Pro wrestler sues over claim that personal lubricant ruined his penis

A martial arts star is suing a Philadelphia sex shop for selling him a personal lubricant that he claims permanently disfigured his penis and left it dysfunctional.

In papers filed in court, Michael Waylon Lowe says the Kama Sutra Pleasure Balm Prolonging Gel burned and scarred his genitals. He purchased the product at The Mood shop, which is also named in the suit.

The product’s active ingredient is benzocaine, which is safe and used in a number of other products.

In the complaint, filed May 14, Lowe says he used the desensitizing gel previously without incident. But last September, he was using it during sex with his fiancée when Lowe “began to experience excruciating pain and pressure in his penis,” the lawsuit states. “He removed the condom and his penis swelled significantly. He sought emergency medical treatment and follow-up care thereafter.”

The complaint accuses the defendants of negligence and product liability for failing to provide proper instructions, warn users of risks, and design and test the gel to ensure its safety.

Lowe suffered “catastrophic and permanent damage,” the complaints says, including penile scarring, loss of sensation and function; nerve and tissue damage; humiliation, embarrassment and mental anguish; lost wages and earning capacity; and loss of life’s pleasures.”

Lowe is seeking $50,000 in damages.

Marla Lee, president of the company that makes and markets the gel, called Lowe’s claims “flabbergasting,” saying the lubricant is one of the 44-year-old company’s original and most popular products, with more than 1 million units sold.

Lowe has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pro Elite and other circuits since 2006. He earned several national collegiate wrestling titles and trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado.