Experts are warning that certain sex positions may be more likely to cause injury than people realise.
It’s easy to assume the biggest risks come from the most acrobatic scenarios — the kind that end in awkward emergency-room stories or viral stick-figure diagrams. But some research suggests a comparatively “standard” option is responsible for a notable number of mishaps.
A study published by Superdrug online doctor, based on responses from more than 1,000 people across the US and Europe, found that more than six in 10 participants said they’d experienced an injury during sex.
Among women surveyed, doggy style was listed as a leading cause of injuries, tied with respondents who said they didn’t have a single preferred position. Missionary also featured prominently, linked to 16 percent of cases. Cowgirl appeared to affect both sexes, accounting for 8 percent of injuries reported by men and 6 percent of those reported by women.
Unsurprisingly, the most commonly affected areas were the genitals. For men, 38 percent of reported injuries involved the penis. For women, more than half of reported injuries were to the vaginal area.
Speaking to The Sun, sex expert and educator Scotty Unfamous explained: “although it’s one of the most popular positions for sex, this fan favourite is the most common way that intimate injuries occur, as it can cause some wear and tear to your joints.
“If you experience discomfort from how you are positioned during missionary sex, try incorporating cushions or a rolled-up towel/blanket to provide some support where you need it most, like under your hips, knees, back or shoulders.”
Despite the potential downsides, escort Lilith Lodge has said missionary is the position clients request most often. “Most clients are very basic and standard in what they want,” she told Metro. “It’s not super common, definitely not a weekly event, to have clients ask for something outside of what I feel is ‘normal’. It’s pretty much just missionary.”
Lodge has also spoken about a separate issue she says comes up regularly in the bedroom.
The Brisbane-based escort recently shared a YouTube video describing her experiences, and said that while many men may run into performance problems at some point, recurring difficulties are something a person should seek help for.
She was referring to erectile dysfunction — a condition that affects millions of men but is still often treated as an embarrassing topic.
Lodge added that it’s something she frequently encounters with clients, and said she encourages them to get medical advice rather than dismiss the issue or try to avoid it.