Although an erection is sometimes referred to as "rigid", in fact, there are no bones in a human penis. However, some animals do have penile bones. For instance, the penile bone of male walruses can be as long as two feet! In fact, they are so large that they were reportedly used by the native people of Alaska as a fighting stick - but I'm digressing. Back to the human penis, you might be surprised to discover that even without bones, an erection is still very likely to "break". Here's what we know about "broken" penises.

Penile fracture refers to the rupture of the corpora cavernosa of the penis (the erectile tissue columns that run the length of the penis and become engorged during erection) due to blunt force trauma. The most common type of trauma seems to vary by culture [1]. For example, in Japan, most cases are caused by masturbation techniques or accidental pressure on the erect penis while lying in bed. In the Mediterranean region, most cases are due to men "massaging" the erect penis in an attempt to suppress the erection. In the United States, the most common cause is forced sexual intercourse, where the man misses the target and instead hits his partner's pubic bone or perineum.

A recent study has shown that certain sexual positions may pose a higher risk of penile fractures than others [2]. A study of 90 men with erectile dysfunction found that among those who had experienced sexual trauma, the "retrograde" position had the highest incidence of penile fractures (41%). The next most common position was the missionary position (25.5%) and the partner-on-top position (10%). Additionally, the severity of penile fractures observed in the retrograde and missionary positions was also often higher.

In the 1920s, cases of penile fracture were first reported in medical literature. Since then, at least 1,600 cases have been documented [1]. By the way, the most interesting reasons for penile fractures reported in medical journals that I have seen include falling bricks, using a cocktail shaker to please oneself, and being bitten by a donkey. And no, these were not made up by me.

So what happens when the penis fractures? Most patients report hearing a cracking or popping sound similar to "corn stalk breaking" [1]. The erection quickly disappears, often accompanied by severe pain, swelling, discoloration, and even deformation. In severe cases (such as when the penis fractures due to rear-entry or missionary-style sexual intercourse), the fracture may damage the urethra, leading to more complications, including difficulty urinating.

Until recently, the main treatment methods for penile fractures included ice packs, anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to inhibit erection, and penile splints; however, these methods often led to high rates of long-term complications, including pain, abnormal erection angles, and erectile dysfunction. Nowadays, the standard treatment method - especially for more severe cases - is surgical repair, which can reduce the possibility of long-term problems. However, even with surgical treatment, studies have shown that 6% to 25% of patients still have penile function problems, with the most common symptom being permanent penile curvature [1].

It is important to note that penile fractures are extremely rare and are unlikely to occur for the majority of men. However, such incidents do occur occasionally and can have serious consequences for a man's appearance and sexual function. If you or your partner experiences a penile fracture, seek medical attention immediately as prompt surgical repair is crucial for restoring normal function as soon as possible.