7 Most Common Sex Injuries & How to Avoid Them

Back in 2013, TLC blessed us with Sex Sent Me to the ER, a reality show featuring reenactments of couples facing medical emergencies in the buff. While it only lasted two seasons, it instilled a Final Destination-level fear in me that I still haven’t been able to shake.

But while the show focused on the bizarre and the extreme, the reality of sex injuries is actually much more common (and usually less cinematic) than most people realize. According to a new analysis of online forums by SoloFun, sex-related mishaps are surprisingly prevalent, with friction and skin-related issues accounting for 38% of all reported injuries.

Of course, that’s not something you want to worry about when you’re in bed with your partner — which is why we’re here to help. SheKnows spoke with a urologist, therapists, and sex educators for their expert advice on common sex injuries and how to avoid them.

1. Friction Burns

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Lube is a non-negotiable. There’s a lingering stigma that lube is strictly a remedy for vaginal dryness or aging, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Lube could literally save you a trip to urgent care.

The data shows that rug burn, chafing, and tears to sensitive skin are the most common sex injuries. And listen, I get it (sometimes you just want to go for it), but your skin has a breaking point.

“Genital friction burns are more likely to be simply irritated, overworked skin than actual, true burns,” Chelsea Newton, LCSW, and founder of Phases of the Mind Therapy, tells SheKnows. But because “genital skin is delicate, and infections can happen quickly,” treating it the right way matters.

If you do end up with a burn, Newton says the most important step is to stop immediately—pushing through will only make it worse. From there, gently rinse with lukewarm water (no harsh soaps!), let it air dry, and apply a thin barrier like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide while it heals.

When to worry: If the irritation doesn’t go away in a few days, or if you notice blistering, pus, or skin that feels warm to the touch, Newton says it’s time to see a doctor. The same goes if you develop a fever, the pain intensifies, or it hurts to pee. 

2. Genital Trauma

Genital trauma is responsible for 25% of injuries, with penile fractures being one of the most common complaints. And yes, while we all know there isn’t an actual bone down there, you can absolutely “break” the fibrous lining if an erect penis is forcefully bent.

Newton says this nightmare scenario usually happens during “rough or vigorous sexual activity, where the penis slips out of the partner, and when thrust back in, it misses and hits another area of the body.”

There’ve been more than a few studies done on penile fractures, with many noting that “man-dominant positions” like Doggy Style are more dangerous than others. “The speculation is that when the man is in control and gets overly excited, sex can become more vigorous, increasing the risk of trauma to the penis,” says Newton.

However, Dr. Jasmonae Joyriel, a licensed clinical psychologist and sex therapist and founder of Ignite Anew, warns that Reverse Cowgirl is another position that carries a substantial risk of penile fracture. She’s even seen clients require surgery after a mishap in this position. The most surprising part of all of this, though, is the shame.

“I learned that many medical patients will actually claim a toilet seat fell on their penis rather than share explicit details of the incident,” Dr. Joyriel says.

It also happens to people you might not expect. Martina Ambardjieva, MD, a urologist and medical expert for Dr. Telx, recalls treating a couple in their 60s who heard that dreaded “pop” while trying a new position. Despite being together for decades, the wife was mortified and kept apologizing—a reminder that this injury can happen to anyone at any age.

When to worry: If you hear a distinct “popping” or “cracking” sound followed by immediate pain, loss of erection, and rapid swelling (often looking like an eggplant), do not wait. “A penis fracture is an emergency,” Newton warns. “Don’t try to bend it back or wait and see… Apply a cold pack and immediately go to the emergency room.”

3. Accidental Falls

Falls make up 15% of sex injuries. While they often happen when a couple is trying out a new, adventurous position in a slippery environment like the shower, gravity is a harsh mistress in the bedroom, too.

Newton shares one memorable story from her practice that combines a fall and a fracture: “One story that’s stood out to me was a couple who were experimenting with standing positions in the bathroom when one partner lost their footing,” Newton shares.

In a panic, the partner tried to grab the shower curtain rod to catch themselves. Spoiler alert: Tension rods are not load-bearing.

“Both partners went down hard,” Newton says. “The fall itself caused bruised ribs and a sprained wrist, but the more serious issue was that the fall caused the penetrating partner’s penis to bend.” 

So, how do you stay vertical? Dr. Shanna Katz Kattari, an AASECT-certified sexuality educator and associate professor at the University of Michigan, suggests adding grab bars or a “nice bamboo shower bench for somewhat safer shower adventures.” As for the bedroom? “Place pillows or blankets at the edge of the bed to provide some soft bumpers to keep you from rolling off the edge at the absolute worst time,” Dr. Kattari says.

The Bottom Line 

While these three categories represent the majority of sex-related injuries, they’re not the only ones. Muscle and joint injuries (like strains, sprains, and dislocations) make up 9% of reported cases, while testicular injuries come in at 6%. We also can’t forget the 3% who suffered eye injuries (usually from fluids or accidental scratches—ouch).

And in a stat that made me physically cringe, 4% of injuries are chemical burns, often caused by mistaking hand sanitizer for lube. (Please, check the label in the dark!)

But whether it’s a bruised ego, a bruised rib, or, as one unfortunate soul in the study reported, “being bitten by red ants” during outdoor sex, the experts agree on one thing: leave the shame at the door.

“There’s nothing special about injuries that occur during sex,” says Nicole Prause, PhD, a senior statistician at UCLA. “You could just as easily injure your penis during sports, a home fall, or other common situations,” adding, “These deserve the same care as any other part of the body.” 

Ultimately, “taking care of your body is sex-positive,” says Newton. “Knowing when to stop isn’t prudish; it’s respectful and responsible.”