The Perils of Reverse Cowgirl: Examining the Risks of a Notorious Sexual Position

Name: Reverse cowgirl.

Age: Unknown.

Appearance: Resembles a game of nude charades where participants try to depict “Tetris”.

So it’s some sort of adult game? Not exactly. It’s actually a sexual position.

What kind of sexual position? According to various reports, it’s considered the most perilous sexual position.

Could you describe it to me, so I don’t accidentally do it? Sure. In this position, the man lies on his back while the woman sits on top, facing away from him.

Ah, I’ve also heard it referred to as: “OK, but I’m not missing Newsnight for this.” True, but “reverse cowgirl” is the shorter term.

I would have assumed the most dangerous position involves the risk of falling out of a window or driving off a bridge. Surprisingly, it’s not. Reverse cowgirl holds the title.

But how can that mildly exotic arrangement possibly be dangerous for women? Actually, it’s not dangerous for women. The danger lies more with the penetrating partner, who faces the risk of penile fracture.

I’d rather not continue discussing this. Dr. Karan Raj’s viral TikTok video suggests that up to 50% of broken penises in the bedroom were due to this position.

I think I made it clear I lost interest in the topic. Raj explains that if the thrusting of the partners becomes out of sync, the penis can slip out and get “crushed by the female pubic bone.”

I need to take a moment to sit down. It’s important to note that the human penis doesn’t contain bones, so a penile fracture refers to a tear in the tunica albuginea, the rubbery tissue sheath.

That doesn’t make it any less horrifying. Indeed. A 2021 study indicates that forceful bending of the erect penis can cause hematoma formation and result in a distinctive “aubergine” deformity.

I’m experiencing tunnel vision. Are there no safe positions for intercourse while watching TV? Apparently not. A 2017 study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research identified doggy style as the riskiest position, accounting for 41% of penile fracture cases.

I suppose it’s either missionary or nothing. The missionary position came in second, accounting for 26%.

Do you have any advice for practicing safer sex? It’s recommended to turn off the TV and focus on the act itself.

Do say: “Reverse cowgirls are for circuses.”

Don’t say: “Honestly, if we’re going to do it this way, I think we should pull over.”