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Topics: Health, News, Sex and Relationships
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: Health, News, Sex and Relationships
While the bedroom is the most common place couples get down and dirty, some people may venture away from the boudoir to spice things up a bit.
From in the shower and at the beach, to your car or out in the wilderness, there's numerous places people are having sex other than in the bedroom.
There's another place that people may consider doing the deed (particularly on vacation), but doing so could have a negative impact on your health, including men's fertility.
The place? A hot tub. Of course it's tempting to get into the tub with a glass of bubbles and your significant other, but Dr Rashid Bani, private GP and Medical Director at Your Sexual Health, wants you to keep things PG13 while spending time in a jacuzzi.
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Speaking to Platinum Spas, Dr Bani warned: “While it might sound exciting, having sex in a hot tub comes with some health risks that people often overlook."
He added: "Chemicals like chlorine and bromine can irritate the genitals, and condoms are much less reliable in water — they can slip off or tear more easily."
Apparently women in particular may experience discomfort afterwards such as redness and itching even if they feel fine during intercourse.
Should you follow Dr Bani's advise but find that others have used the hot tub for things other than relaxing then fear not, you can't get a sexually transmitted infection from just being in a hot tub or sharing one with an infected person.
"STIs don’t survive long outside the body, especially in properly maintained chlorinated water," Dr Bani assured jacuzzi-lovers.
"If the hot tub is cleaned and treated correctly, the risk of catching an STI this way is virtually zero."
It can have short-term affects for men, says Dr Bani.
He explained: "High heat isn’t ideal for sperm. Sperm function can temporarily drop when exposed to temperatures above their preferred range - around 32–35°C.
"Since hot tubs average around 37–40°C, soaking too long or too often may impact sperm count or motility. But it is reversible after a short break from heat exposure."
There's less concern for women when it comes to hot tubs and fertility, but overheating is something that females should take into account when enjoying time in a hot tube, particular during early pregnancy.
"Hydration and shorter soak times are key," advises Dr Bani. "If you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to limit soak times, avoid very hot temperatures, and stay well hydrated whilst in the tub just to be safe."