Are there any risks associated with having sex in a hot spring?

Dear Reader, 

I spring, you spring, we all spring for hot springs! Spending time soaking in hot springs has been lauded for its health benefits. But as you mention, there is the possibility that you could be exposed to bacteria (as well as viruses, parasites, and amoebas) that can make you sick. Having sex in hot springs can also increase the risk of genital infections. To learn more about the risks of spending time in hot springs—whether you’re celibate and chilling or canoodling—, as well as tips on how to stay safe in these natural beauties more generally, read on! 

What are the general risks of spending time in hot springs?  

The makeup of hot springs—temperatures, pH levels, and mineral content—varies from spring to spring. But there are still some safety warnings that are true for all hot springs, regardless of their composition. 

Hot springs are, well, hot. So hot, in fact, that they can cause serious burns in a short period of time. Water-based burns can be painful, produce blisters, and damage skin layers and even nerves, depending on the severity.  

Given that hot springs are bodies of water, there is the risk of contracting bacteria, viruses, or parasites that spread through water. Waterborne diseases, which are transmitted by inhaling or swallowing the infected water, tend to impact the: 

• Stomach: resulting in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Skin: leading to irritation and rashes.
• Respiratory system: causing cold or flu-like symptoms, including headache, fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, and lung infection. 

What are the risks of having sex in a hot spring?  

Romping in the reservoir might be a fun recreation but it carries some specific risks. One being that water impacts both natural and synthetic lubrication. 

Without lubrication, friction can cause microtears in vaginal and anal linings. These openings can leave you vulnerable to bacteria and can increase the risk of genital infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

It’s also worth noting that some hot springs are more acidic than others. Exposure to this type of water can change vaginal pH and lead to vaginal infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and yeast infections. 

Additionally, while it sounds like condoms weren’t in use this time around, if they ever are in the future, it might be helpful to know that the effectiveness of condoms is impacted when used in pools, hot tubs, hot springs, and other bodies of water. While getting wet and wild in the water may be fun, these locations aren't necessarily complimentary to safer sex. Water can loosen the fit of the condom on the penis, which raises the chance of it falling off or tearing. The hot temperatures of hot springs can also degrade the condom increasing its likelihood of breaking. Each of these condom malfunctions can increase the risk of transmitting STIs. 

How can you stay safe in hot springs?  

Hot springs often induce relaxation. However, this is less likely if you’re worried about what's lurking in the liquid. Here’s what you can do to mitigate those anxieties and reduce your risk of infections: 

• Don't submerge your head under water or swallow water—waterborne illnesses are transmitted by breathing in and swallowing infected water.
• Don't soak for too long. The longer you spend in the hot spring, the higher your risk of burns and exposure to infectious microorganisms.  
• Don't touch the bottom of the pool. Some of the most dangerous microorganisms live at the base of springs, so disrupting the sediment can stir up trouble, literally! 

If you’re currently experiencing any symptoms that may indicate an infection, whether skin sensitivity, tummy troubles, germy genitals, or a case of the coughs, you might consider speaking with a health care provider. They can run tests and prescribe treatments, if necessary. You know what they say—when in doubt, get checked out!  

Hopefully your time in the hot spring didn’t leave you with (hot) spring fever!