While it is rare, people with penises can “break” them during intercourse. Fracturing a penis is not quite the same as breaking an arm or a toe, as a penis does not actually have any bones in it. Instead, a penile fracture occurs when a penis comes into contact with too much force in the wrong direction. So maybe be careful next time you say you like it rough.

Penises are composed of three tubes. The innermost tube is called corpus spongiosum. It emcompasses the urethra, where urine and other fluids are excreted and stays “soft” during an erection to allow fluids to be released.

The other two are both corpus cavernosum tissue. This tissue extends from the base of the penis to the head and fill with blood to allow erection. The corpus cavernosum is the tissue that gives an erection its trademark “hardness.” All three of these tissues expand in both girth and length when an erection occurs and are encompassed in the skin along with veins and nerves.

Penile fractures typically occur in the lower two-thirds of the penis and are a result of these three tubes rupturing. This injury can be serious and may cause long lasting damage to the sexual and urinary function of the penis in question. If this injury occurs to you or your partner(s) it is recommended you seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure a full recovery.

Most penile injuries occur during vigorous sexual intercourse or masturbation. Some sex positions are more likely than others to result in penile fractures. The most common sex position for a penile fracture to occur during is doggy style, with 41 percent of fractures happening during this position. The second most common position is the missionary position with 25 percent of penile fractures occurring during this type of intercourse. The third most common position that can induce penile fractures is girl-on-top.

When it comes to the severity of the fracture, doggy style consistently produces the most severe fractures when compared to girl-on-top positions. So next time you’re hitting it from the back, make sure to be cognizant of any pain your body is in and adjust accordingly. This can save both you and your penis from a world of hurt.

How can one tell if they have fractured their penis? Since a fractured penis can only occur when a penis is erect, one of the first symptoms is the sudden loss of erection followed by sharp pain in the penis. Other common symptoms include dark bruising along the shaft, trouble urinating, bloody urine, bleeding from the penis and a cracking or popping noise in conjunction with the moment the fracture occurs.

Studies suggest that penile injuries that do not include the sudden loss of erection or a popping sound are usually due to another type of injury. Fractured penises often resemble a small eggplant as the penis swells, turns dark purple from bruising and the blood that was once in the erection is released into outside tissue.

Again, it is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or your partner(s) experience this injury. Without medical attention, the penis may never fully regain function and may become permanently deformed.

Before you go or on the way to the doctor, an ice pack may be applied to the area to reduce swelling. An anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, may be taken to help relieve the pain. After penile injury occurs, it is recommended to abstain from sex for at least a month in order to allow the penis to fully heal.

Even though the thought of fracturing your penis may seem scary, you can rest assured knowing that this injury is uncommon. In fact, one study found that there are only around 1,000 hospitalizations per year for penile fractures in the country. That’s one-sixth the amount of people who are hospitalized for pencil related injuries every year.

Even with this number being relatively low, it is still important for you and your partner(s) to know the signs and symptoms of this injury as well as what to do would it occur. As always, remember to listen to your body and if something doesn’t feel right switch positions or readjust. Communicate to your partner(s) if something they are doing is making you uncomfortable. Communication is key, make no bone(r)s about it.

_Edited by Siena DeBolt | sdebolt@themaneater.com_