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Study of 90 men with penile fractures reveals surprising most dangerous sex position – doctor can't believe it's not something else
The thought of a penile fracture is one that has men wincing with vicarious empathy, and a recent study of 90 men who’ve experienced the horrifying injury has identified the sexual position associated with the excruciating snap.
The research was discussed on The Doctors, the television show hosted by emergency physician Dr Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Dr Andrew Ordon and OB-GYN Dr Nita Landry.
Urologist reveals surprising position that leads to most penile injuries
Urologist Dr Aaron Spitz appeared on the programme to explain the findings, revealing that doggy style was responsible for 41% of the penile fractures recorded in the study, making it the leading position associated with the injuries, while missionary was identified as the second biggest contributor.
The results came as a surprise to Dr Spitz, who admitted he had previously believed another position posed the greatest risk to men.
"I'm surprised. I am shocked," he said, explaining that he had long warned men about the potential dangers of women being on top.
"We've been telling people all along the really dangerous position for men is a woman on top. And now you're telling me it's not?"
Dr Spitz added that he had also expected a humorous alternative, joking that he thought "rodeo" or “cowgirl” might feature among the most dangerous positions.
However, the discussion highlighted an important limitation of the research, with the study only involving 90 men who had experienced penile fractures, rather than a large population of men engaging in different sexual positions.
Consequently, the findings show the positions associated with injuries among those studied, rather than proving the precise risk of injury for every position.
Despite the name, a penile fracture does not involve breaking a bone, but, instead, involves a tear in the tough tissue surrounding the erectile chambers that fill with blood during an erection.
Dr Spitz explained the process using the analogy of a tyre being inflated, as the penis becomes erect, its chambers fill with blood and become increasingly firm.
If excessive force causes the surrounding tissue to rupture, blood can escape into the surrounding tissues, resulting in significant swelling and bruising.
Although the skin may remain intact, the injury can be severe and requires urgent medical attention.
The doctors also discussed whether factors such as alcohol consumption or the circumstances surrounding sex might contribute to these injuries.
Dr Spitz explained that penile fractures typically occur when the penis is fully erect, meaning the tissue is under considerable tension.
Expert reveals advice if a penile fracture is sustained
Dr Spitz acknowledged that these injuries are relatively uncommon, making it difficult to establish how effectively they can be prevented.
However, he stressed that anyone who suspects they have suffered a penile fracture should seek emergency medical care immediately.
"It’s embarrassing, but you've got to go straight to the emergency room," he urged.
"This is a medical emergency."
He warned that the injury can involve more than a rupture of the tissue surrounding the erectile chambers. In approximately 20% of cases discussed on the programme, the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, can also be damaged.
Such complications can make the injury particularly serious and require prompt treatment.
The discussion concluded with a light-hearted exchange about avoiding unnecessary force during sex, with Dr Spitz suggesting that taking "the path of least resistance" was sound advice from a medical perspective.
It’s fair to say that while the study is by no means definitive proof, men may think twice before they indulge in doggy style, with a trip to A&E potentially more likely.