What is an air embolism and how can it be prevented?

What is an air embolism and how can it be prevented?

An air embolism is a condition in which an air bubble gets into the blood stream. This can happen very rarely during medical procedures, and can be fatal if a large bubble reaches the heart, but usually doesn’t cause any problems. Under most circumstances, it’s something that only SCUBA divers need to worry about.

Relevant to sex, pregnant women are warned not to let their partners blow large amounts of air into their vaginas during oral sex. This can very rarely cause an air embolism because there is a lot more blood in the vessels around the reproductive organs during pregnancy, and if the pressure of air in the vagina is higher than that in the blood vessels, air can sometimes enter the vessels.

Vaginal penetration and oral sex don’t put you at risk for an air embolism, whether you’re pregnant or not. If you’re very paranoid, don’t let your partner blow air into your vagina (normal breathing is fine), but really this isn’t something you should worry about.

Recommendations: Two general books about sex and safer sex.