The everyday sex styles most likely to leave you injured – from positions to toys

Getting jiggy between the sheets is all fun and games, until someone gets hurt. 

Sex injuries are more common than you might think – almost four in ten have suffered one, according to a survey by Lovehoney.

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From bruises to UTIs and back injuries, there’s a whole host of different bedroom disasters, the sex toy retailer found – even broken bones.

It’s men who were more likely to say they’d suffered a sex injury – 39 per cent of males compared to 36 per cent of women.  

So how can we ensure lovemaking doesn’t take a turn for the worse?

Hope Flynn, head of content at Luud Health and founder of Feedmefemale, reveals the everyday sex positions which could turn your steamy sex session into a trip to first aid.

Doggy style 

Doggy style is the sex position most likely to cause injuries, with 54 per cent of Brits admitting to having harmed themself in this position. 

Hope says: “Any position that involves arching or straining the back is most likely to add to or cause back pain.

“If you suffer with pain already in this area then please avoid.” 

She recommends avoiding doggy style if you have lower back pain and going for missionary with elevated hips instead.

“Experiment with a variation of the doggy style position which involves lying flat on your stomach, rather than being on your knees,” says Hope.

“Lie on the bed, supporting yourself with your hands under your chin. 

“Placing a pillow under your hips can alleviate lower back pressure. You can keep your legs closed, squeezing them together once the position is established. 

“Have your partner lie on top, entering from behind; this reduces friction and tightness and provides a shallower penetration, as deep penetration can also cause pain for some.”

Hope recommends using high-quality lubricant for added comfort in this position.

Doggy style can be taxing on the woman’s back

Standing sex

Grinding up against a wall might feel part of the spontaneous fun.

But Hope says: “Men are most likely to hurt their backs during standing sex.”

Not only is the male likely to be holding more weight, but with height differences, they might also find themselves entering at a weird angle. 

Hope says: “Consider positions such as spooning, which can offer more support as both partners are in a comfortable, relaxed position.”

Missionary 

Thought that this classic position was a safe haven? Think again. 

“Serious injuries during missionary are generally rare but injuries can include muscle strains on back, legs and arms and also joint discomfort due to being in the position for too long,” says Hope. 

One survey found that of 1,600 Europeans and Americans, 19.2 per cent of men who’d been injured during sex said it happened from the missionary position.

Hope said: “Again, the trusty pillow can provide support. Place a pillow or rolled-up towel under your back to retain a natural arch if laying flat hurts you.”

Reverse cowgirl 

Hope says reverse cowgirl is the most threatening position for penises.

The reverse cowgirl caused more than one in five sore penis experiences and a quarter of broken or fractured penises according to a study by Superdrug.

Fractures can also occur if a man is pulling out a lot during penetration, as doing this too vigorously could mean he misses the spot.

“It’s important that both partners are mindful of certain positions that may cause the penis to bend when erect and also to be careful during vigorous sexual activities,” says Hope

“Sex is all about communication so if anything feels uncomfortable then you must say this to your partner.”

Ouch! Reverse cowgirl is most likely to cause penis injury

Sex toys 

If you’re new to the world of sex toys, then there are a few things to be aware of. 

To avoid the risk of STIS, UTIs, bacterial vaginosis and other infections from sex toys, Hope says it’s important to clean them after every use.  

She says: “This is to ensure there is no build-up of bacteria which can cause irritation and can increase the risk of infection.

“Just like penetrative sex, using a dildo can hurt after repeated use and cause things such as small tears.”

One in ten women have had vaginal tears due to sexual activity.

“Just be sure to have breaks if it starts to hurt and maybe don’t use it for a little while or think about buying a smaller one,” says Hope.

Unsure on sizing?

“Start with something non-intimidating like a small bullet, get to know your capabilities and slowly increase the size of your toy over time,” says Hope.

“Make sure you are fully aroused before penetration of any sex toy is essential to comfort – and always use lube to help ease penetration if you are feeling dry or if the toy is feeling a little large.”

Finger fun 

Although penetrative sex can lead to injuries, foreplay can also cause some problems as bacteria from our fingers can spread. 

During sex and foreplay, bacteria that live in the genital area can enter the urethra – which has a small opening near the vagina. 

This bacteria can travel to the bladder and cause an infection, such as a UTI.

Hope also says that everyone should pee after sex, especially women.

She said: “Women’s urethras are shorter than men’s so bacteria can enter easily and cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). When you pee after sex it helps to flush out bacteria and this helps prevent UTIs.”

Symptoms of a UTI can include pain or a burning sensation when peeing, blood in your pee, needing to pee more than usual and pee that looks cloudy.

“A lot of infections have noticeable symptoms and the most common symptoms are burning, itching or discharge in your genital area,” says Hope. 

Signs of an infection in the genitals include: 

Bumps, sores or warts on or near your penis, vagina, mouth or anus

Swelling or severe itching near your penis or vagina

Vaginal discharge that has a bad odour, causes irritation or is a different colour or amount than usual

Vaginal bleeding that’s not your period

Painful sex

Painful urination or frequent urination

“However some infections have no symptoms at all, that’s why it is so important for you to proactively test for STIs,” says Hope.

“I suggest testing every six months and be aware of testing windows. Please ensure you are wearing condoms as protected sex is the best way to limit your chances of infection.”