S&M SAFER SEX GUIDELINES
A guide to ensuring healthy and safe S&M sex play

It is important to state right from the start that S&M sex must be consensual at all times. The S&M community abhors brutality, violence and most of all rape.

The dangers of being bottom (receptive/passive) as a sexual partner who is not using protection during sexual acts (particularly if it is including anal penetration) is the same whether it is S&M play or not. There are the same risks if you share needles or syringes in the S&M scene.

Some added risks for the S&M players include:

Secondary infections through the use of toys.Examples include:

It is essential to act on the side of more safety than too little. Presume that there is risk if you have any doubt. The ability of HIV, hepatitis and some other sexually transmitted viruses to live outside of the body may be longer than has been stated.

Drugs and/or alcohol and S&M play do not mix

Drugs and alcohol can reduce your ability to make good decisions regarding safety and the your limits during the action.

In addition the use of the substances can provide unintentional overs timulation on the part of the master or “top”. Reduced sensations may also lead to being unaware of physical damage on the part of the slave or “bottom”. The outcome may be a clouded assessment of pain and the physical effects of a particular scene of sex play, etc. They may even become destructive.

“Poppers” or amyl nitrate is used to heighten sexual stimulation. They are relatively short acting, hence may not have the problems discussed above. However, over inhalation may reduce the ability to make sound decisions relating to the limits of the sex.

BUTT PLAY

A wide range of S&M activities involves the stimulation of the anal area. Insertion of a dildo, buttplug or other erotic device should always be used with care. The butt hole is delicate and is a major risk for the transmission of HIV. Sterile practice should be used at all times.

Wash the dildo and thoroughly sterilise it before using on another person's ass. You can use condoms to cover the dildo, but they do break. In addition many S&M players prefer to use heavier duty lubes such as Crisco. These are not water based and can deteriorate the condom material. You should not use oil based lubes such as Crisco if there is also going to be anal action with the top’s penis.

Time and care as well as sensitivity to the breathing patterns should be part of the top’s monitoring of the bottom. Allow for adequate time for the butt muscles to relax. In particular the relaxing of the sphincter at the point of anal entry. This will allow for a better and safer entry.

If you are using devices such as balls strung on a leather cord or singles, ass spreaders, the same cautions apply. These can also damage the lining of the rectum. These devices may be a little harder to sterilise properly.

Fisting (the insertion of the top’s hand and sometimes arm into the bottom’s butt) now rates as risky for the transmission of STDs including HIV. The top must wear a surgical glove during all fisting sessions.

To prevent damage to the rectal lining and the glove, finger nails should be cut and buffed prior to the fisting session.

There is always a risk of perforation or puncture of the rectal lining. The more energetic the session the greater the risk. Perforation (peritonitis) is life threatening. The symptoms would include:

If any or all of the above are experienced by the bottom after a fisting session, he should seek emergency medical attention without delay.

BONDAGE

This is a common part of the S&M practices. This probably the lowest risk activity in terms of HIV and other STDs. The only risk will be if the restraint as been in touch with blood or cum. They should then be sterilised or if rope it may be better to throw away.

Bondage includes use of items such as

The main risk of this kind of material is cutting of the circulation of blood from a part of the body. The top should check for signs of loss of blood flow at least every 20 minutes and the “bottom” even more frequently.

The check should ensure that:

1. The skin colour is not blue.

2. The area of restraint remains warm.

3. There is still feeling in the restrained area.

Compression and/or damage to the nerves near the surface may also be a risk, particularly if too much weight is applied to the area.

COCK AND BALL TORTURE

This involves the tying of the balls or cock of your partner or yourself. Many items are used including manufactured leather straps through to elastic bands or rope. Another common practice is the application of clamps to induce low level pain. This in turn increases the erotic pleasure.

Monitoring for blood restriction and skin breaks should be included in the top’s activities.

ELECTRICITY

The use of electrical discharge (often directly to the genitals) for sexual arousal is sometimes used in S&M practice. The devices include:

There is a significant scarring could occur through the inflicting of burns to the skin. In some this may be desirable in others a disaster. Anyone with heart disease or problems should avoid this practice.

SCAT

This is the use of faecal matter as part of the play. It is not a significant risk unless it is ingested or is inserted into the anal passage of the partner. Faeces can carry secondary infections such as hepatitis. This practice should be avoided. For the same reasons scat should not come in contact with any open cuts or sores.

NIPPLE PLAY

The stimulation of the nipples with fingers, tongue, clamps, pegs or teeth are a common practice in S&M play. There are few risks unless the skin of the nipple is broken. The risks of infections such as hepatitis are increased in such circumstances.

Always wash and sterilise pegs or clamps before applying to a new partner or yourself.

BEATINGS

This uses equipment such as :

This is a relatively common practice in some degree with S&M play. The usual target of such action is the ass or back.. Sometimes the balls and more risk prone body parts may be involved. To the outsider this may appear brutal, but people who invite the use of these techniques claim it to be sensual and sexual.

The dangers are: Drawing blood that could be a pathway for HIV or other STD transmission. Damage to sensitive areas of the body, including genitals, head, kidneys etc.

Again sterilisation techniques should be applied to all the equipment used here.

SKIN PIERCINGS

This may be temporary or permanent. It can involve the inserting of jewellery through the piercing site.

The usual metals used for this include:

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