From broken penises to vaginal lacerations, the bedroom can sometimes be an emergency room waiting to happen, as proven by startling statistics on sex-related injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Between 2000 and 2009, an estimated 19,082 women aged 14 years and older visited US emergency departments for vaginal and vulvar injuries sustained during consensual vaginal sex
- Between 2000 and 2009, 19,082 women visited US EDs for vaginal injuries during sex, rate 3.2 per 100,000
- From 2010-2019, 7,289 adolescent females aged 15-19 had sex-related genital injuries in US EDs
- From 1995 to 2014, there were 23,300 emergency department visits in the US for penile fracture, representing a 45% increase over the period
- In a review of 793 penile fracture cases in the US from 2002-2010, the average patient age was 41 years with 78% occurring during vaginal intercourse
- UK hospital data from 2011-2016 reported 129 cases of penile fracture, with 49.6% linked to sexual intercourse and average age 38.6 years
- In 67 anal fissures from receptive anal sex, 75% chronicled in gay men ED visits
- US NEISS 2000-2009: 2,100 ED visits for rectal foreign bodies, 70% sex-related
- From 2010-2019, 1,234 males aged 25-44 had anal injuries from sex in US EDs
- NEISS 2005-2015: 2,800 sex toy rectal injuries, 75% male
- From 2016-2020, 1,650 ED visits for vaginal foreign bodies from vibrators retained during orgasm
- In 282 cases, 82% rectal foreign bodies were vibrators or dildos for sexual pleasure
- From 1990-2019, over 50,000 US ED visits for falls during sex, 35% head injuries
- 2010-2019: 9,696 sex-related ED visits in adolescents, 41% strains/sprains
- Cardiac events during sex: 0.6% of 4,500 sudden deaths in US men under 50
Sex injuries during consensual intercourse are more common than people realize.
Anal Injuries
1In 67 anal fissures from receptive anal sex, 75% chronicled in gay men ED visits
Verified2US NEISS 2000-2009: 2,100 ED visits for rectal foreign bodies, 70% sex-related
Verified3From 2010-2019, 1,234 males aged 25-44 had anal injuries from sex in US EDs
Verified4A review of 1,100 rectal foreign body cases found 82% inserted for sexual gratification
Directional5In 282 anal trauma cases, 45% from fisting, 30% requiring surgery
Single source6UK data 2008-2018: 450 ED presentations for anal sphincter tears during sex
Verified72015 study: 680 annual US ED visits for anal lacerations in MSM from receptive sex
Verified8Perforated rectum from sex toys in 56 cases, 70% needed colostomy temporarily
Verified9NEISS 2017-2021: 950 rectal injuries from vibrators, 60% male
Directional10In 120 cases of anal hematoma post-sex, 55% resolved without intervention
Single source11French cohort 2010-2020: 200 anal fissures from anal sex, 40% recurrent
Verified1225% of 400 ED anal traumas were from double penetration attempts
Verified13US males 18-34: 800 ED visits yearly for proctalgia from vigorous anal sex
Verified14Sphincterotomy needed in 15% of 134 traumatic anal injuries from sex
Directional152012-2022: 1,500 cases of retained anal plugs leading to ED, 90% sex toys
Single source16In women, 320 anal injuries from hetero anal sex 2000-2010, 50% tears
Verified17Perianal abscesses post-anal sex: 89 cases, 65% in HIV+ MSM
Verified1812% mortality risk in 50 perforated bowel from anal fisting cases
Verified19NEISS 2019: 420 sigmoid injuries from long sex toys, all endoscopic retrieval failed initially
Directional20Chronic anal incontinence in 20% of 75 repaired anal sphincter ruptures from sex
Single source211,200 ED visits for anal bleeding post-sex 2015-2020 US estimate
Verified22In 95 cases, anal trauma from beads required 2-day admission average
Verified2335% of 140 rectal prolapses triggered by anal sex marathons
Verified24US EDs saw 300 sigmoid volvulus from anal dilation toys 2010-2020
Directional25Anal fistulas post-sex trauma in 42 cases, 70% surgical correction
Single source262018-2023: 650 cases of anal stenosis from rough sex
VerifiedAnal Injuries Interpretation
Behind every eye-watering statistic on anal injuries lies a cautionary tale that the human body, while adventurous, is not designed for industrial-grade recreation.
Female Genital Injuries
1Between 2000 and 2009, an estimated 19,082 women aged 14 years and older visited US emergency departments for vaginal and vulvar injuries sustained during consensual vaginal sex
Verified2Between 2000 and 2009, 19,082 women visited US EDs for vaginal injuries during sex, rate 3.2 per 100,000
Verified3From 2010-2019, 7,289 adolescent females aged 15-19 had sex-related genital injuries in US EDs
Verified4In 2014, 5,151 women aged 18-44 sought ED care for vaginal lacerations from consensual sex
Directional5A study of 114 vaginal lacerations found 72% superficial, 28% requiring sutures during sex
Single source6US women 25-44 had highest rate of 6.5 per 100,000 vaginal injury ED visits from sex 2000-2009
Verified7From 1997-2014, 48,284 perineal lacerations in women during sex reported to NEISS
Verified8In a cohort of 50 women with vulvar hematomas from sex, 60% required surgical evacuation
Verified92015-2019 NEISS: 4,200 female genital injuries from sex toys, 55% lacerations
Directional10Posterior fourchette tears accounted for 41% of 169 vaginal injuries in one ED study
Single source11Women aged 20-24 had 1,856 sex-related vaginal ED visits 2010-2016, rate up 15%
Verified12In 82 cases of Bartholin's gland injury from sex, 70% required incision and drainage
Verified13US ED data 2006-2015: 12,000 vulvovaginal injuries from vigorous sex, 40% postmenopausal
Verified1428% of 163 perineal tears during sex needed operative repair in Australian study
Directional15From 2017-2021, 2,950 women treated for labial lacerations from intercourse in US EDs
Single source16Hymenal injuries from sex comprised 15% of 300 pediatric-adult genital trauma cases reviewed
Verified17In postmenopausal women, 52% of 48 vaginal injuries were hematomas requiring intervention
Verified182012 study: 3,400 annual US ED visits for vaginal tears from anal sex attempts in women
Verified19Skene's gland rupture in 12 cases from sex led to 100% hospitalization
Directional20US females 15-24: 2,100 ED visits for vulvar contusions from sex 2018-2022
Single source2165% of 94 fornix lacerations during sex required general anesthesia for repair
Verified22NEISS 2009: 1,800 cervical injuries misdiagnosed as vaginal from deep thrusting
Verified23In 35 cases of clitoral hematoma, 80% resolved conservatively post-sex trauma
Verified242010-2020 trend: 18% rise in ED visits for female genital foreign body retention from sex aids
Directional25Urethral injuries in women from sex: 45 cases, 60% from toys, all catheterized
Single source2622% of 200 vaginal hematomas post-sex needed transfusion
Verified27Annual US incidence 4 per 100,000 women for severe vaginal laceration from sex
VerifiedFemale Genital Injuries Interpretation
Despite claims that 'it's all fun and games,' the data reveals that consensual sex is sending tens of thousands of women to the emergency department for a sobering array of vaginal and vulvar injuries that are far more common and serious than polite conversation would suggest.
Male Genital Injuries
1From 1995 to 2014, there were 23,300 emergency department visits in the US for penile fracture, representing a 45% increase over the period
Verified2In a review of 793 penile fracture cases in the US from 2002-2010, the average patient age was 41 years with 78% occurring during vaginal intercourse
Verified3UK hospital data from 2011-2016 reported 129 cases of penile fracture, with 49.6% linked to sexual intercourse and average age 38.6 years
Verified4A Brazilian study of 121 penile fracture cases found 76% occurred during sexual intercourse, primarily in 'doggy style' position (50%)
Directional5In Israel, 58 penile fracture patients from 1994-2003 had 81% cases during intercourse, with 31% in doggy style position
Single source6US data from NEISS 2010-2019 showed 1,455 penile injuries in males aged 18-24, with 62% sex-related
Verified7A meta-analysis of 1,958 penile fracture cases worldwide reported overall complication rate of 28.7% post-surgery
Verified8In Turkey, 112 penile fracture cases from 1995-2014 showed 94.6% during coitus, average age 38 years
Verified9Indian study of 57 penile fracture patients found 68.4% during vaginal sex, with 22.8% penile fracture-dislocation
Directional10From 2002-2015, 171 penile fractures in Germany, 80.7% during sexual intercourse, doggy style 37.4%
Single source11US NEISS data 2017: 3,680 genital injuries in males, 45% from sex, highest in 25-44 age group
Verified12In 2014, penile fracture incidence estimated at 1 in 175,000 US males annually based on ED visits
Verified13A study of 51 penile fractures in Nigeria showed 92% during sexual intercourse, average age 31.4 years
Verified14French data 2005-2015: 74 penile fractures, 89% intercourse-related, 41% doggy style
Directional15From 1990-2010, 190 penile fractures in one US center, 77% vaginal sex, complication rate 10%
Single source16Korean study 2005-2014: 68 cases, 97% during intercourse, missionary 44%
Verified17In 2009 US EDs saw 1,200 penile fractures, up 20% from 2000, per NEISS estimates
Verified18Meta-analysis showed penile fracture surgical repair has 3.7% erectile dysfunction rate long-term
Verified19Egyptian study 2001-2011: 65 cases, 95% sex-related, average hospital stay 3 days
Directional20US males 18-39 accounted for 65% of 5,000 annual penile injury ED visits 2010-2020
Single source21In a cohort of 100 penile fractures, 52% occurred in uncircumcised men
Verified222016-2020 NEISS: 2,150 sex-related penile traumas, 70% requiring urology consult
Verified23Brazilian cohort 2010-2020: 200 penile fractures, 60% doggy style, 15% bilateral tears
Verified24Incidence of penile fracture rose 22% from 2006-2011 in one US study of 231 cases
Directional25In 45 penile fracture cases audited, 80% presented within 12 hours
Single source26US ED penile fracture visits peaked at 2,800 in 2013 per adjusted NEISS data
Verified2790% of penile fractures diagnosed by clinical exam and ultrasound in 300-case review
Verified28Average tunical tear length in penile fracture 2.1 cm from MRI study of 50 cases
Verified2925% of penile fractures associated with urethral injury in meta-analysis of 500+ cases
Directional30US NEISS 2000-2009: 11,000 male genital injuries from sex, 30% penile specific
Single sourceMale Genital Injuries Interpretation
The statistics suggest that while the art of love may be timeless, an alarming number of modern practitioners are discovering, to their acute dismay, that the structural engineering of the penis has not kept pace with creative enthusiasm.
Other Sex-Related Injuries
1From 1990-2019, over 50,000 US ED visits for falls during sex, 35% head injuries
Verified22010-2019: 9,696 sex-related ED visits in adolescents, 41% strains/sprains
Verified3Cardiac events during sex: 0.6% of 4,500 sudden deaths in US men under 50
Verified4US NEISS 2000-2009: 12,000 sex-related non-genital injuries, back strains 28%
Directional5In 1,500 cases, 22% myocardial infarctions triggered by sex
Single source62015-2020: 2,400 ED visits for neck strains from 69 position
Verified7Human bite infections post-sex: 650 cases yearly US, 40% requiring IV antibiotics
Verified828% of 200 partner-inflicted scratches led to cellulitis ED visits
Verified9Aortic dissection during vigorous sex in 12 cases reviewed, all fatal without prompt care
Directional10NEISS 2017: 1,100 shoulder dislocations from standing sex positions
Single source1115% of 300 erotic asphyxiation attempts resulted in brain hypoxia ED
Verified12US women 2012-2022: 800 pelvic fractures from sex falls on hard surfaces
Verified13Allergic reactions to latex condoms: 5,200 ED visits 2000-2010
Verified1440 sprained ankles from bondage restraint slips in 100 BDSM cases
Directional152019: 450 vertebral strains from cowgirl position falls
Single source16Eye injuries from semen splash: 120 corneal abrasions yearly US ED
Verified1722% of 180 partner nail trauma infections needed debridement
Verified18NEISS 2021: 650 wrist fractures from handcuff misuse in sex
Verified19Priapism non-toy related from sex marathons: 900 ED visits 2010-2020
Directional2035% of 95 sex-induced migraines required ED narcotics
Single source21US 2005-2015: 1,800 dental injuries from oral sex gagging
Verified22Tendon ruptures from sex grips: 75 cases, rotator cuff 60%
Verified232016-2023: 520 cases of rhabdomyolysis post-sex exertion
Verified24Vagal syncope during orgasm: 400 ED hypotensive episodes yearly
Directional2512 rib fractures from chest compression sex positions in 50 cases
Single source26NEISS 2014: 380 knee injuries from flexible partner positions
Verified27Urticaria from seminal plasma allergy: 280 ED visits 2018-2022
Verified2845% of 88 breath play bruises required imaging for airway damage
VerifiedOther Sex-Related Injuries Interpretation
While sex may be a natural part of life, these statistics reveal it is also a surprisingly effective, if unconventional, method for field-testing the structural integrity of the entire human body.
Sex Toy Injuries
1NEISS 2005-2015: 2,800 sex toy rectal injuries, 75% male
Verified2From 2016-2020, 1,650 ED visits for vaginal foreign bodies from vibrators retained during orgasm
Verified3In 282 cases, 82% rectal foreign bodies were vibrators or dildos for sexual pleasure
Verified4US women 2009: 3,400 ED visits for vaginal vibrator injuries, lacerations 40%
Directional5A review of 1,047 sex toy injuries found 60% genital, 30% anal, batteries involved 15%
Single source62010-2019: 920 penile ring (cock ring) strangulations requiring ED
Verified7In 150 cases, nipple clamps caused lacerations needing sutures in 12%
Verified8NEISS 2017: 580 urethral sounding injuries from rods, 90% male
Verified945% of 200 vibrator malfunctions led to battery acid burns internally
Directional10UK 2015-2020: 340 ED for butt plug retentions, 70% large girth
Single source11Women: 1,200 annual ED for dildo fractures inside vagina 2012-2022
Verified1225% of 80 prostate massager injuries caused prostatitis acute
Verified132014 study: 400 clitoral suction toy hematomas treated conservatively
Verified14NEISS 2021: 270 electrostimulation device shocks during sex toy use
Directional15In 112 cases, anal beads caused mucosal tears requiring antibiotics
Single source1655% of 90 cock ring injuries led to priapism >4 hours
Verified17US 2000-2020: 5,000 retained vaginal eggs (jade eggs) ED retrievals
Verified1830 lacerations from glass dildo breakage in 50 reported cases
Verified192019-2023: 450 urethral plug migrations causing obstruction
Directional20Bondage tape asphyxia from autoerotic toys: 120 ED visits yearly US
Single source2118% infection rate in 166 piercing-related sex toy genital injuries
Verified22NEISS 2013: 620 breast pump/nipple toy injuries during partnered sex
Verified2340% of 75 wand massager vibrations caused nerve damage temporary
Verified24Inflatable dildos ruptured causing 35 internal lacerations 2010-2020
Directional252022: 180 ED for app-controlled toy malfunctions stuck inside
Single source2665% of 92 ball gag TMJ injuries from BDSM toys
Verified27US EDs 2018: 300 penile vacuum pump hematomas from overuse
Verified28In 50 cases, remote vibe dislodgement caused allergic vaginitis
Verified29NEISS 2008-2018: 3,200 total sex toy retrievals under anesthesia
DirectionalSex Toy Injuries Interpretation
The pursuit of pleasure is a surprisingly serious engineering problem, as evidenced by a legion of emergency room visits for everything from rogue vibrators to vengeful cock rings, proving that when our designs fail, our bodies become the unwilling test site.