Can You Really Get a Penile Fracture?

Can a penis really break- considering that it has no bones?

Well, every part of the body is prone to injury, and the penis is no exception. It actually breaks just like bones and even gives out a popping sound.

So what exactly is penile fracture and how does it happen?

Penile fracture a severe form of injury to an erect penis that occurs when a membrane known as tunica albuginea tears.

Tunica albuginea is a special type of membrane that surrounds the corpora cavernosa, a highly specialized spongy tissue situated at the core of the penis that fills up with blood during an erection.

When the membrane tears, the blood that is confined in the corpora cavernorsa leaks out to surrounding tissue, resulting in swelling and bruising.

In most instances, penile fracture occurs when the penis is subjected to a sharp, blunt force trauma. This mostly occurs during sexual intercourse in a situation where there is continuous thrusting and the penis
slips out and hits a solid structure (woman’s thighs or pelvis) instead of penetrating the normal location.

This often occurs during intercourse with the woman on top position. Actually, the woman on top sex position is said to be one of the most dangerous sex positions as it increases the risk of penile fracture.

Usually, there is a popping or cracking sound during fracture and may be accompanied by severe pain in the penis. The penis may also swell with some purple discoloration as blood leaks to surrounding tissue. Loss
of erection following the injury may also occur.

Immediate treatment is often needed since such injuries tend to be serious, otherwise the person may experience immeasurable pain, not to mention future complications such as erectile dysfunction, chronic curvature of the penis (in some cases a 45-degrees angle).

When proper treatment is obtained, most affected men often recover from the injury within a short time.

How Common is Penile Fracture?

As scary as it seems, penile structure is not very common.

In fact, since the first case was recorded in 1924, only 1600 cases have been recorded so far. In these cases, woman-on-top sex position isn’t the only cause of this condition. Other cases have been as a result of
aggressive masturbation, being thrown against the knob of a saddle, rolling over in the morning onto an erection, rolling out of a chair onto the floor, including others.

Who is Highly Likely to Get Penile Fracture?

Of all the cases recorded, statistics show that young men in their 20s and 30s are at a higher risk of getting penile fracture as they tend to engage in vigorous sexual activity compared to their older counterparts.

This does not however mean that the problem does not occur in older men. The number is however low mostly likely due to decreased frequency and vigor of sexual activity, and their erections are not as firm and
rigid, which reduces the chances of fracture.



From the look of things, penile fracture is real and even though it’s not very common, the risk is still there. It’s a dangerous problem that may render a man’s penis functionless especially if not promptly treated,
not to mention having to endure many side effects.

The good news is that it can be prevented, moreso by exercising caution during sexual activity.