I heard that having sex in water is really bad for the girl, though you see it in movies or hear people talking about it all the time. What's really going on, and should girls be more careful to protect themselves from possible infections or injuries?
Good question. In fact, there isn't much literature out there on the health risks of underwater intercourse. The water itself isn't the problem (unless you are pregnant) -- what is in the water is the real issue.
Swimming pools
Remember you are exposed to what is in the water. Chlorine can cause skin irritation in some people and if the water isn't treated properly, you could be exposed to bacteria. I e-mailed Church & Dwight Inc. (the makers of Trojan brand condoms) about their product's effectiveness in swimming pools, and they did not recommend its pool use because "conditions may compromise the use of this product or cause slippage of the condom."
Hot tubs
Enemy number one? Heat can break down condoms. There's also the threat of bacteria. If the temperature isn't just right or treated correctly, bacteria and other organisms can grow.
Your local swimming hole or lake
You shouldn't have to worry about heat or chorine here, but be aware that natural bodies of water harbor some interesting bacteria and amoeba.
What does this mean for women? Well, due to anatomical differences, women are in general at a higher risk for infections. This includes STDs and urinary tract infections, plus irritation. So pay attention and if you notice symptoms, don't ignore them. Go to your doctor and mention your location of choice, as it could affect treatment. Also, pregnancy changes the female genital tract and if water (or air) enters the vaginal tact under pressure, it could end up in the blood stream.
Final issue
When I first received this question I heard a story. It was a story about a couple who had sex in water and the guy woke up the next morning to find that he tore himself, and then had to be circumcised. Okay, yes, this is total hearsay. But it brings up another important point: athletic sex.
Athletic sex refers to especially forceful sex with penetration of some kind. My first thought as a woman was of vaginal trauma: extremely painful. But the problem is that not only can the vagina or anus be torn but if the penis doesn't enter the vagina as planned, it could ram into other areas that aren't so forgiving. During erections the blood vessels in the penis are dilated and the skin is tight, which in trauma could lead to a blood vessel bursting or the skin being torn. If this happens, forgo embarrassment and go to the doctor!
A torn blood vessel could lead to many complications. Also, torn skin in the vagina, penis or anus needs to be evaluated by a physician. It is susceptible to infection and could need to be repaired.
So why is this important regarding a swimming pool? Water makes us buoyant (some more than others). Sex in water can also be an exciting new experience and lend itself to new and different encounters. So these new positions can lead to accidents. Add alcohol or drugs and small accidents have a tendency to become big accidents. Don't be confused. My point is NOT to advise avoiding new things but rather to be careful.
Lisa Hermann is a Medical graduate student and Cavalier Daily Health & Sexuality columnist. She can be reached at lisa@cavalierdaily.com or through the Sex & Balances submission page at cavalierdaily.com/sex.asp. This column is used for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute advice from your doctor.
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