OB-GYN Warns 'Wicker' Movie Fans Against Using Wicker for Sexual Encounters

The recently released film "Wicker," which features a wicker man brought to life as a husband, has sparked a trend on social media with some women expressing fascination with the concept. However, medical professionals are urging caution, warning against attempting to replicate these fantasies in real life due to significant health hazards.

Dr. Amy Novatt, an OB-GYN affiliated with the sexual wellness brand Dame, has highlighted the potential dangers of using wicker objects for sexual purposes. She explained that materials like wood can splinter, and organic materials like wicker can harbor bacteria and molds, leading to infections. Novatt stated that she has treated patients for cuts, tears, infections, and other injuries resulting from the insertion of foreign objects, emphasizing that many of these incidents occurred while individuals were seeking pleasure and did not anticipate harm.

The film, which premiered on October 23, centers on a fisherwoman who commissions a basketmaker to create a husband out of wicker. The character, played by Alexander Skarsgård, becomes a satisfying partner to the woman. This premise has led to online discussions and humorous posts, with some women humorously re-evaluating their wicker furniture and home decor.

Novatt stressed that while the vagina is generally resilient and capable of healing, its delicate balance of healthy bacteria, pH levels, and mucus layers can be disrupted by foreign objects. This disruption can compromise its natural defense mechanisms against infections. "What it was not designed for is receiving trees, shrubs or other plants," Novatt stated, drawing a parallel to the material of wicker.

Experts advise that before inserting any object into the vagina, it should be assessed for safety: Is it smooth, unbreakable, cleanable, and retrievable? Standard sex toys are typically designed with these considerations in mind to prevent injury, infection, or objects becoming lodged.

According to health statistics, approximately 300,000 American adults require emergency room visits annually for issues related to foreign objects in the body, with over half of these involving sex toys. Novatt acknowledged that fantasy and imagination are healthy aspects of sexuality but cautioned that acting them out literally can pose risks to one's health. She concluded that while interest in wicker might be stimulated by the film, it is not a suitable material for internal use.