It is one of those urban legends that refuses to die. You probably heard it in a middle school locker room: the rumor about a certain goth rock star who allegedly had ribs removed just so he could reach. It's a classic bit of playground lore, but honestly, it’s mostly nonsense. The reality of a guy gives himself head—a practice clinically known as autofellatio—is far more grounded in basic human anatomy, flexibility, and a whole lot of misconceptions.
People are curious.
They search for it because it seems like a physical impossibility for the vast majority of the population. While most men can barely touch their toes without a groan, the idea of achieving this level of flexibility feels like a superpower or a circus act. But for a very small percentage of the population, it’s just a Tuesday.
The Physical Reality of Autofellatio
Let's get the numbers out of the way. Alfred Kinsey, the famous sexologist whose work in the 1940s and 50s changed how we talk about human behavior, actually looked into this. In Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, Kinsey estimated that fewer than 1% of men have the anatomical configuration to successfully perform autofellatio. It isn't just about being "bendy." It’s a perfect storm of a long torso, a relatively long penis, and extreme spinal flexibility, specifically in the lumbar and thoracic regions.
If you don't have that specific build, no amount of wishing is going to make it happen.
Most guys who try it end up with a pulled back muscle or a sore neck rather than any kind of pleasure. The mechanics are grueling. You're basically folding your body in half, compressing your lungs, and trying to maintain a very awkward position while simultaneously trying to enjoy yourself. It’s a lot of work.
Why the Rib Removal Myth is Fake
We have to address the Marilyn Manson/Prince/Cher rumor. No, nobody is out here getting elective surgery to remove ribs for sexual prowess. First off, no reputable surgeon would perform a rib resection for that reason. Second, the ribs aren't actually the primary obstacle. The main hurdle is the spine and the length of the abdominal muscles. Even if you took out a few ribs, your vertebrae still wouldn't magically turn into a wet noodle.
It’s just a weird story that people tell because the truth—that some people are just born naturally flexible—is boring.
The Role of Yoga and Flexibility
Can you train for this? Kinda.
👉 See also: Big Toe Broken Splint: What You’re Probably Doing Wrong and How to Fix It
There are "autofellatio tutorials" scattered across the darker corners of the internet, often crossing over with extreme yoga communities. Poses like Halasana (Plow Pose) or Pashimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) are frequently cited as "gateway" stretches. However, there is a massive difference between touching your forehead to your knees and what’s required here.
Professional yogis often warn against forcing these positions.
The risk of a herniated disc is real. When you force your spine into an extreme hyper-flexed state, you're putting immense pressure on the intervertebral discs. If you aren't genetically predisposed to that range of motion, you’re basically playing Russian roulette with your nervous system.
- Genetics: Some people have more elastin in their connective tissues.
- Proportions: A shorter torso makes the "reach" significantly harder.
- Age: Flexibility generally decreases as we get older and the collagen in our bodies stiffens.
Understanding the Psychology and Appeal
Why do men even want to do this? For most, it’s pure curiosity. It’s the "because it’s there" mentality, much like climbing Everest. There is also a psychological element of self-sufficiency.
However, many who have actually achieved it report that it’s not exactly the euphoric experience they imagined. There’s a concept in neuroscience often applied to self-stimulation: you can't tickle yourself. When you are the one performing the action, your brain is fully aware of the effort involved. The "input" (the sensation on the penis) is often overshadowed by the "output" (the strain on the neck, jaw, and back).
It's a lot of "giving" and not a lot of "receiving."
The "Yoga" Subculture
Interestingly, in some niche communities, a guy giving himself head is seen as a peak achievement of body control. It’s less about the sex and more about the mastery of the physical form. You’ll find discussions on forums where men track their progress over months or years, measuring the distance between their chin and their pelvis like it’s a track and field event.
But let’s be real. For the average person, this is a recipe for a trip to the chiropractor.
Health Risks and Safety Warnings
We need to talk about the dangers because they are significant. This isn't just a harmless stretch.
- Cervical Spine Injury: Forcing the neck down can cause "stinger" injuries or worse.
- Oxygen Deprivation: The extreme compression of the chest makes breathing difficult. If you pass out in that position, you could suffer serious neck damage or suffocation.
- Back Strains: Lumbar strains can take weeks or months to heal.
If you feel any sharp pain, stop. Seriously. The human body has "limiters" for a reason. Ignoring them can lead to chronic pain that far outweighs any momentary curiosity.
Realities vs. Expectations
Most of what you see online—in adult films or specific social media niches—is highly curated. Those performers are often chosen specifically for their rare anatomical gifts. They are the "outliers." Using them as a benchmark for what a normal body can do is like watching an Olympic gymnast and wondering why you can't do a triple backflip off your couch.
It’s also worth noting that "success" in this area is often disappointing.
The physical exertion required usually kills the mood. You’re sweaty, your neck hurts, and you’re struggling to breathe. It’s the opposite of a relaxing experience. Most guys who manage to do it once or twice often decide it’s not worth the effort and never try again.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you are genuinely interested in increasing your flexibility—not necessarily for this specific act, but just to feel better in your body—there are safer ways to go about it.
Focus on functional mobility first. Instead of trying to fold yourself like a piece of origami, work on basic hamstring and hip flexor mobility. Most men have incredibly tight hips from sitting at desks all day. Improving this will help your back health and your overall "performance" in more traditional settings.
Consult a professional.
If you’re serious about extreme flexibility, join a gymnastics or circus arts class. These instructors understand the mechanics of the spine and can teach you how to stretch without snapping something. They will tell you the same thing: it takes years of consistent, safe practice.
Listen to your body.
The most important takeaway is that your worth isn't defined by your flexibility. If your body says "no," believe it. There is no prize for being part of the 1% if it ends with a neck brace. Focus on what feels good, stay within your limits, and leave the rib-removal myths in the 90s where they belong.
Maintain a regular stretching routine that prioritizes the lower back and hamstrings. Use tools like foam rollers or yoga blocks to support your body. Most importantly, recognize that some physical feats are meant for a very small group of people, and that's perfectly okay.