A doctor has warned that a single sex position accounts for roughly half of all serious penis injuries that happen during sex.
In a TikTok video, Dr Karan Raj said that around 50 percent of penile injuries sustained during sex are linked to one particular position.
He described it as the “most dangerous sex position according to science”, so anyone who’s squeamish about the idea of an injury may want to take note.
With plenty of options ranging from the closeness of missionary to more acrobatic choices like the butter churner or the wheelbarrow, it’s easy to assume the risk is spread evenly.
But Dr Raj explained that in this position, even a small mistake—especially if there’s “erratic thrusting or if the movements of the two parties are not in sync”—can lead to a painful accident.
It’s the kind of warning that’s worth keeping in mind before things get too heated.
The injury in question is a penile fracture. Despite the common phrase “breaking” it, the human penis has no bone—although some animals do have a penis bone.
Still, an erection involves pressurised tissue, and that tissue can tear, causing a fracture that’s often extremely painful.
Dr Raj explained: “A penile fracture is a tear in the tunica albuginea. This is a rubbery sheath of tissue that allows the penis to enlarge in width and length during an erection.”
If it happens, it may be obvious straight away. Mayo Clinic notes that someone might hear a “popping sound” or experience a sudden loss of erection.
Mayo Clinic added: “Left untreated, a penis fracture might result in a curved penis or the permanent inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex (erectile dysfunction).”
So which position is responsible for the majority of these cases? According to Dr Raj, it’s reverse cowgirl.
It’s not hard to understand why this one can be risky.
With much of the top partner’s weight bearing down, and limited visibility for the person on top, it’s easier for alignment to slip—making an awkward, mistimed movement more likely.
Even with the risk, reverse cowgirl is still often cited as a favourite among men, while being far less popular with many women.
And in practical terms, it can feel uneven in who benefits most.
The partner underneath gets a clear view and may not need to do much physically.
Meanwhile, the partner on top has to do most of the movement, while facing away and looking in the direction of their partner’s legs and feet.
On social media, some women have also said the angle can feel less pleasurable—or even uncomfortable—compared to other positions.
Others describe it as less connected and less intimate, because you’re not facing each other and syncing up can be harder.