This is the world's most dangerous sex position

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Missionary position was also found to be potentially dangerous. Image: Unsplash

Not only can vaginas handle pregnancy, childbirth and a monthly visit from Aunt Flo - but it turns out they can also play a part when it comes to injuries during sex. 

While sex generally ranks pretty low when it comes to dangerous leisure activities, it turns out some sexual positions can lead to serious injury.

Why? Because certain positions can leave a man with a broken penis, courtesy of a woman's pubic bone. 

According to Dr Karan Raj, a UK-based surgeon, the reverse cowgirl contributes to 50 per cent of penile fractures, despite the penis not actually containing any bones.

"A penile fracture is actually a tear to the tunica albuginea," he explained in a TikTok clip.

"This is a rubbery sheath of tissue that allows a penis to enlarge in width and length during an erection."

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WebMD defines the reserve cowgirl as a position whereby, "the person receiving penetration sits on top of their partner, but instead of sitting face-to-face, they face away toward their partner's feet. The person on top can control the pace, rhythm, and depth of penetration."

There are also a few variations of the move, where the person on top can lean forward on their hands; stay upright and lean on their knees; or lean back and support their weight with their feet, hands stretched out behind them.

The original and all variations, if not performed gently, can lead to that "penile fracture" we mentioned. Ouch.

Syncing with your partner is imperative. Image: Unsplash

While the reverse cowgirl is the main culprit, it’s not the only position that can result in injury.

Two other extremely common positions are also considered "dangerous" according to a study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

Researchers found that doggy style was its most dangerous, accounting for 41 per cent of all penile fractures and missionary coming in second at 25.5 per cent.

"The 'man-on-top' and 'doggy style' positions showed more associations with bilateral fractures of the corpus cavernosum and urethral lesions," the researchers noted.

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Raj already explained what a penis break is, but what are the ramifications? Are they permanent?

Research published in the academic journal Advances in Urology in 2014 noted that "embarrassment" is the main consequence, "hypothetically resulting in a delayed search for medical assistance, which can lead to impairment of sexual and voiding functions."

So, how can we avoid breaking penises? Syncing with your partner is imperative.

"If there is any erratic thrusting or if the movements of the two parties are not in sync it could lead to the (penis) slipping out and being crushed by the female pubic bone," Raj explained. Roger that.

Originally published as This is the world's most dangerous sex position