Whoever said that sex is a great workout really wasn’t kidding. Apparently though, the accuracy of their analogy doesn’t just halt at the surface. It applies wholistically to the athletic comparison, injuries and all.
Muscle cramp
Again, having sex is great cardio. And it, just like any other workout can lead to some seriously unwanted performance-limiting injuries. With that being said, muscle cramps in the calves and thighs are extremely common. They can really happen to any muscle in the body, though.
To combat this problem, walk around, stretch it out, and if necessary, take an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller such as ibuprofen (Advil).
Sore nipples
Sometimes body friction or sexual activity that involves that nipples can lead to soreness. This pain often goes away on its own after a few days, but if you would like to speed the recovery along, try using some moisturizer and nipple covers to keep friction against your bra to a minimum.
Pain in pubic area
If you are experiencing pain around your pubic area after sex, you could potentially have a urinary tract infection (UTI). What you’re feeling is inflammation as a result of the infection.
To avoid this condition in the future, be sure to urinate after every orgasm or sexual encounter you have.
Vaginal tearing
This painful injury usually causes bleeding, and in some cases, infection. A poorly lubricated, inelastic vagina can become very sensitive to surface cuts and can incur tears and abrasions because of this.
On the bright side, these cuts usually heal very quickly — sometimes even within hours after sex. If a day or two passes and your bleeding doesn’t stop, check in with your doctor.
Sore vagina
This is one of the most common injuries after sex. To treat it, take an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller such as ibuprofen (Advil). Alternatively, soak in a lukewarm bath to ease the pain.
In the future, try and figure out if the way you are having sex is what causes the soreness. Are you being too rough? Is the thrusting too rapid? Are you not using enough lube? Talk to and change things around with your partner to figure out the safest option for you.
Sprained body part
In much the same way that you are likely to get a muscle cramp from your Olympic workout, you can expect to sprain a body part from your hard work as well. To treat this injury, put some ice on the affected area. If the symptoms persist, consult a doctor about your athletic mishap.
Anal tear
These kinds of tears, like vaginal tears, tend to happen when there is not enough lubrication during anal sex. The anus does not self-lubricate like the vagina does, so using artificial lube is particularly important for this activity.
Your injury should heal within a couple of days, but if it doesn’t, or if you notice excessive bleeding or feel a lot of pain, you should see your doctor.
Also, the anus is exposed to more harmful bacteria than the vagina is, which is why it is important to see a specialist if you sense that something is wrong.
Rug burn
If you and your partner have decided that your bed is just too stale of an Olympic training ground, you might have migrated over to the rigid floor — obviously a more raw and animalistic choice, as it is physically closer to the earth.
Luckily, the rug burn that you got from your Lion King adventure is pretty easy to treat. Disinfect it with some rubbing alcohol and cover it with a bandaid to prevent infection.
Sources:
https://www.health.com/sex/common-sex-injuries?slide=464844#464844
https://www.health.com/sexual-health/pain-after-sex
