Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sexual Emergencies

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Textbook of Clinical Sexual Medicine

Abstract

This chapter covers most life-threatening emergencies that are a result of sexual activity. Most, if not all, will usually present to the Emergency Department first. For each of the sexual emergencies listed in this chapter, there is a review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of each type of emergency. These sexual emergencies are discussed in the order of those pertaining to men, those pertaining to women, and those pertaining to both men and women. While they are life-threatening, most of these emergencies, if treated appropriately and in a timely fashion, will allow for a good prognosis and continued quality sexual activity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Sydney L. 2016 Gross anatomy: you can't put that in there-nearly 450 sex injuries found in federal database. MedPage Today. http://www.medpagetoday.com/Blogs/GrossAnatomy/56174. Accessed 21 Oct 2016

  2. Pfortmueller CA, Koetter JN, Zimmermann H, Exadaktylos AK. Sexual activity-related emergency department admissions: eleven years of experience at a Swiss university hospital. Emerg Med J. 2013;30(10):846–50. doi:10.1136/emermed-2012-201845.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Montague DK, Jarow J, Broderick GA, Dmochowski RR, Heaton JP, Lue TF, Nehra A, Sharlip ID, Members of the Erectile Dysfunction Guideline Update Panel; American Urological Association. American urological association guideline on the management of priapism. J Urol. 2003;170(4 Pt 1):1318–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Melman A, Serels S. Priapism. Int J Impot Res. 2000;12(Suppl 4):S133–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Ebbehoj J. A new operation for priapism. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg. 1974;8(3):241–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Ercole CJ, Pontes JE, Pierce Jr JM. Changing surgical concepts in the treatment of priapism. J Urol. 1981;125(2):210–1.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Winter CC. Cure of idiopathic priapism: new procedure for creating fistula between glans penis and corpora cavernosa. Urology. 1976;8(4):389–91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Lue TF, Pescatori ES. Distal cavernosum-glans shunts for ischemic priapism. J Sex Med. 2006;3(4):749–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Okpala I, Westerdale N, Jegede T, Cheung B. Etilefrine for the prevention of priapism in adult sickle cell disease. Br J Haematol. 2002;118(3):918–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Amer T, Wilson R, Chlosta P, AlBuheissi S, Qazi H, Fraser M, Aboumarzouk OM. Penile fracture: a meta-analysis. Urol Int. 2016;96(3):315–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Özorak A, Hoşcan MB, Oksay T, Güzel A, Koşar A. Management and outcomes of penile fracture: 10 years' experience from a tertiary care center. Int Urol Nephrol. 2014;46(3):519–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Buyukkaya R, Buyukkaya A, Ozturk B, Kayıkçı A, Yazgan Ö. Role of ultrasonography with color-Doppler in the emergency diagnosis of acute penile fracture: a case report. Med Ultrason. 2014;16(1):67–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Agarwal MM, Singh SK, Sharma DK, Ranjan P, Kumar S, Chandramohan V, Gupta N, Acharya NC, Bhalla V, Mavuduru R, Mandal AK. Fracture of the penis: a radiological or clinical diagnosis? A case series and literature review. Can J Urol. 2009;16(2):4568–75.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Morey AF, Brandes S, Dugi III DD, Armstrong JH, Breyer BN, Broghammer JA, Erickson BA, Holzbeierlein J, Hudak SJ, Pruitt JH, Reston JT, Santucci RA, Smith III TG, Wessells H, American Urological Assocation. Urotrauma: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2014;192(2):327–35.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Pavan N, Tezzot G, Liguori G, Napoli R, Umari P, Rizzo M, Chiriacò G, Chiapparrone G, Vedovo F, Bertolotto M, Trombetta C. Penile fracture: retrospective analysis of our case history with long-term assessment of the erectile and sexological outcome. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2014;86(4):359–70.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Gamal WM, Osman MM, Hammady A, Aldahshoury MZ, Hussein MM, Saleem M. Penile fracture: long-term results of surgical and conservative management. J Trauma. 2011;71(2):491–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. EverydayHealth.com. How to Avoid Vaginal Cuts http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/avoiding-vaginal-cuts.aspx. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  18. Jeng CJ, Wang LR. Vaginal laceration and hemorrhagic shock during consensual sexual intercourse. J Sex Marital Ther. 2007;33(3):249–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Symeonidis N, Ballas K, Micha A, Psarras K, Pavlidis T. Consensual intercourse resulting in an extensive rectovaginal tear: an extremely rare occurrence. J Sex Med. 2015;12(2):572–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Ugurel V, Özer DP, Varol F. A rare case of rectovaginal fistula following consensual vaginal intercourse. J Sex Med. 2014;11(5):1345–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Webmd.com. Vaginal foreign bodies. http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/foreign-body-vagina#1. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  22. Kihara M, Sato N, Kimura H, Kamiyama M, Sekiya S, Takano H. Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of vaginal foreign bodies in a young girl. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2001;265(4):221–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Islam A, Arif S. Colouterine fistula with a foreign body. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2010;22(2):205–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Bansal A, Kumar M, Goel S, Aeron R. Vesicovaginal fistula following insertion of a foreign body in the vagina for sexual gratification: could it be catastrophic pii: bcr2016214705? BMJ Case Rep. 2016;2016:9.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Miklos M, Moore M. Vesicovaginal fistula. http://www.miklosandmoore.com/vesicovaginal-fistula-atlanta/?gclid=CKro89zm388CFUONfgodBZEDeQ. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  26. Mohamed M, Al-Ramahi G, McCann M. Postcoital hemoperitoneum caused by ruptured corpus luteal cyst: a hidden etiology pii rjv. J Surg Case Rep. 2015;2015(10):120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Mayo Clinic Staff. Ovarian cysts. www.Mayoclinic.org. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  28. Sharp H, Levine D, Falk S. FACOG evaluation and management of ruptured ovarian cyst. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-and-management-of-ruptured-ovarian-cyst. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  29. McColgin SW, Williams LM, Sorrells TL, Morrison JC. Hemoperitoneum as a result of coital injury without associated vaginal injury. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;163(5 Pt 1):1503–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Reiner SC. Colorectal laceration after manual-anal intercourse. Ann Emerg Med. 1984;13(2):130–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Waraich NG, Hudson JS, Iftikhar SY. Vibrator-induced fatal rectal perforation. N Z Med J. 2007;120(1260):U2685.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Cohen C, Giles A, Nelson M. Sexual behavior, sexual trauma associated with fisting and recreational drugs. Sex Transm Infect. 2004;80:469–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Lohsiriwat V. Anorectal emergencies. World J Gastroenterol. 2016;22(26):5867–78.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Zink T, Fargo JD, Baker RB, Buschur C, Fisher BS, Sommers MS. Comparison of methods for identifying ano-genital injury after consensual intercourse. J Emerg Med. 2010;39(1):113–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Givel JC, Mortensen NJ, Roche B. Anorectal and colonic diseases: a practical guide to their management. 3rd ed. Berlin: Springer Verlag; 2010.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  36. Cologne KG, Ault GT. Rectal foreign bodies: what is the current standard? Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(4):214–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  37. Coskun A, Erkan N, Yakan S, Yıldirim M, Cengiz F. Management of rectal foreign bodies. World J Emerg Surg 2013;8(1):11.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Al-Qurayshi ZH, Hauch AT, Slakey DP, Kandil E. Retained foreign bodies: risk and outcomes at the national level. J Am Coll Surg. 2015;220(4):749–59.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Cutrer MF. Headaches associated with exertion and sexual activity. Mayo Clinic. https://americanheadachesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/F._Michael_Cutrer_-_Headaches_Associated_with_Exertion_and_Sexual_Activity.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  40. Frese A, Rahmann A, Gregor N, Biehl K, Husstedt I-W, Evers S. Headache associated with sexual activity: prognosis and treatment options. Cephalalgia. 2007;27:1265–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Pascual J, Inglesias F, Oterino MD, Vazquez-Barquero MD, Bericano J. Cough, exertional, and sexual headaches: an analysis of 72 benign and symptomatic cases. Neurology. 1996;46:1520–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Len B. Male sexual enhancers—4 types of sexual enhancers for men. http://www.sooperarticles.com/health-fitness-articles/sexual-health-articles/male-sexual-enhancers-4-types-sexual-enhancers-men-4514.html. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  43. Loran OB, Ströberg P, Lee SW, Park NC, Kim SW, Tseng LJ, Collins S, Stecher VJ. Sildenafil citrate 100 mg starting dose in men with erectile dysfunction in an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled study: effect on the sexual experience and reducing feelings of anxiety about the next intercourse attempt. J Sex Med. 2009;6(10):2826–35.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Sabourin G. Potentially deadly: warning about Revatio (sildenafil) taken with nitroglycerine. Perspect Infirm. 2010;7(5):42.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Eardley I, Cartledge J. Tadalafil (Cialis) for men with erectile dysfunction. Int J Clin Pract. 2002;56(4):300–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Porst H, Rosen R, Padma-Nathan H, Goldstein I, Giuliano F, Ulbrich E, Bandel T. The efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil, a new, oral, selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, in patients with erectile dysfunction: the first at-home clinical trial. Int J Impot Res. 2001;13(4):192–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. WebMD. Stamina-Rx supplements recalled-FDA finds products contain an unapproved drug that may pose health risks. http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/news/20090617/stamina-rx-supplements-recalled. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  48. AssociatedPress. Popping herbal sex pills linked to increased risk of stroke, headaches, vision problems. Published 13 Nov 2007. http://www.foxnews.com/story/2007/11/13/report-popping-herbal-sex-pills-linked-to-increased-risk-stroke-headaches.html. Accessed 21 Oct 2016.

  49. Puppo G, Puppo V. U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Addyi (Flibanserin) for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Eur Urol. 2016;69(2):379–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Terrier C, Terrier JE. Efficacy and safety of flibanserin “new female Viagra(®)”? Literature review. Prog Urol. 2016;pii:S1166–7087(16)30415–8.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Fantasia HC. Nurs Womens Health. Flibanserin Female Sex Desire 2016;20(3):309–314.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Kotirum S, Ismail SB, Chaiyakunapruk N. Efficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) on erectile function improvement: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(5):693–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Chillemi E, Di Giannantonio M, Schifano F, Cellek S. Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:841798.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Adimoelja A. Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions. Int J Androl. 2000;23(Suppl 2):82–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Tan LT, Lee LH, Yin WF, Chan CK, Abdul Kadir H, Chan KG, Goh BH. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:896314.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  57. Strandgaard S, Olesen J, Skinhoj E, Lassen NA. Autoregulation of brain circulation in severe arterial hypertension. Br Med J. 1973;1(5852):507–10.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  58. Hoshide S, Eguchi K, Ishikawa J, Murata M, Katsuki T, Mitsuhashi T, Shimada K, Kario K. Can ischemic stroke be caused by acute reduction of blood pressure in the acute phase of cardiovascular disease? J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2008;10(3):195–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Powers WJ, Derdeyn CP, Biller J, Coffey CS, Hoh BL, Jauch EC, Johnston KC, Johnston SC, Khalessi AA, Kidwell CS, Meschia JF, Ovbiagele B, Yavagal DR, American Heart Association Stroke Council. 2015 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association focused update of the 2013 guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke regarding endovascular treatment: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2015;46(10):3020–35.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Marc B, Chadly A, Durigon M. Fatal air embolism during female autoerotic practice. Int J Leg Med. 1990;104(1):59–61.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Aronson ME, Nelson PK. Fatal air embolism in pregnancy resulting from an unusual sexual act. Obstet Gynecol. 1967;30(1):127–30.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Herbenick D. Semen in the eye: is it dangerous? What should i do if i get sperm in my eye? My sex professor, April 15, 2009. http://mysexprofessor.com/how-to-have-sex/semen-in-the-eye-is-it-dangerous-what-should-i-do/. Accessed 21 Oct 2016

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Huntington Memorial Hospital, 100 W. California Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, USA

    Asbasia A. Mikhail

Authors
  1. Asbasia A. Mikhail
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Asbasia A. Mikhail .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Waguih William IsHak

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Mikhail, A.A. (2017). Sexual Emergencies. In: IsHak, W. (eds) The Textbook of Clinical Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52539-6_33

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52539-6_33

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-52538-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-52539-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation