Warning over sex positions that can actually cause a breakage

We're always taught about safe sex, but rarely informed about staying safe from injury in the bedroom.

While sex can be great for our psychological well-being - it triggers the release of endorphins - it can also come with a risk of physical trauma.

Most minor injuries, such as bruises, muscle soreness or abrasions, will resolve on their own and don't require any medical intervention.

However, there are a number of sex-related injuries or health risks which could lead to a trip to the emergency room, such as heart attacks and penile fractures, and the sex position you choose could be to blame.

Speaking about the risk, Dr Michael C. Gerling, an orthopaedic spine surgeon based in New Jersey, told the New York Post: “Heart attack risk is related to the intensity of the sex rather than being position-related.

“Penile fracture can occur in any position, though three positions have been found most commonly linked to this severe injury, usually occurring when a forceful thrust is sent off course into the pelvic wall.”

Certain sex positions can cause injury (Getty Images)

You may presume that it's a rare occurrence for an injury like a penile fracture to occur, but research reveals that around one in 750,000 men suffer a fracture and it's more common in the summer and on weekends.

There's also three specific sex positions which enhance the risk of ending up with such an injury down below.

A study of 20 years' worth of penile fractures, conducted in 2020, broke down how 255 penile fractures caused by 'sexual trauma' and what position the couple were in during the nasty injury.

It found that doggy style was responsible for 43 percent of cases (110 fractures), with missionary being the cause of 40 percent (103 fractures) while women being on top resulted in 12 percent of cases (31 fractures). Other sex positions only accounted for 11 fractures.

“Rough sex is a common cause of injuries where a partner inadvertently hurts the other, and can be minimised by taking a slower, cautious, graduated approach with good communication,” Dr Gerling said.

“Safe words and alertness to risk behaviour are vital.”

There's ways to stay safe when getting intimate

A penile fracture is defined as a tear of tunica albuginea, the fibrous layer of tissue that gives structural support to the penis, which usually occurs due to vigorous sexual activity.

Forceful bending or trauma to the area tends to prompt a popping or cracking sound, as well as pain, rapid loss of erection and notable bruising or swelling.

Considered to be a medical emergency, if you think you or your partner have suffered a penile fracture, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.