Penile fractures are said to be more common on Christmas days.
- The incidence of penile fractures increases sharply between December 24 and 26, according to a new study.
- This is a rare, very painful urological emergency. It occurs during “wild” sex, and particularly during positions where there is no eye contact between the partners.
- Researchers therefore urge couples to exercise caution.
If I say Christmas injury to you, you will most certainly think of the cuts linked to opening oysters. And if in fact, they are the cause of very many visits to the emergency room during the holidays,Doctors are facing an increase in another type of accident during the same period: penile fractures.
A study from the University of Munich, published in the British Journal of Urology Internationalreveals that the incidence of this medical emergency increases sharply between December 24 and 26. Researchers warn men: don’t let the festive spirit lead you into sex “too intense” or positions that are too acrobatic.
Penile fractures on the rise at Christmas
For their study, the scientists reviewed the records of 3,421 men who were treated for a penile fracture in Germany between 2005 and 2021. Analyzes showed that while most patients were admitted on weekends or during the summer, Christmas was also a dangerous time for the male member.
The chances of suffering this painful injury increased significantly between December 24 and 26, especially among middle-aged people. “If every day were like Christmas, there would have been 43% more penile fractures in Germany from 2005”write the authors in their article.
On the other hand, the New Year seems less to fuel the passions of couples. Indeed, the incidence is significantly lower during New Year’s Eve. Only 28 cases were recorded during New Year’s Eve during the 16 years studied (compared to 40 at Christmas time). However, this could be a Germanic particularity. “It would be interesting to know data from other countries. But in Germany, Christmas week is widely celebrated, while New Year’s Eve tends to be a little quieter.”, has confided Dr. Nikolaos Pyrgidsurologist at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and head of research, at Guardian.
Penile fracture: the “wild sexual relations” in question
Penile fracture is a rare urological emergency that occurs only during an erection. It is characterized by a rupture of the albuginea, the membrane which surrounds the corpus cavernosum. Typically, patients report hearing a cracking sound and then feeling intense pain. Severe swelling and bruising are observed. “When they present to their doctor, their penis often looks like an eggplant”explained the researcher to the British newspaper.
“This injury tends to occur during wild sex – especially in positions where you are not in direct eye contact [avec votre partenaire]as the cowgirl reversed”clarified the expert then added: “Most penile fractures occur in unconventional scenarios, such as during extramarital affairs or when sexual intercourse takes place in unusual locations.”
Most often, a penile fracture requires hospitalization and surgery. So you don’t have to wait to consult. Furthermore, it is accompanied by damage to the urethra in approximately 25% of cases.
As the holidays approach, the team of German researchers advises couples to exercise caution and avoid acrobatics under the tree.
