The #CondomChallenge Could Cause Suffocation And Poses A 'Significant Risk Of Injury', Doctors Warn

Doctors Are Warning The #CondomChallenge Could Cause Suffocation
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By now you've probably become acquainted with the latest viral trend, the #CondomChallenge, but doctors are warning the craze has the potential to be dangerous.

The challenge, which is particularly popular among teenagers, involves filling a condom with water, then dropping it over another person's head.

According to Medical Daily, the #CondomChallenge was started by Twitter users to "help raise safe sex awareness, because, they reason, if it can fit around the head on a guy’s shoulder then it can most certainly fit around the one below their waist".

But not everyone agrees the craze is such a positive thing.

Dr Helen Webberley, the dedicated GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy, warns that placing a filled condom on your head could impact your ability to breathe.

"While I am a big fan of anything that promotes safe sex and, crucially, gets our youngsters talking about safe sex, the act of putting a very strong rubber bag on someone's head makes me very concerned due to the potential risks of suffocation," she tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle.

"Please be careful here, I would hate for an innocent game to end in tragedy."

Dr Nitin Shori, NHS GP and medical director of Pharmacy2U Online Doctor says it's vital that we find ways to promote safe sex, but the #CondomChallenge is not the way to do it.

"The Ice Bucket Challenge was a generally fun and popular trend across social media which increased general awareness of ALS and helped to raise money for the cause," he tells us.

"Unfortunately this particular trend involving condoms carries a significant risk of injury and suffocation if done incorrectly."

It seems the doctors' concerns are not unwarranted - not all #CondomChallenge videos have gone without a hitch.

The two doctors' comments come after many people have aired concerns about the safety of the challenge on social media.

The latest craze follows an equally bizarre condom challenge from 2013 where teenagers videoed each other snorting the contraceptive up their noses.

Sex Tips For Your Zodiac Sign
Aries: The Ram (March 21 to April 19)(01 of12)
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Aries are considered strong-willed perfectionists who have high expectations for themselves and others. If sex is beginning to feel too planned and perfect for you or your Aries partner, try this exercise suggested by Marin: have each partner write down everything they’d be willing to try in the bedroom, including things they’ve done before and ones they haven’t. Put each activity on a separate slip of paper, throw all the slips into a jar, then pluck one out and do what it says. "This fun exercise will help you break out of your preconceived and preplanned notions of sex,” Marin says.
Taurus: The Bull (April 20 to May 20) (02 of12)
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Just like a real bull, Taurus lovers can be stubborn. "Let go of your stubbornness by allowing your partner be in complete charge during a sexual interaction,” Marin says for people who struggle with their stubborn nature. "Let them decide what you do and when you do it."
Gemini: The Twins (May 21 to June 20)(03 of12)
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The twins represent the dual nature of Gemini personalities, which can be frustrating. However, the plus of this sign is that Geminis can be great communicators, says Vanessa Marin, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in sex. Considering they love to talk things out, dirty talk can be the key to satisfaction for this sign. "Send your partner teasing sexts all day long, building up the anticipation,” Marin says. "Keep talking once you're actually together. Describe exactly what you're about to do to your partner, and tell them how your body feels in graphic detail."
Cancer: The Crab (June 21 to July 22)(04 of12)
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More like Cancer the crabby, sometimes this sign craves stability and is ruled by gut feelings. They can often be moody. The next time you or your Cancer partner is feeling blue, try some sexual healing. "The rush of hormones that accompanies sex and orgasm has been proven to improve people's moods,” Marin says. "The next time you're feeling in a funk, try some sexy therapy."
Leo: The Lion (July 23 to Aug. 22) (05 of12)
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This bold sign loves the spotlight, but is also loving and generous. Leos can take advantage of their flare for the dramatic in the bedroom by trying out some role playing, Marin says. "You can elevate a simple doctor-patient fantasy to an entirely new level by really digging into your character.”
Virgo: The Virgin (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)(06 of12)
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Virgos are focused and analytical, and tend to keep their emotions inward — sometimes tough qualities to have in a lover. But you can bring that mental focus into lovemaking, Marin says. "A fun way to incorporate your brain into your sex life is to play 'Hot and Cold' with your partner. Have them kiss all over your body, and tell them when they're getting 'warmer' and 'colder.'"
Libra: The Scales (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)(07 of12)
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Justice holding the scales symbolizes Libra, a sign obsessed with balance and fairness. They focus more on the mental than the physical, and love to surround themselves with beautiful things. "If you're a visual person, try keeping the lights on during sex, or having daytime sex,” Marin notes. "So many people have sex in pitch darkness, which takes away the fun visual element."
Scorpio: The Scorpion (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)(08 of12)
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Scorpios feel things deeply, even if they can sometimes sting with their words. If you want to take advantage of that passionate and emotional mindset, Marin suggests missionary sex, which involves a lot of eye contact with your partner.
Sagittarius: The Centaur (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)(09 of12)
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These sharp, energetic people are always looking for reinvention and like to wander. Keep things exciting and interesting by bringing in new activities regularly. Enjoy some well-written erotica together, or visit a sex shop and each pick something to surprise the other with.
Capricorn: The Goat (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) (10 of12)
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Goats love to have a plan, and are great at putting an evening together. But Marin says they also keep their feelings close to the vest. Be patient when it comes to sharing fantasies, and give Caps the lead on researching something fun for you to try together.
Aquarius: The Water Bearer (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)(11 of12)
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Aquarians are known for being unorthodox and unconventional, which can translate to a lot of fun in the bedroom. "Play up your adventurous side and try exploring some kink,” Marin says. If it’s new to you, a blindfold is a fun way to start, and if you want to explore further, visit an adult store and look into your many options for spicing things up.
Pisces: The Fish (Feb. 19 by March 20)(12 of12)
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This insightful, emotional sign is selfless to a fault, which can unfortunately translate into unmet needs in the bedroom. If your partner is a Pisces, take the time to find out what he or she really wants and put the focus on those needs. If you’re a Pisces, work to make your desires heard and met in the bedroom, even if it goes against your nature. You’ll be glad you did!