While the holiday season may bring feelings of love and generosity, medical professionals caution against being too enthusiastic in this regard, specifically in terms of sexual activity. Research has shown that the Christmas period is linked to a notable rise in the chances of experiencing a penile fracture, a serious medical issue in which the erect parts of the penis break due to forceful bending during vigorous sexual intercourse.

Dr. Nikolaos Pyrgides, a urologist at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and leader of the research, stated that this type of injury is common during rough sexual activity, especially in positions where there is no direct eye contact with one’s partner, such as the reverse cowgirl position.

Fractures are typically announced by a loud cracking sound, then followed by intense discomfort, sudden loss of erection, and extreme swelling and bruising. According to Pyrgides, patients often bring their eggplant-like penis to their doctor for examination.

Pyrgides and his team analyzed hospital records for 3,421 men in Germany who suffered from penile fractures between 2005 and 2021. They hypothesized that the close and happy atmosphere of the holiday season could potentially increase the likelihood of this type of injury.

According to a recent study, which is the first of its kind, it was discovered that injuries of this nature are more prevalent during the Christmas season. In fact, the researcher stated that if every day were similar to Christmas, there would have been a 43% increase in penile fractures in Germany from 2005 onwards.

According to a study published in the British Journal of Urology International, there is an increased risk of penis injuries on weekends and during summer holidays. However, New Year’s Eve does not appear to have a significant impact on the incidence of these injuries.

Pyrgides mentioned that it would be intriguing to observe data from other nations, however, Germany typically observes a popular Christmas week and a slightly quieter New Year’s Eve.

The number of penile fracture cases in hospitals remained stable during the Covid-19 pandemic, even during lockdowns. The average age of those who experienced these injuries was 42.

Pyrgides stated that the majority of penile fractures occur in nontraditional situations, such as during affairs or in uncommon settings. He also suggested that these situations may be more common for men in their middle age.

He cautioned couples to be mindful of the potential for harm and to proceed with caution leading up to the holiday season. “If an injury does occur, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention as it could lead to long-term complications if left untreated,” he advised.

Safety for elves: Typical accidents during Christmas time.

There are other injuries that can occur during the holiday season besides penile fractures.

Christmas trees

A study conducted by RoSPA and L’Oréal found that the Christmas tree is a frequent cause of accidents, with around 1,000 British individuals getting injured each year. To avoid mishaps, it is important to ensure that chairs or ladders are secure before using them to reach high branches. Additionally, caution should be taken when retrieving decorations from storage as a survey of 2,000 Britons commissioned by NAH revealed that 1 in 50 had experienced a fall while doing so.

Fairy lights

According to the RoSPA, approximately 350 people in Britain experience burns, electric shocks, or other injuries caused by fairy lights every year. Extra caution should be taken around water, as between 1997 and 2010, 26 individuals were electrocuted while watering their Christmas tree with the lights turned on.

Turkey trauma

According to the NAH survey, close to 50% of adults have sustained injuries while cooking Christmas dinner. 10% of respondents reported getting burned by hot oil, while 20% said they have accidentally cut themselves while preparing vegetables.

Champagne corks

The pressure of carbon dioxide in a bottle of champagne is two to three times greater than the air pressure in your car’s tires and can forcefully eject a cork at speeds of up to 50mph. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) cautions that being hit in the eye by a cork could cause a ruptured eyeball or detached retina.

Swallowed baubles

Between 1997 and 2015, data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which gathers emergency room admission information from a representative selection of US hospitals, revealed that 22,224 children were admitted to hospitals in the US for swallowing Christmas-related items, such as small ornaments or toy pieces.

According to the RoSPA, button batteries pose a specific danger due to the potential reaction with saliva, resulting in the production of caustic soda. This can cause burns in the throat or stomach.

Heart disease

During the holiday season, there is an increase in deaths caused by heart disease. A study in the US found that there were 33% more cardiac deaths in Los Angeles County during December and January compared to the months of June-September. Additional research indicated that deaths were most prevalent on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, potentially due to delays in seeking medical treatment.

Santa injuries

Although uncommon, a distinct examination of NEISS statistics revealed that from 2007 to 2016, three kids were admitted to the emergency room after “slipping off Santa’s lap,” while another child harmed herself while fleeing from someone pretending to be Santa due to fear. If applied to the entire population of the United States, this would amount to an estimated 277 injuries related to Santa during the time of the study.

Source: theguardian.com