Yes, you can actually break your penis – and some sex positions can put you at a greater risk for penile fracture than others, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

Read more: The 10 worst things that could happen to your penis

For the study, researchers looked at 90 patients aged 18 to 66 who had fractured their penises. They found that 77% of those cases were sexual-trauma related, so they took a closer look at the sex positions being performed during the time of their injuries.

The most dangerous sex position? A whopping 41% of men fractured their penis during doggy style, followed by missionary and woman-on-top.

The severity of the fracture was similar between doggy and missionary, but significantly worse when comparing doggy and woman-on-top, the study found.

Read more: The sex position 39% of women hate

Penile fractures occur when you put too much force on your erection. There are sponge-like tubes in the tissue of your penis that become rigid when filled with blood, urologist Tobias Köhler, MD, told us last year. Those tubes don’t bend when they’re hit with lots of force, which can cause them to “break”, leading to pain, swelling, blood blockages and, if it’s bad enough, a trip to the ER.

And yes, you may even hear a cracking or popping sound, the study’s authors note.

Recent Brazilian research concluded that woman-on-top is the riskiest sex position for your penis, since she’s in control of angle and speed.

If she accidentally slips out, your member can hit a bony area of her body, or she may sit back down on your penis (with her entire body weight) at a funny angle.

But what makes doggy style so severe in this case? The researchers speculate that when you’re entering her from behind, you may get overly excited and sex can become “extremely vigorous”.

If your penis slips out of her vagina and hits against her perineum or pubic symphysis – both of which are hard, bony surfaces – it can cause greater trauma to your rod.

Read more: 9 penis problems and how to deal with them

One way to reduce your risk? Opt for literally any other sex position, like one of these 12 hot sex positions.

And as hard as it may be sometimes, try not to overdo it in bed. When sex gets vigorous, you put your penis at risk.

Maintaining your cool will help you avoid any awkward slip ups or angles, says Dr Köhler.

If you do hear a cracking sound or experience pain during sex, here’s exactly what you should do if you think you fractured your penis.

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Alisa Hrustic