Experts warn of spike in sex fails over Christmas — and one common injury surges by 234%
It seems like the holidays bring some not-so-silent nights.
A study by FeetFinder revealed a 234% surge in Google searches for “penile fracture” over the frisky festive season.
Last year, researchers studied 3,421 German men between 2005 an 2021 and found that chances of sustaining the painful penile injury, especially among those in middle age, rose significantly between Dec. 24 and Dec. 26, according to the study published in the British Journal of Urology International.
Penile fractures usually occur during “wild sex,” according to research leader Dr. Nikolaos Pyrgides, a urologist at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
According to NIH datamost penile fractures have occurred while partners were in missionary, “woman-on-top” (a.k.a. cowgirl) and “doggy-style” sex positions.
Victims of the injury can usually identify the fracture by hearing an audible crack — it’s not a broken candy cane — followed by pain and losing their erection quickly.
The penis also usually looks similar to an eggplant after the injury occurs, Pyrgides said.
An estimated 1 in every 100,000 American men will suffer from a broken penis in their lifetime, per the National Institutes of Health. Though not life-threatening, certain injuries may require surgery and weeks of recovery, lest patients risk permanent damage to sexual and urinary function.
Those who ignore their injury could be left with a permanent curvature, poor function and a lifetime of painful erections.
But potential penile fractures aren’t the only thing going amiss in the bedroom during the holiday season as couples rip off each other’s ugly Christmas sweaters.
Other search terms related to sex injuries—such as “pulled muscle during sex,” “injury during sex,” and “swelling after sex”—also see increased activity in December, according to FeetFinder.
“It’s a time of year when people feel more adventurous, likely fueled by the festive spirit, alcohol, and a desire to make the holidays extra special,” a sexologist and researcher at FeetFinder told The Post in a statement.
“But experimentation can sometimes lead to unintended consequences if safety isn’t prioritized.
This is especially true for couples trying new positions, incorporating sex toys for the first time, or even attempting holiday-themed role-play without proper preparation.”
And Santa’s elves aren’t the only ones playing with toys this holiday season.
People aged 20 to 24 are the most at risk of injuring themselves with a sex toy. However, the chances of a sex toy injury varies for men and women.
Women are most prone to these injuries between ages 25 and 29, while men face the highest risk between ages 55 and 59.
Overall, more men experience these injuries. Over the past decade, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 26,000 men have been treated for sex toy-related injuries in hospitals, compared to 19,000 women.
But why is everyone getting frisky during the festive season?
Experts believe there are many reasons for the continued seasonal spike in sex injuries noting that people feel especially celebratory and giving and increase alcohol consumption, but insist that safety is sexy.
“Communication is key,” researchers at FeetFinder said. “Couples should openly discuss their boundaries, take things slowly, and always ensure they’re using toys as intended.”
“Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which can add to the fun—but it also increases the risk of mistakes or mishaps.
“If you’re trying something new, make sure you’re both comfortable and well-prepared.”
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