While sex is generally a healthy and pleasurable part of life, it’s not without risks — especially when trying adventurous or extreme positions. There are dangerous sex positions that can land you in the hospital if not careful.

Medical professionals report that certain sex positions have been linked to painful and sometimes severe injuries that can lead to emergency room visits.

If you’re exploring new ways to spice up your love life, it’s important to know which moves might be a little too risky. Here are eight sex positions that experts warn could send you straight to the hospital:

1. The reverse cowgirl

This popular position tops many doctors’ lists as the most dangerous for men. If there’s a sudden movement or misalignment during penetration, it can lead to a penile fracture — a painful and serious condition that often requires surgery.

2. The standing wheelbarrow

A position that demands upper body strength and balance from both partners, the wheelbarrow can result in muscle strains, falls, or back injuries, especially if the couple loses balance.

3. The pogo stick (Standing while holding partner)

This standing position, where one partner lifts and thrusts while holding the other, may look great in adult films, but it’s a recipe for slipped discs, sprained backs, or even dropping a partner, potentially leading to bruises or head injuries.

4. Doggy style with deep thrusting

Though common, this position can cause issues if thrusting is too forceful or off-angle. It’s been associated with cervical bruising, vaginal tearing, and penile injuries.

5. The lap dance (Partner on top while seated)

When the partner on top bounces with too much force or at the wrong angle, it can lead to penile trauma, similar to reverse cowgirl. It also poses a risk of pelvic bruising for both parties.

6. Missionary with legs over shoulders

This position offers deep penetration but can overextend the partner’s hips and lower back. It may result in hip dislocation, lower back strain, or even torn ligaments, particularly for those who are not very flexible.

7. The shower position

Slippery surfaces in the shower make almost any sexual position risky. Many ER doctors have reported cases of bruised ribs, tailbone fractures, and head injuries from falls during shower sex.

8. The lotus twist

This yoga-like position involves sitting face-to-face with intertwined legs. While intimate, it can cause groin muscle pulls or knee strain, especially for those without strong core flexibility.