It is known, sex is good for health: natural sleeping pill, anti stress and anti depression thanks to the release of hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphin, good for the heart, effective against migraines … There are countless studies extolling the benefits of somersaults. But the parts of legs in the air, especially when they are too frequent, or intense, can also involve some risks. We take stock.

A sexual marathon can cause irritation in women. “During sexual intercourse, what best protects is desire,” insists Dr. Benoît de Sarcus, head of the gynecology-obstetrics department at the Nanterre maternity hospital. “Lubrication protects the vulva and vagina against dryness. If the woman is having fun, generally everything is going very well. “

Certain periods are often accompanied by a lack of lubrication: at menopause due to estrogen deficiency, or during breastfeeding, for example. “The easiest way is to use aqueous lubricants, that’s what works best to facilitate penetrative sex. “

An intimate dryness can do more than irritate, it can lead to a vaginal tear, in other words, damage to the lining. Too fiery penetration can also be responsible. Again, do not hesitate to use a lubricant (in gel, or in eggs), and to increase the duration of foreplay. “If it bleeds, it is better to consult,” recommends Dr de Sarcus.

And avoid having sex for a few days, while the area heals and the pain subsides. Making love while hurting, even a little, risks creating a blockage.

Frequent and overwhelming urges to go to the bathroom, burning while urinating … About one in two women will experience these unpleasant symptoms in her life. Many UTIs follow sex. Especially at the start of sex, or after a long period of abstinence. The partner has nothing to do with it: the condom does not protect against cystitis, and this infection is not contagious.

But the back and forth movement promotes the rise of bacteria to the bladder. To avoid cystitis, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day, go to a wee just after intercourse, and avoid vaginal penetration after anal sex, so that germs don’t travel from the anus to the vagina. For the same reason, in the toilet, you should wipe from front to back, and not the other way around. In case of cystitis, go to the doctor, who will prescribe an antibiotic.

The frenulum is a small piece of skin that connects the glans to the foreskin. When the man is erect, friction can cause it to break … especially if it is too short. “This rarely happens,” reassures Dr. de Sarcus. This accident caused a sharp pain and an impressive hemorrhage. But it doesn’t matter.

When this happens, you have to compress the area for a few minutes with a compress, or failing that, a handkerchief. The bleeding stopped, we clean with water and soap, before disinfecting, with an alcohol-free product, so as not to scream in pain. In the following days, it is better to consult a urologist. He can, if necessary, offer you a brake plasty. Under local anesthesia, this ten-minute operation makes it possible to lengthen the frenulum, which will provide real comfort, and will prevent a recurrence.

According to the WHO, sexual activity is beneficial for both mental and physical health. Myocardial infarction during sexual intercourse “exists, as with any other physical exercise, but it is very rare”, insists Dr. de Sarcus. “If you are able to go up one floor without being exhausted, you can have sex without fear. “

The French Federation of Cardiology points out that “the largest study on the subject reports that 0,016% of deaths from cardiac arrest are linked to sexual intercourse for women against 0,19% for men. ”And the Federation to insist, conversely, on the beneficial effects of sexuality on the heart. Something to flourish under the duvet without fear.