managed by orthopedic surgeons, this variety needs to be evaluated by a urologist,” Gerling said.
Surgery is typically needed to repair the tear, drain any accumulated blood and restore normal urinary and erectile function.
You won’t be up for sex or other activities right away.
Patients typically abstain from intercourse for six weeks but can return to work much sooner, depending on the nature of their job.
Beware these perilous positions
A 2020 Brazilian study of 20 years’ worth of penile fractures found that doggy style was responsible for 43% of cases, while missionary position accounted for 40% and woman on top 12%.
Not surprisingly, these are the most common sexual positions. Other moves clocked in at 4%.
“More obviously dangerous situations may have a lower prevalence because people are not regularly performing them,” said Gerling, founder and president of the Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute.
Prevention of affection afflictions
“Rough sex is a common cause of injuries where a partner inadvertently hurts the other, and can be minimized by taking a slower, cautious, graduated approach with good communication,” Gerling said.
“Safe words and alertness to risk behavior are vital.”
Gerling also recommends:
- Exercising extreme caution while having sex on less stable and elevated platforms or in areas with wet or slippery floors
- Taking care with higher-risk maneuvers, like standing upright or having one partner lift and hold the other
- Being aware of your limits and modifying positions and aggressiveness accordingly, especially if you have joint or spinal disorders
“Kneeling would be hard on the knees, for example, and lifting, straining and twisting would be higher risk in people with a history of back pain,” Gerling said.
“Take it slow and consider warming up and stretching achy sites with pre-existing conditions when planning to have sex.”
Other sex setbacks
Gerling said that neck and extremity injuries are “surprisingly rare” in medical literature despite the potential for heads hitting the headboard and falls during sex.
But back pain is a top complaint, especially when the man is on top or behind the woman on all fours.
“Back strains in these positions are commonly triggered by overexertion, lifting, hyperextension or twisting maneuvers,” Gerling explained.
“Preparing for sex with stretching and a regular core strengthening routine would be helpful to prevent injuries.”
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