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
- 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
- A review of 1,100 rectal foreign body cases found 82% inserted for sexual gratification
- In 282 anal trauma cases, 45% from fisting, 30% requiring surgery
- UK data 2008-2018: 450 ED presentations for anal sphincter tears during sex
- 2015 study: 680 annual US ED visits for anal lacerations in MSM from receptive sex
- Perforated rectum from sex toys in 56 cases, 70% needed colostomy temporarily
- NEISS 2017-2021: 950 rectal injuries from vibrators, 60% male
- In 120 cases of anal hematoma post-sex, 55% resolved without intervention
- French cohort 2010-2020: 200 anal fissures from anal sex, 40% recurrent
- 25% of 400 ED anal traumas were from double penetration attempts
- US males 18-34: 800 ED visits yearly for proctalgia from vigorous anal sex
- Sphincterotomy needed in 15% of 134 traumatic anal injuries from sex
- 2012-2022: 1,500 cases of retained anal plugs leading to ED, 90% sex toys
- In women, 320 anal injuries from hetero anal sex 2000-2010, 50% tears
- Perianal abscesses post-anal sex: 89 cases, 65% in HIV+ MSM
- 12% mortality risk in 50 perforated bowel from anal fisting cases
- NEISS 2019: 420 sigmoid injuries from long sex toys, all endoscopic retrieval failed initially
- Chronic anal incontinence in 20% of 75 repaired anal sphincter ruptures from sex
- 1,200 ED visits for anal bleeding post-sex 2015-2020 US estimate
- In 95 cases, anal trauma from beads required 2-day admission average
- 35% of 140 rectal prolapses triggered by anal sex marathons
- US EDs saw 300 sigmoid volvulus from anal dilation toys 2010-2020
- Anal fistulas post-sex trauma in 42 cases, 70% surgical correction
- 2018-2023: 650 cases of anal stenosis from rough sex
Anal 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
- 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
- In 2014, 5,151 women aged 18-44 sought ED care for vaginal lacerations from consensual sex
- A study of 114 vaginal lacerations found 72% superficial, 28% requiring sutures during sex
- US women 25-44 had highest rate of 6.5 per 100,000 vaginal injury ED visits from sex 2000-2009
- From 1997-2014, 48,284 perineal lacerations in women during sex reported to NEISS
- In a cohort of 50 women with vulvar hematomas from sex, 60% required surgical evacuation
- 2015-2019 NEISS: 4,200 female genital injuries from sex toys, 55% lacerations
- Posterior fourchette tears accounted for 41% of 169 vaginal injuries in one ED study
- Women aged 20-24 had 1,856 sex-related vaginal ED visits 2010-2016, rate up 15%
- In 82 cases of Bartholin's gland injury from sex, 70% required incision and drainage
- US ED data 2006-2015: 12,000 vulvovaginal injuries from vigorous sex, 40% postmenopausal
- 28% of 163 perineal tears during sex needed operative repair in Australian study
- From 2017-2021, 2,950 women treated for labial lacerations from intercourse in US EDs
- Hymenal injuries from sex comprised 15% of 300 pediatric-adult genital trauma cases reviewed
- In postmenopausal women, 52% of 48 vaginal injuries were hematomas requiring intervention
- 2012 study: 3,400 annual US ED visits for vaginal tears from anal sex attempts in women
- Skene's gland rupture in 12 cases from sex led to 100% hospitalization
- US females 15-24: 2,100 ED visits for vulvar contusions from sex 2018-2022
- 65% of 94 fornix lacerations during sex required general anesthesia for repair
- NEISS 2009: 1,800 cervical injuries misdiagnosed as vaginal from deep thrusting
- In 35 cases of clitoral hematoma, 80% resolved conservatively post-sex trauma
- 2010-2020 trend: 18% rise in ED visits for female genital foreign body retention from sex aids
- Urethral injuries in women from sex: 45 cases, 60% from toys, all catheterized
- 22% of 200 vaginal hematomas post-sex needed transfusion
- Annual US incidence 4 per 100,000 women for severe vaginal laceration from sex
Female 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
- 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
- A Brazilian study of 121 penile fracture cases found 76% occurred during sexual intercourse, primarily in 'doggy style' position (50%)
- In Israel, 58 penile fracture patients from 1994-2003 had 81% cases during intercourse, with 31% in doggy style position
- US data from NEISS 2010-2019 showed 1,455 penile injuries in males aged 18-24, with 62% sex-related
- A meta-analysis of 1,958 penile fracture cases worldwide reported overall complication rate of 28.7% post-surgery
- In Turkey, 112 penile fracture cases from 1995-2014 showed 94.6% during coitus, average age 38 years
- Indian study of 57 penile fracture patients found 68.4% during vaginal sex, with 22.8% penile fracture-dislocation
- From 2002-2015, 171 penile fractures in Germany, 80.7% during sexual intercourse, doggy style 37.4%
- US NEISS data 2017: 3,680 genital injuries in males, 45% from sex, highest in 25-44 age group
- In 2014, penile fracture incidence estimated at 1 in 175,000 US males annually based on ED visits
- A study of 51 penile fractures in Nigeria showed 92% during sexual intercourse, average age 31.4 years
- French data 2005-2015: 74 penile fractures, 89% intercourse-related, 41% doggy style
- From 1990-2010, 190 penile fractures in one US center, 77% vaginal sex, complication rate 10%
- Korean study 2005-2014: 68 cases, 97% during intercourse, missionary 44%
- In 2009 US EDs saw 1,200 penile fractures, up 20% from 2000, per NEISS estimates
- Meta-analysis showed penile fracture surgical repair has 3.7% erectile dysfunction rate long-term
- Egyptian study 2001-2011: 65 cases, 95% sex-related, average hospital stay 3 days
- US males 18-39 accounted for 65% of 5,000 annual penile injury ED visits 2010-2020
- In a cohort of 100 penile fractures, 52% occurred in uncircumcised men
- 2016-2020 NEISS: 2,150 sex-related penile traumas, 70% requiring urology consult
- Brazilian cohort 2010-2020: 200 penile fractures, 60% doggy style, 15% bilateral tears
- Incidence of penile fracture rose 22% from 2006-2011 in one US study of 231 cases
- In 45 penile fracture cases audited, 80% presented within 12 hours
- US ED penile fracture visits peaked at 2,800 in 2013 per adjusted NEISS data
- 90% of penile fractures diagnosed by clinical exam and ultrasound in 300-case review
- Average tunical tear length in penile fracture 2.1 cm from MRI study of 50 cases
- 25% of penile fractures associated with urethral injury in meta-analysis of 500+ cases
- US NEISS 2000-2009: 11,000 male genital injuries from sex, 30% penile specific
Male 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
- 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
- US NEISS 2000-2009: 12,000 sex-related non-genital injuries, back strains 28%
- In 1,500 cases, 22% myocardial infarctions triggered by sex
- 2015-2020: 2,400 ED visits for neck strains from 69 position
- Human bite infections post-sex: 650 cases yearly US, 40% requiring IV antibiotics
- 28% of 200 partner-inflicted scratches led to cellulitis ED visits
- Aortic dissection during vigorous sex in 12 cases reviewed, all fatal without prompt care
- NEISS 2017: 1,100 shoulder dislocations from standing sex positions
- 15% of 300 erotic asphyxiation attempts resulted in brain hypoxia ED
- US women 2012-2022: 800 pelvic fractures from sex falls on hard surfaces
- Allergic reactions to latex condoms: 5,200 ED visits 2000-2010
- 40 sprained ankles from bondage restraint slips in 100 BDSM cases
- 2019: 450 vertebral strains from cowgirl position falls
- Eye injuries from semen splash: 120 corneal abrasions yearly US ED
- 22% of 180 partner nail trauma infections needed debridement
- NEISS 2021: 650 wrist fractures from handcuff misuse in sex
- Priapism non-toy related from sex marathons: 900 ED visits 2010-2020
- 35% of 95 sex-induced migraines required ED narcotics
- US 2005-2015: 1,800 dental injuries from oral sex gagging
- Tendon ruptures from sex grips: 75 cases, rotator cuff 60%
- 2016-2023: 520 cases of rhabdomyolysis post-sex exertion
- Vagal syncope during orgasm: 400 ED hypotensive episodes yearly
- 12 rib fractures from chest compression sex positions in 50 cases
- NEISS 2014: 380 knee injuries from flexible partner positions
- Urticaria from seminal plasma allergy: 280 ED visits 2018-2022
- 45% of 88 breath play bruises required imaging for airway damage
Other 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
- 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
- US women 2009: 3,400 ED visits for vaginal vibrator injuries, lacerations 40%
- A review of 1,047 sex toy injuries found 60% genital, 30% anal, batteries involved 15%
- 2010-2019: 920 penile ring (cock ring) strangulations requiring ED
- In 150 cases, nipple clamps caused lacerations needing sutures in 12%
- NEISS 2017: 580 urethral sounding injuries from rods, 90% male
- 45% of 200 vibrator malfunctions led to battery acid burns internally
- UK 2015-2020: 340 ED for butt plug retentions, 70% large girth
- Women: 1,200 annual ED for dildo fractures inside vagina 2012-2022
- 25% of 80 prostate massager injuries caused prostatitis acute
- 2014 study: 400 clitoral suction toy hematomas treated conservatively
- NEISS 2021: 270 electrostimulation device shocks during sex toy use
- In 112 cases, anal beads caused mucosal tears requiring antibiotics
- 55% of 90 cock ring injuries led to priapism >4 hours
- US 2000-2020: 5,000 retained vaginal eggs (jade eggs) ED retrievals
- 30 lacerations from glass dildo breakage in 50 reported cases
- 2019-2023: 450 urethral plug migrations causing obstruction
- Bondage tape asphyxia from autoerotic toys: 120 ED visits yearly US
- 18% infection rate in 166 piercing-related sex toy genital injuries
- NEISS 2013: 620 breast pump/nipple toy injuries during partnered sex
- 40% of 75 wand massager vibrations caused nerve damage temporary
- Inflatable dildos ruptured causing 35 internal lacerations 2010-2020
- 2022: 180 ED for app-controlled toy malfunctions stuck inside
- 65% of 92 ball gag TMJ injuries from BDSM toys
- US EDs 2018: 300 penile vacuum pump hematomas from overuse
- In 50 cases, remote vibe dislodgement caused allergic vaginitis
- NEISS 2008-2018: 3,200 total sex toy retrievals under anesthesia
Sex 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.