Chastity

Chastity

Other names	Caging, erotic sexual denial
Health risk	Mild
Legal risk	Mild

Chastity is the practice of consensually denying access to genitals or orgasms for the purpose of control or stimulating sexual arousal. Chastity play can be done just for fun, as a punishment, for humiliation, or as a symbol of ownership and subservience to someone else.

A chastity device such as a chastity cage or chastity belt is often used to block access to the genitals. These devices are the source of most of the risks associated with chastity, including physical injuries to the genitals and difficulties keeping up proper hygiene.

Appeal

Many find the physiological aspect of chastity and not being able to touch their genitals highly erotic. There can also be a large element of control if a keyholder has control of the keys.

Methods

Devices

Male chastity cages

Male chastity cages, also referred to as ball-trap cages, are typically utilized on a penis, and involves a circular component that wraps around the testicles (ring) and connects to a tube (cage) that contains the head of the penis and shaft. There are some devices that involve the use of a PA (Prince Albert) piercing that restrict the head and part of the shaft of the penis.

Chastity belts

Chastity belts put support around the waist, and some have a ring around the penis and testicles, depending on the design. They are typically much more expensive than ball trap cages, but can help some with longer term wear due to putting less pressure on the testicles. It can be difficult to drive and exercise in chastity belts. Chastity belts can also provide an option for those without a penis and testicles for being locked; BehindBarz, for example, produce belts for females and and customize options. For people transitioning. they can also provide options and adjust belts during their transition.

Chastity shorts

Leather or rubber locking shorts are another way of achieving shorter term chastity, typically without the issues of ball-trap cages and belts. They would typically be used for shorter period due to issues with going to the toilet in them (urinating may be fine in rubber for instance but not appropriate if it leaks into your day to day clothes in public), but can be a way to be locked overnight for example with less of the issues of cages and belts.

Key management

Although it is not strictly necessary, many people prefer to restrict access to their keys to resist temptation. There are a number of ways of doing this: another person (a keyholder) can physically hold on to the keys, a Bluetooth lockbox can be used that is remotely controlled by the keyholder, or a website like Chaster that stores the combination to a lockbox in escrow can be used. Other options include using a container with a locking timer or placing keys in water and then freezing the water.

Some people also prefer to use serialized security seals in addition to or in lieu of a lock. These can be easily cut off, but it will be obvious to the keyholder if the number changes.

Risks

Injury to genitals

The most common problem when using ball-trap style devices is chafing around the base ring. Erections will cause the cage to pull outwards, causing the ring to rub against the skin behind the scrotum. For some people, ball-trap style cages can also cause significant pain from pressure on the testicles, even for short term wear.

The penis can also be at risk of injury depending on the fit and design of the cage. During an erection, cages that are too small or have too wide of an opening at the end can potentially cause penile strangulation. In more serious cases, this may require medical attention.

Other potential medical issues include varicoceles in the testicles.

Metal chastity cages and belts are not safe to wear if in area where one can be exposed to an electrical arc flash. As with metal jewelry, they will need to be removed.

Allergies

Some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to specific materials. This is more common with devices made of metal, but it can occur with plastic cages as well.

Even if an allergy is not currently present, repeated exposure to nickel over time can cause a nickel allergy to develop; this is especially of concern with devices made of lower or unknown grades of stainless steel.

Hygiene issues and infection

Sweat, urine, and other moisture can be trapped under the device, creating an environment where bacteria and fungi can grow. The devices can interfere with proper hygiene and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Depending on the design and sizing of the chastity device, urination may be somewhat difficult. With ball-trap style devices, the device can slide around and the urethral opening can become misaligned with the cage, which can result in urine getting everywhere. Some of the full belt designs also have similar issues.

Security screenings

When undergoing a security screening, such as at an airport or an event, a chastity device that is worn could be flagged by security scanners. This risk is higher with metal devices, because they will almost certainly be flagged by most metal detectors on standard sensitivity levels. If the device is plastic and only contains a metal lock, whether or not the device will be detected depends on the sensitivity setting of the detector. Plastic devices can also be flagged by millimeter wave scanners (such as those used at airports), even if the device does not contain a metal lock.

The newer walk-through weapons detection systems (where one can walk through while holding a bag) will generally not be set off by a plastic device, even if it has a metal lock. At standard sensitivity settings, these devices are designed to only detect weapons that contain larger amounts of metal.

In the US, chastity cages are unlikely to be seen as security threats at the airport, but if detected, will likely require an inspection in a private screening room. This can result in delays, and some argue it can force non-consenting strangers to be involved in one's kinks.

Increased prostate cancer risk after long-term use (disputed)

There is some debate as to the long term effects of chastity, and some suggest that regular ejaculation from the penis may have an impact on reducing prostate cancer. There is not currently a clear medical position on this.

Smaller penis size and erectile dysfunction after long-term use (disputed)

Some people believe that long-term use of chastity devices can lead to smaller penis size and erectile dysfunction, but there is no scientific evidence supporting this. Anecdotal reports from those with experience in long-term chastity indicate that this is not something they have personally experienced.

Risk mitigation

Proper cage sizing

Sizing is very important when selecting a chastity cage for reasons of both safety and comfort. The base ring is the most important measurement; it's important that it is tight enough to prevent the cage from sliding off, but not so tight that it restricts circulation. The general guidance is that, when flaccid, it should be possible to insert two fingers between the base ring and the penis and testicles. Ideally with the cage (or tube), the space should be filled as completely as possible by the penis when flaccid; this will help reduce pressure on the testicles during erections.

People with particularly small or large testicles may need to pay attention to the distance between the base ring and the cage, often called the "ball gap." This is what actually prevents the cage from being removed when locked. People with smaller testicles may find that they need a reduced ball gap to prevent them from slipping out, even if the base ring is appropriately sized. Those with larger testicles may find that they need a larger base ring than expected, but due to the larger size of their testicles, the cage is still secure.

As an additional way to reduce pressure on the testicles, there are products sold as "chastity cage fall prevention" or similar that attach to the ring, usually using snaps, and wrap around the waist; this will prevent the cage from pulling away from the body. While this does not provide as much support as a full chastity belt, it is a much cheaper option. Tight-fitting underwear can also help.

Skin care and hygiene

Moisturizing the skin can help reduce and prevent chafing. Very hydrating lotions, such as those sold for people with eczema, or chamois cream used by cyclists, can be quite effective at helping with this.

Regular cleaning of chastity devices and ones person will reduce risk of infection and keep the devices in good condition. Generally, completely removing the cage or belt at regular intervals is necessary for this.

Access to keys

It is generally advisable to have a spare key available for emergencies or in the event of a lost key. In the event of an actual medical emergency, although medical personnel will have no problem cutting off a plastic cage without injury, being able to use a spare key to unlock can avoid the hassle, embarrassment, and the need to replace the device. Tamper-evident containers or bags can work well for this while still showing evidence that the spare key was used. If using a lockbox or timer lock, consider using a deliberately insecure one that can be bypassed or broken.

Allergies

Those with a nickel allergy will need to avoid direct contact with stainless steel, at it is an alloy that contains nickel. If a metal chastity device is desired, devices made of titanium are available and can avoid this concern, and some manufacturers offer coating options that can alleviate this concern as well.

Mitigating risks associated with long-term use

As discussed above, individuals with a family history of prostate cancer or who are concerned about the long-term effects of chastity can consider milking, cumming while caged or ruined orgasms as part of their chastity play.

External links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_sexual_denial
• https://denyingthumper.com/male-chastity-basics/