Citation

Eke N. Internet J. Forensic Med. Toxicol. 2002; 3(1).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Anil Aggrawal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background. Accidental deaths associated with sexual activities occur but are often unreported in the medical literature. Aim. To review reported cases of such deaths to determine the characteristics.

METHOD. A Medline search from 1966 to June 2001 using such terms as 'coital deaths' was done to obtain publications and relevant references on accidental deaths from sexual intercourse. The data extracted included the gender and age of the victim, the sexual act involved, the marital relationships or status of the participants, the location and immediate cause of death.

RESULTS. Deaths from sexual activities affect males and females. The victims were often adolescents. The age correlated with the type of erotic act. Some deaths occurred in consensual heterosexual and homosexual activities as well as autoerotic acts. Often, the consensual sexual act was 'illicit' and took place outside the home of either partner, while autoerotic deaths often occurred in the homes of the victims. The commonest causes of death were myocardial infarction and air embolism in consensual heterosexual intercourse and asphyxia in autoerotic acts. Predisposing factors include older age in myocardial infarction, pregnancy in air embolism and paraphilia in autoerotic deaths. Autoerotic deaths predominantly occurred around the third decade. Psychiatric counseling can prevent autoerotic deaths. Psychological and psychiatric counseling are indicated for relations of victims.

CONCLUSION. It is essential to identify the circumstances of each case to exclude suicide or homicide. Deaths at sexual acts may be merely coincidental and are probably underreported. Legal and social implications demand careful forensic evaluation in each case.

Language: en

Keywords

accidental death; Aetiology; air embolism; article; asphyxia; cause of death; disease predisposition; Erotic deaths; erotism; female; forensic pathology; gender; heart infarction; heterosexuality; homicide; homosexuality; human; male; marriage; medical literature; medicolegal aspect; MEDLINE; patient counseling; pregnancy; Prevention; psychological aspect; publication; sexual behavior; sexual crime; sexual deviation; sexual intercourse; social aspect; suicide; victim