The release of Fifty Shades of Grey in 2011 corresponded with a notable
rise in the number of emergency room visits attributed to sensual toy-related
injuries, according to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
While it can’t be proven that the book itself is responsible for the increase
in toy use and injury, it’s pretty clear that the inclusion of a little kink in
the bedroom is becoming more mainstream. Partners who decide to use sensual
toys should take steps to ensure proper female organ, rear end and manhood care.
Increase
in Injuries
The increase in reported injuries from
sensual toy use is not entirely new, but a trend that has been documented since
the 1990’s. In 2009, researchers from the University of Alabama School of
Public Health published a study that found the number of injuries from such
products to have doubled from 2.41 per million people in 1995 to 5.46 per
million in 2006. Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that,
between 2011 and 2012, the number of people going to the emergency room for
toy-related injuries jumped from about 1,800 to over 2,500.
Who’s
Most Affected?
According to the CPSC data, men are
slightly more likely to report to emergency rooms with sensual toy-related injuries,
accounting for 58% of all such emergency room visits. The median age for
injured men is 44, whereas, for women, it’s 30.
What
Type of Injuries?
According to the earlier 2009 study:
- 74% involved a vibrating toy
- 13% involved a male organ replica
- 2% involved a ring
- 11% involved a different toy
- 78% of injuries were to the rear end
- 18% involved the male organ or female
organ
According to the CPSC data, 83% of
injuries reported involved “foreign body removal.” These bits of information
combined suggest that most people who are getting injured from sensual toy use
are doing so by getting the toys stuck inside them, especially in the rear
entrance, something that can be prevented with a couple safety steps.
Preventing
Injury
People wanting to use sensual toys in
the bedroom shouldn’t be discouraged from doing so. While the data show a rise
in injuries related to these products, the injuries are still extremely rare.
Of course, not everyone with slight toy-related injuries reports to the
emergency room, so we can assume that the overall injury rate is higher.
However, couples can prevent most of these injuries with a little education,
and by choosing their toys wisely. Here are a few very basic prevention steps:
1) Use
adequate lubrication. As said above, most reported injuries
were rear end-related. Whenever penetration occurs in this area, it’s vital to
use plenty of lubrication. This goes for female organ penetration as well,
though this organ is more naturally lubricated and expansive than the rear end.
2)
Don’t go too big. One might think that the longest,
thickest rod will be the most pleasurable, but this is absolutely not the case
for many people. When purchasing one’s first male organ replica or vibrating
toy, it’s important to get one that is not gigantic. If one has used an
average-sized replica and wants to try a larger size, one should work his or
her way up gradually. Starting out with the largest available option can lead
to excess friction, skin tearing and even a situation where removal is
difficult.
3) Keep
restraints loose. Not all injuries are related to male
organ replicas and vibrating toys. Couples experimenting with role play may
experience injuries in the form of rope burns and circulation issues related to
restraints that are too tight. If tying a partner up, make sure that a finger
or two can easily slide between the material and his or her body, and do
frequent circulation checks.
It’s important for men who practice
kinky play to tend to the skin condition of their male organs; frequent
friction can cause the skin to become dry and chafed. Using a male organ health crème (health
professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) with natural moisturizers like Shea
butter and vitamin E will help protect the skin from play-related injuries.
Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common
male organ health issues, tips on improving organ sensitivity and what to do to
maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes
in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous
websites.