SEX FILES: Summer sex mishaps are more common than you think. Here's how to avoid them

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When retired diagnostic radiologist Dr. Sam Hill was still a resident, he remembers one of his colleagues coming to him in a panic. They’d come in contact with poison ivy and had a line of unbroken blisters that stretched from the nape of her neck right to her buttocks and down to her heels. 

Relaying the story over email, Hill said he immediately recognized what had happened. 

“So… how’s your boyfriend?” he asked his colleague. 

“Not great, but better than me,” she replied. 

He gave her a steroid injection and suggested that next time she and her partner go “hiking,” they take a blanket. It wouldn’t be the last time that Hill treated a summertime sex-related injury. 

While it’s easy to hear this story and laugh it off (“that would never happen to me!”), sexual mishaps are way more common than you think, especially for middle-aged adults. 

According to recent findings, “47% of people between 35 and 44 have suffered a coitus-related catastrophe, making them the most accident-prone age group,” shares Angie Rowntree, founder and director of the award-winning site Sssh.com. 

If you think age and experience will get you off the hook, think again. Brionna Otte, a clinical sexologist and sex therapist, says, “At this point, they probably think that they’re young, they know their bodies, and they know their partner’s preferences, but really, age, experience, and familiarity can be a breeding ground for overconfidence.” 

Throw in the fact that it’s summer, and you’ve got the elements of a perfect storm. “When people take their fun outdoors, whether it’s on the beach, in the pool, or out on a boat, the risk of sex-related injuries naturally goes up,” says Rowntree. 

While having sex outdoors can be fun and thrilling, it also makes people vulnerable to a variety of different issues, from bug bites and sunburns in intimate areas to friction burns that can result from sex on sandy beaches, pool edges, or even picnic blankets. Rowntree says, “Sand, dirt, or chlorinated water can also irritate sensitive areas, leading to discomfort or infections if untreated.” 

Rowntree reminds us, “Many ‘fantasies’ (we’re looking at sex on the beach) are hot in theory (or in a professionally shot porn scene) but can be overrated in real life when you factor in the risk of injury.” For this reason, it’s essential to take precautions and use protection in all senses of the word. 

In terms of having safe and fun, mishap-free sex this summer, it starts with foresight. Sara Sloan, a marriage and family therapist and AASECT certified sex therapist, says, “The easiest way to add in spontaneity with safety is to plan by keeping what you need in your purse or car. I would include a waterproof blanket, condoms, a form of lubricant, and a clean pair of underwear.” 

Next, prioritize open and effective communication with your partner. “Communication is like lube. Nobody wants to stop the moment and use it, but when you do, the friction is gone. Communication, similarly, helps smooth things out so that you and your partner know what isn’t working and why,” says Otte. 

While you don’t have to give a TED Talk in the heat of the moment (for example, when you’re getting it on while dangerously close to a hiking trail in the woods), Otte encourages couples to communicate what’s going on internally so that they can make the appropriate adjustments. “People think sexiness means pushing past limits and seeing stars every time. But in reality, it’s sexier to physically be able to go at it again next week instead of being down for the count because of an injury,” she says. 

To avoid sex-related health issues, experts also encourage people to rethink having sex in water. “Sex in the ocean or the pool is also likely to cause an infection, because the water washes away the natural lubrications, which can cause chafing that can result in a UTI (urinary tract infection), BV (bacterial vaginosis), or yeast infection for women,” says Sloan. If still keen to have sex in water, use a silicone lube that won’t wash away easily and avoid sand. Mixed with sweat, sand can cause a staph infection, which can lead to other health concerns. 

Lastly, Rowntree suggests people be mindful of their alcohol consumption and assess outdoor sex locations for potential safety concerns before they get undressed. “Be aware of your surroundings outdoors, including proximity to wildlife, vehicles, or people detonating firecrackers. Wear proper protective clothing (even if you plan on getting frisky) and definitely don’t forget your SPF and lube!” says Rowntree. 

After all, as Rowntree reminds us, “Nature’s great, but it doesn’t always come with padding!”