Health4 min(s) read
Doctor issues warning over common sex habit 97% of us do that could increase risk of 'nasty' infections
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A doctor has issued a warning about a common sex habit that can increase the risk of infections - and chances are, you might have tried it yourself.
What people get up to in their sex lives can be deeply personal, and as long as it's safe, consensual, and legal, what you get up to with your significant other is your own business.
Most sexual encounters tend to happen in the comfort of a bed, but some like to spice it up by varying the location.
A doctor has issued a warning against getting frisky in another common location in the home, as it could increase the likelihood of getting an infection - and nobody wants that, do they?
You might assume that would be the kitchen perhaps, as getting it on near a hot stove or sharp utensils could lead to injuries, or maybe the bathroom, where a slip on a wet tiled surface could land you in the ER.
However, it's actually the sofa that's apparently one of the riskiest places to get intimate in your home, apparently.
According to research conducted by Sofa Club, 97 percent of the 500 people they surveyed admitted to having had sex on the couch at least once in their lives, with one in five of those leaving the TV on in the background, too.
And while a sofa might be nice and soft, there's a pretty nasty downside to using it to have sex on - as there's a heightened risk of bacterial infections.
Doctor Hana Patel, NHS GP and GP at Medico-Legal Expert Witness, warned, per Unilad: "Though having sex on the sofa can be fun, there are some risks to be aware of.
"One example is an increased risk of bacterial infections due to sofas often not being cleaned as thoroughly and easily as your bedding."
While you might strip your sheets pretty soon after having sex on them, the same can not be said of your sofa cushions, which rarely - if ever - get a thorough cleaning, meaning dirt and bacteria can linger.
Dr Patel also reiterated the importance of good hygiene if you're using sex toys, too, adding: "If you're sharing sex toys, make sure you wash them between each use and always put a new condom on them each time.
"Sharing sex toys has risks, including getting and passing on STIs such as chlamydia, syphilis and herpes."
Despite the slightly elevated risk of infections, the sofa remains a popular alternative for couples hoping to spice it up a bit without going too far out of their comfort zone.
Award-winning sex and relationship coach Gemma Nice told Sofa Club: "Having sex on the sofa often adds a touch of spontaneity that keeps the excitement alive.
"It creates a more intimate setting where couples can engage in dirty talk or foreplay before moving things to the bedroom.
"Plus, the presence of a TV in the living room can set the mood, with a film or show potentially instigating forms of arousal that might lead to sexier moments."
She added: "Sex in the bedroom, especially at night, often involves a routine — brushing teeth, locking doors, maybe doing a quick clean.
"In contrast, sofa sex allows for spontaneous intimacy without the need for preparation or waiting around. It’s an opportunity to dive right into the moment."
Getting intimate on the couch can also be more pleasurable, as she added: "The seated position and the slight tilt of the pelvis can be perfect for masturbation or hand stimulation.
"Additionally, the sofa's arms provide a convenient angle for oral sex, while pillows or cushions can be strategically placed under the pelvis to facilitate deeper, more fulfilling penetrative experiences."
While it might sound like fun, Gemma advises to have a "splash blanket" or some towels to hand to prevent any bodily fluids from getting onto the upholstery, adding: "Towels and blankets can also help keep your skin protected from potential skin burn, especially if your sofa is made from harsh material or leather."