Groin attack

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For other uses, see Low Blow.

A groin attack is an attempt to cause pain to the groin area of one's opponent. The technique can be quickly debilitating, due to the large number of sensitive nerve endings in the penis and testicles of males, as well as the highly innervated vulva and ovaries of females. A sufficiently powerful blow may fracture the pubic bone of the victim, resulting in physical disability.[1] Circumcised men and women are more vulnerable because their glans lack protection of prepuce[citation needed]. This technique has been popularized as a comedic device on programs such as America's Funniest Home Videos and YouTube.

Low blow[edit]

See also: Below the belt



Effects on sexes[edit]


Groin attacks enacted upon male victims are the most widely known, and people—male and female—are often taught to use the groin attack to discourage potential rapists and other attackers. Such attacks are also used as a form of bullying by both males and females.

Groin strikes are debilitating and pose potential harm to males due to the high sensitivity of the human gonads and vulnerability of the external testicles. The pain associated with testicular trauma travels from the testicles into the abdominal cavity through the spermatic plexus, the primary nerve of the testicles. In extreme cases, a hard strike to the testicles can cause the victim to vomit or black out and can cause the testicle to rupture, potentially sterilizing the victim. There is also the possibility of shock.

In many parts of the world, an attack on the male groin is considered to be sexual assault.



A strike to a female's genitals can be just as damaging and debilitating as a blow to a male. If delivered with enough force, a kick to the female genitalia can drive the highly sensitive clitoris up into the pubic bone, compressing the clitoris between the hard bone and the attacker's shoe. Potential long-term health problems can arise for female targets of groin attacks including nerve damage to the clitoris, the pubic bone fracture because women's bones are thinner (and the bone of the pelvis of women is thinner and may break), hematoma, vulvodynia and rupture of the ovaries (ovarian apoplexy), which will lead to infertility.[citation needed]

In many parts of the world, an attack on the female groin is considered to be sexual assault.

Biblical reference[edit]

The Old Testament, (Deuteronomy 25:11–12) states the following:


See also[edit]

