What happens if an actor gets erection whilst filming sex scene, according to intimacy coordinator

It feels like, nowadays, no TV or film genre is safe from a gratuitous sex scene or two.

Whether it’s a gritty drama, a spine-chilling horror or even a throwback comedy, it’s clear that seeing Hollywood A-listers get hot and heavy is just part of viewing culture.

And, with all that frisky action going on on set, it’s somewhat inevitable for actors to get, well, a little too excited from time to time.

If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when an actor gets an erection whilst filming sex scenes, wonder no more, as Jessica Steinrock, PhD, better known on TikTok as @intimacycoordinator, has answered all your grating questions.

The expert took to the social media platform to share a video captioned 'one of my most asked questions’.

Steinrock, who has worked as an intimacy coordinator on Yellowjackets, Netflix's Never Have I Ever and Hulu's Little Fires Everywhere, began by explaining that those on set can 'ask any question that comes across your mind', adding: "It is my job to make sure you have all of the information to do your best work, and frankly vascular reactions are something that affects everybody."

An intimacy coordinator has revealed what happens if an actor has a 'vascular reaction' on set (DreamWorks)

In case you need your biology refreshed, Steinrock explains that a 'vascular reaction' is simply the phrase used when discussing the subject of any type of blood flow to the genitals.

"[It] could mean an erection in the penis, but it can also mean increased blood flow to the vulva or wetness," she said.

"Vascular reactions are one of the reasons we spend so much time talking about barriers and modesty garments," Steinrock added, showing viewers examples of garments that would be used on set to cover actors’ private parts.

Offering a little more detail as to how each specific garment worked, she shared: "Your scene partner is going to have a modesty garment that has a barrier inside; this barrier is designed to prevent physical sensation for both you and your scene partner."

The expert outlined the importance of 'modesty garments' (Netflix)

The garments are dual-purpose, as this also means that any potential 'vascular reaction' would be padded, which would stop your scene partner from feeling it, and vice versa.

Steinrock concluded: "Then, if it's needed, either one of you is allowed to ask for a break at any point, no questions asked, so if things are going as planned, then no one ever needs to know if a vascular reaction has occurred on set."

Well, I guess you really do learn something new every day!