Sex Mistakes, Ranked By Danger Level

Sex is a big part of human connection, intimacy, and pleasure, but it's also a time when mistakes can have serious consequences. Whether you're navigating a new relationship or maintaining a long-term one, prioritizing communication, safety, and mutual respect is key. Yet, even with the best intentions — we are all human, after all — we all make mistakes. When it comes to sex, there are a few common blunders that can turn a good time into a "what was I thinking?" moment. Whether it's a condom faux pas or a risky rendezvous in a questionable location, some sex mistakes are more dangerous than others. 

Believe it or not, sex mistakes are quite common, especially when it relates to condoms. Researchers reviewed 50 sex studies conducted worldwide that revealed the majority of people using condoms don't check them for damage before use, according to NBC News. In addition, you might be shocked to learn that many people use condoms incorrectly. For example, between 24-45 % of study respondents don't leave enough room at the tip of the condom for semen to collect. In this article, we're diving into the world of sex slip-ups, ranking them by just how much trouble they can cause in your life. Get ready to smile, cringe, and maybe even learn a thing or two about how you can avoid these hazardous hanky-panky pitfalls.

Do you know your STI status? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a type of contagious infection you can get from any sexual activity. Some STIs can cause serious side effects if left untreated. Sometimes you may have little to no symptoms, so it's important to get tested often to stay updated on your STI status and be able to inform your status to potential sex partners. According to Cleveland Clinic experts, serious complications of STIs can include vision loss, organ damage, infertility, and even death. Early detection and treatment can help decrease these risks. Knowing your STI status not only impacts your own physical health but also helps protect the well-being of your sexual partners — an important and respectful step in maintaining healthy relationships.

Many people have heard of the dangers of HIV and AIDS, including how deadly these two STIs can be. Syphilis and hepatitis can also cause death, especially if you don't consult a medical professional immediately. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause long-term health issues, and HSV increases your chances of getting HIV in the future, as per Same Day STD Testing. Knowing your STI status during pregnancy is also crucial, as certain infections can be highly dangerous or even life-threatening if transmitted to the baby. 

The surprising and unsettling truth is that there are countless ways to use a condom incorrectly, and many people make these mistakes all the time. When used properly, condoms are effective at preventing both unwanted pregnancies and STIs, but that protection only works if they're used the right way. A meta-analysis of sex studies reveals an alarming statistic: 17-51% of people put a condom on halfway through sex, completely voiding its ability to prevent disease, reports NBC News. Up to 40.7% of study participants have experienced a broken condom incident at least once in their lives, which is likely due to common condom mistakes like improper storage; opening the package with a sharp object; using expired condoms; using the wrong kind of lubrication, or not using any lubricant at all. 

There are some important things to remember when using condoms. Do not completely unroll a condom before putting it on; always unroll it onto an erect penis. Always check the expiration date and store condoms according to the package instructions. High heat or humidity can degrade condoms, making them break more easily. Don't use sharp objects like scissors or teeth to open the package, which could tear the condom. If you accidentally start to put a condom on inside-out, start over with a new one. Flipping it around negates its ability to prevent disease if it already touched your genitals. Lastly, water-based or silicone lube can help prevent condom tears, but oil-based lube can cause breakage. 

Birth control pills are a popular form of contraception, and are sometimes even recommended by doctors as treatment options for certain menstrual cycle issues. But birth control pills can cause many different damaging side effects, including mood changes, nausea, headaches, migraines, decreased libido, weight gain, and an increased risk for blood clots, which can be fatal if they end up in your lungs (per Medical News Today). Side effects vary by individual and depend on the type of birth control pill you are taking. 

According to MedSafe, blood clots caused by birth control pills are rare but possible. For example, two deaths per year in New Zealand were caused by blood clots that were linked to oral contraception. Your risk of developing blood clots depends on the type of birth control you take, as well as other risk factors such as weight, genetics, and underlying medical conditions. Be sure to talk to your doctor in detail about your medical history and if birth control is right for you. Always read the fine print warnings so you understand the potential side effects when taking any pharmaceutical medications.  

The truth is that some birth control methods can also help prevent STIs, but not all of them. If your goal is to avoid pregnancy and STIs, then your best bet is to use condoms (internal or external) and dental dams. While birth control methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptives are highly effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies, they do not provide any sort of defense against STIs. External condoms (worn on the penis) are great for protecting against STIs transmitted through genital fluids, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. However, they are less effective against STIs spread through skin-to-skin contact, like syphilis, genital herpes, or genital warts, as these infections can be transmitted from areas that the condom doesn't cover.

Internal condoms (worn inside the vagina or anus) and dental dams (used during oral sex) cover more skin surfaces, potentially providing better protection against these skin-to-skin STIs. While no method is foolproof, combining these barrier methods with other forms of birth control, like IUDs or pills, can offer comprehensive protection, reducing the risk of both pregnancy and infection. Remember, regular STI testing and open communication with partners are also essential parts of staying safe and healthy.

Picture this: things are getting steamy with that special someone after an amazing dinner date. The chemistry is clear, and the night feels like it's heading in all the right directions. But just as you are about to kiss, you remember... the garlic bread. Panic sets in; you can't ruin this moment with garlic breath! So, you hit the pause button and dash to the bathroom to brush your teeth, thinking you're being respectful and responsible. But what you don't realize is that, by brushing your teeth right before intimacy, you may have actually increased your chances of getting an STI. 

Brushing can cause tiny abrasions in your gums, making it easier for infections to enter your bloodstream. This leaves you more vulnerable to STIs that can spread through oral contact. "When it comes to oral sex, STIs are easily transmitted if you have mouth sores or your gums bleed when you brush your teeth," Dr. Erika Schwartz told IOL. While fresh breath is great, it's important to know that brushing too vigorously before a close intimate encounter might do more harm than good. Next time, opt for mouthwash or a mint and save the toothbrush session for later.

Some people get turned on by being "choked" during sex. Erotic asphyxiation (EA), also known as breath control play or "choking," involves intentionally restricting airflow during sexual activity to intensify arousal. The sensation of lightheadedness or lack of oxygen can increase the release of certain chemicals in the brain, which some people find pleasurable. However, this act can be extremely dangerous, causing health complications, brain damage, and even death, more often than you might think. According to Healthline, breath control play is thought to be linked to anywhere from 250 to 1,000 American deaths every year.

"EA is truly very risky and may lead to serious injury, including cardiac arrest, brain damage from lack of oxygen, and death," sex therapist Janet Brito, PhD, told Healthline. Other potential long-term side effects include breaking or damaging neck bones, aspiration, and vision problems. No kink-shaming here, but EA is so dangerous that many health experts recommend not participating in this kink at all. 

Contrary to popular belief, you can get pregnant when you're on your period — it's rare, but possible. Let's break down why. Those who have a uterus are most likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which usually occurs around day 14 of a menstrual cycle (not on day 28 when the period typically begins). However, everyone has a slightly different menstrual cycle; some people have shorter cycles, while others have longer ones. To make matters more complicated, some people can experience early ovulation, spotting, and other period problems like heavy bleeding or endometriosis that make tracking your cycle and ovulation times a challenge. Plus, Dr. Amy Stephens tells Cleveland Clinic: "Things like weight loss, weight gain, stress, medications and uterine fibroids can cause a sudden change in your menstrual cycle, even if you're normally very regular." 

Another hiccup: Sperm can survive for up to 5 days, swimming around in search of an egg to fertilize that entire time. All of these variables make pregnancy during period sex still a possibility. "You have the highest chance of getting pregnant if you have unprotected sex during the few days before and after you ovulate," Dr. Stephens warns.

Everyone needs to hear this: Sex should not hurt. Experiencing pain during sex is not "normal" and may indicate an underlying medical issue. While painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia, is a common experience for many, it shouldn't be accepted as just a part of life. Although it's more frequently reported by those with a uterus, anyone can experience discomfort during sex. It's hard to know how common painful sex is, as many cases likely go unreported out of embarrassment.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, painful sex can be a result of a lack of vaginal lubrication, infection, trauma, or injury, or due to an underlying medical condition. Dyspareunia can be caused by health issues like STIs, endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder or bowel problems, skin disorders, hormonal issues, vulvodynia, mental health struggles, and more. If you're experiencing painful sex, it's important to try to figure out the root cause so you and your doctor can determine the most effective and beneficial treatment plan.

Before you get busy in the bedroom with someone, it's important to have "the talk." For the safety and well-being of both you and your partner, it's crucial to engage in an open conversation about STI history, previous partners, and personal sexual boundaries. This dialogue might feel awkward or uncomfortable, but addressing these important topics before becoming intimate can significantly reduce emotional and physical risks later on. 

Neglecting to ask these tough questions ahead of time can lead to dangerous assumptions, misunderstandings, and potentially hidden health issues, which could have serious physical and emotional consequences. Ignoring your sexual health and that of your partner may result in feelings of betrayal or anxiety down the line, not to mention potential physical harm from STIs. Taking the time to communicate openly creates trust and helps you and your partner be on the same page, making intimacy safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Even though it can be hard to talk about these private topics, being proactive about sexual health is a sign of respect and care for both yourself and your partner. Your future self will thank you.