5 Shocking Sex Hazards You Never Knew About.

Sex is good for the health. It boosts the immune system, lowers and maintains blood pressure and improves sleep. However, the act does not come without risks.

Below are six potential sexual hazards and how to avoid them.

 

1. Penis Fracture

This sounds a little unbelievable, but yes men can break their penises even though there are no bones there. A penial fracture results when the erect penis is suddenly bent, causing a tear in the tunica albuginea membrane the fibrous coverings that envelop the penis’s corpora cavernosa. It is caused by rapid blunt force to an erect penis, usually during vaginal intercourse or aggressive masturbation. Penial fracture presents as a popping or cracking sound, significant pain, immediate loss of erection (flaccidity), and skin hematoma of various sizes are commonly associated with the event.

Seek medical attention immediately if you do experience a penial fracture to prevent deleterious effects such as erectile dysfunction and deformity. Your doctor can detect a fracture penis with a physical exam and surgery is usually recommended.

2. Vaginal Cuts and Tears

These are common occurrences once in a while in women who are sexually active and these could lead to painful or uncomfortable sex.

Vaginal dryness is the most common cause of vaginal cuts and tears and there are ways to relieve it be it due to insufficient arousal, hormone changes, or stress. It can be relieved by using a suitable water-based lubricant, woman-on-top position and use of adequate foreplay.

3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

This is a phenomenon most people are not aware of but sex is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. During sex, bacteria from the genital area and anus can travel up a woman’s urethra, bladder, or kidneys causing UTI symptoms like frequent and painful urination, low back pain, and abdominal pain. UTIs can be prevented by: Passing urine before and after sex to clear the urethra, washing of hands and the genital region before and after sex and drinking lots of fluid to flush out any bacteria.

 

4. Coital Cephalgia (Sexual Headache)

Headaches are not unusual during sex and are usually mild and non life threatening. They occur in both men and women usually before or during an orgasm or following sex and subsides gradually afterwards.

Consult your doctor if it’s the first time you’ve experienced this type of headache, or if it comes with panic attacks, confusion, vomiting etc.

5. Heart Attack

This usually occurs in elderly inactive persons (geriatrics). Vigorous sexual activity more than doubles a person’s risk of having a heart attack in the hours immediately after sex. This is however not a very common phenomenon.

Consult your doctor if you notice symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnoea) , irregular heartbeat, weakness etc.