Cock and Ball Torture

This document is presented to aid in gaining a basic understanding on safety for consenting adults who wish to explore this area of BDSM play. Generally male genitorture, or what is more commonly known as Cock and Ball Torture, refers to causing sensation to the male genitals, or making them think that you are going to. Torture is such a misunderstood word. With most men, this is a very sensitive area of the body to focus on. They will either love or dread this sort of activity. The mental aspect is probably just as important as the physical acts themselves. Because of this, when performing CBT, the top must keep alert to the bottoms mental as well as their physical well being. The subject matters of electrical play, catheterization, piercing will not be covered. Each of these areas need to be learned in a separate forum where their more intensive concerns can be addressed more thoroughly.

Parts of the Penis

Shaft. The shaft is the least sensitive part of the cock, though the sensitivity increases greatly when stretched during erection.

Foreskin. The fold of skin that covers the glans when flaccid and should roll back to expose it on erection. While some men have had theirs surgically removed, a portion usually remains. It is basically a piece of skin with nerves and blood vessels inside.

Glans/Head The glans is made up mainly of spongy tissue covered in a thin, tight and highly sensitive skin layer. It is the most sensitive part of the penis, even more so in many circumcised men.

Urethra This is the duct that runs from the head of the penis back into the body along the underside of the cock.

Scrotum This is the loose, flexible bag of skin that contains the testicles and fluid. The scrotum skin is very thin.

Testicles The epidymis is a ridge along the side of each testicle, which extends up to form a lump on top and contains tubules that transfer sperm. Attached to the top, is the spermatic cord, an elastic tissue that connects the testicles to the rest of the body.

Health and Safety Concerns

  • As a primary guideline to follow in CBT, if you have any doubt whether you're injuring him, stop, check, talk. If you are the bottom and something doesn’t feel right, tell your partner!
  • Mentally some men just cannot handle CBT. If they have had medical or playground traumas in their pasts, it can be something that causes can trigger severe emotional distress. Make sure you know your bottoms feelings and history involving this area of the body before beginning to experiment.
  • If the pain from play begins to spread into another area of the body, stop immediately. If it does not subside within a 30-45 minutes, seek medical attention.
  • When playing with anything involving bodily fluids, it is always a good idea to wear rubber gloves to help in keeping both partners safe.
  • Circulation Blockage is one of the biggest danger in cock play. It is advisable to loosen tight genital bindings enough to restore full circulation every 20 to 30 minutes even without any signs of a problem. Pain in the area may not be a reliable indicator of a problem. Monitor the tension on the bindings you have placed to make sure circulation is not completely cut off. Tissue that's deprived of blood eventually goes numb. When this happens, it can cause irreversible damage. A binding is too tight if it cuts into the skin and causes bleeding. It is on too long if it causes the cock or scrotum to become cold or numb. A good sign of impaired circulation is visible swelling of the tissue in the cock or scrotum below or around a binding. While such swelling isn't dangerous in itself, whenever it occurs the bonds causing it should be loosened or removed as soon as possible in order to prevent damage.
  • When performing CBT, another potential injury is a hernia. The inguinal hernia is the most common type. In the fold between body and leg, about 2 fingers up on the abdomen, there is a cord in men that hold up the testicles. If the testicles are pulled or the abdomen is injured a hernia can occur. Most aren't very noticeable, but they can be VERY painful. A hernia is most often noticed when the person stand or strains. One way to take care of this until you can get to the ER is to fashion a 'truss' by placing padding over the area and holding it in place. Using a folded hand towel and duct tape; or tight underwear to hold everything together until you can get medical attention.
  • Another serious injury that can occur is a hematoma. This happens when an injury ruptures larger blood vessels and a pool or pocket of blood forms between layers of tissue causing a hard mass to form. Externally, it will appear as a firm, bulging, or swollen area. A small hematoma will usually be reabsorbed without lasting damage. One that is large or keeps growing can "squeeze" adjacent structures, reducing circulation to the area and impairing sensation and other functions. Prompt medical attention is needed.
  • Avoid genital bindings that can't be removed easily even when there's swelling. When tying knots, use a slipknot that will release easily if you pull on the ends. Be sure to leave the ends long enough to get at. Keep blunt-tipped emergency medical technician's scissors available to cut bindings in an emergency.
  • Be gentle with genital piercing: if you rip a ring out, you will need medical help to repair the damage and avoid a nasty scar, infection, or worse. If a ring does tear out, use an ice pack and local pressure until you can get to a doctor.
  • Chemical cock stimulants, such as Viagra and non-prescription variations, are sometimes used to cause the penis to become stimulated. Be certain of the proper use before venturing into this area. Keep in mind that they are still a drug and capable of causing physical reactions or interactions with other medications in the body. Please do your research before using items like this.

Area Specific Concerns

Shaft
  • The flaccid shaft can be struck more vigorously.
  • When erect sensations should be applied more gently.
  • Avoid too much pressure on the underside, where the urethra is closest to the surface.
  • Avoid hard blows to a hard cock . A fracture can occur when an erect penis is struck hard and "breaks" with a loud cracking noise. It is an unlikely but potentially serious medical emergency that requires prompt treatment by a physician. As first aid on the way to the hospital, use ice packs to control swelling and bleeding.
Foreskin
  • It is a little more sensitive than the shaft, particularly on the inside.
  • Even when it has been removed, a remnant usually remains; it can be a very sensitive site.
  • The skin can be squeezed, stretched and twisted fairly firmly to no real ill effect. Too vigorous of play can tear, foreskins.
  • If circulation is cut off for very long, the tissue won't retract normally and could even die and fall off.
Glans/Head
  • Little effort is needed to produce results.
  • It can be struck like the shaft. Sometimes a little water-based lubricant helps stimulate the area.
Urethra
  • The urethra is sterile inside. Any objects to be inserted more than a centimeter must be sterile too.
  • This area is very sensitive and tender, particularly just inside.
  • Never insert anything inside the urethra that is not perfectly smooth. Cotton swabs can leave fibers inside.
  • Using a Neosporin-like first aid creme as a lubricant on items used for insertion will help in preventing possible problems later on.
Scrotum
  • The key thing to remember is that levels of tolerance vary enormously.
  • When you're playing with anyone new, always start out lightly with any kind of stimulation to the balls and increase the intensity gradually.
  • The single most important danger signal in this area is intense and rapidly increasing pain. The bottom must be able to let the top know unmistakably when he's had enough. In most cases, a bottom whose consciousness is not dulled by alcohol or drugs will have no difficulty in distinguishing between a level of pain that is erotically stimulating and pain that signals real damage.
  • Avoid ball bondage entirely with anyone who has had a scrotal hernia or a history of physical problems in this region.
  • Never leave anything tighter than a comfortable ring or harness overnight or throughout a prolonged scene.
Testicles
  • Never tie someone by the balls to a wall, post, etc. in a standing position without additional support to their body. They could lose their balance or faint and put his whole body-weight on them causing them to be violently and painfully removed from the body.
  • Ball stretchers aren't dangerous when used responsibly. Don't get impatient and overdo it. Begin with a narrow band and work up in size gradually.
  • A potentially hazardous form of bondage is one in which the balls are tied to another part of the body. Do not combine this kind of bondage with any other strong stimulation that might cause him to jerk and yank on his balls involuntarily, unless he's otherwise so tightly restrained he cannot move enough to put pressure on them.
  • The most common injuries to the testicles during genitorture are abrasions, bruises, and tiny cuts. Minor injuries are best treated with sensible first aid such as cleaning with antiseptic. Bruises will generally heal by themselves. An ice pack can help cut down on swelling. Medical intervention is not usually necessary unless the problem doesn't heal properly or you suspect an infection.
  • Probably the most serious damage that might occur to the balls is the rupture of a testicle. This is when the outer covering of the ball splits and allows the contents to spill out into the scrotum. It will cause extreme pain and nausea. A rupture will make the scrotum swell rapidly, and internal bleeding will nearly always create a large hematoma. The area will appear black and blue and be massively enlarged. If this happens, go to an emergency room immediately! The most likely causes are suddenly yanking on the balls or hitting them with a heavy, blunt instrument.
  • Similar symptoms can occur in cases of testicular torsion, which is when the spermatic cords and vessels that suspend the testicle within the scrotum become twisted or kinked, interrupting the normal flow of blood, etc. There will be intense pain, and the scrotum will swell rapidly and be extremely tender to the touch. Surgery must be done within six hours of the onset of pain or the testicle will be lost.

Tools and Toys

  • Always inspect your toys before beginning to play to make sure all surfaces are clean and smooth. Cleaning before and after you use a toy is important.
  • Never use any material that can cut into the skin for a restraint, such as fishing line or piano wire.
  • When choosing toys to use on the cock and balls, you do not want to select big heavy implements.

Cock Rings Cock rings are sold in many sizes and made in many materials. You want to choose one that is not too tight on a flaccid cock. Keeping in mind that it is going to be a lot tighter once the cock gets hard. You won't be able to take it off until the cock softens again -- which might be a long wait if the ring has caused severe damage.

Cock Straps are made of leather and other materials. Most are designed to be adjustable, allowing for you to tighten or loosen for the desired fit. They generally surround the cock and balls to help keep them rigid longer.

Markers, Felt Pens, Fur and Feather dusters make light sensory toys. They are a lot more effective here than other parts of the body.

Parachute A parachute is a circular piece of leather that is cut to form an inverted cone. Most have three chains that hang down from the sides and are joined and used for suspending items or attaching to restraints. When using these with weights, be very careful not to allow the weight to drop. Lower it until the weight is taut and then release it.

Pencils or short plastic ruler. Most school supplies are suitable pervertables. They come in handy for use in light tapping or flicking. They will produce a reaction much more intense than one would expect.

Small floggers can be purchased or made at home out of rawhide, shoe laces or thin rope. You will want to be careful not to tangle tails that are too long around the cock in wrapping.

Soft rope, cord or string are more easily manipulated than thicker rope due to the smaller areas that you are working with.

Ideas for Play

Ball Bondage. Done with rope, cock rings, leather straps, scarves or any material that is flexible and can be used to restrict and restrain the area. Be certain to keep blunt-tipped scissors that can cut through the material you have used handy in case you need to remove it quickly. You can tie in different manners to separate the cock and balls from the body in one unit, separate them from each other and also separating each testicle within the scrotum.

Ball Crushing. Putting pressure on the testicles through vises, clamps, hands or feet can be quite interesting. Be very careful if you are using high heels not to actually puncture the skin. If you are using your hand, make certain to get a good firm grip on both testicles so that you do not have an “escapee”. To avoid this, when you begin, make certain you get a good grip above both with your thumb and forefinger before tugging or squeezing. Play careful attention to the responses of your bottom to gauge when to stop.

Ball Kicking/Punching. When doing this, make certain not to have the submissive moving too freely. Your target will move and you are more likely to hit an area you did not intend to. It is wise to do this with a nude bottom so that you can see the target clearly and ensure that it is not pinched or positioned poorly inside the clothing. Never do this with the testicles restrained as it can cause ruptures if they are forced against a hard surface. As this can be quite intense, monitor your bottoms condition carefully throughout the play and after. Some swelling is to be expected, but it is not advised to do it too often as damage may occur internally.

Brushing. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, paintbrush, make up applicator or other bristled items to abrade the skin.

Chemical Stimulants. These need to be used very carefully on only the EXTERNAL surfaces of the penis and scrotum. Spearmint or peppermint oils, heating massage lotions or oils, are good to use. Ben gay, Tiger Balm, Icy Hot, Cinnamon Oil, mouthwash all can be used, but they can also be quite intense. You can temper this by mixing them with a hand lotion before applying. Always check for reactions on another area of the bottoms skin before applying these to the genitals. The alternative reaction to this would be by using lidocaine or Preparation H to numb the area and desensitize the skin.

Clothespins. Clothespins are the ultimate multi-purpose toy. You can apply them most anywhere on a bottoms skin. A variety of them are available in wood or plastic. Each style has a different amount of grip. When putting them on, “grab” smaller sections of skin for a more painful sensation. You also will be able to put more on this way. Be certain to know how tight they clamp. If you wish to whip or pull them off with a string, you can potentially tear the skin. Do not leave them on for too long. Make certain the inside is smooth and the grip not so tight that it will tear the skin.

Genital Isolation. This is done by restraining the male and sliding his genitals through a hole and keeping the two isolated. A hammock, chain link fence, pillory, lawn chair would all work for this. Another option would be mummifying the body and leaving only the genitals out. You can then play with the area with no sensations given to any other area.

Ice Play. Ice can fairly safely be used externally also. First-aid ice packs can be good in doing this to a larger area. You can also insert an ice cube in the end of a condom and then place it on the cock. Alternate dripping ice and wax for a very intense sensory variation. As an added idea, wet skin loves to be blown on.

Mummification. Wrapping the area in a soft material while erect or flaccid can cause quite different sensations. Decide which serves your desired intent at the time. Having a flaccid cock encased and then arousing the sub can be quite a mental ordeal. Gauze, Vet Wrap, Electrical or Duct Tape, Saran Wrap, and Ace Bandage’s are some of the materials that can be used. To be nice, cover the cock with a non-lubricated condom before applying the tape. You can also add insert a thin ruler to help support the shaft while wrapping.

Mean Mummification. Apply the wrap as above, but include an abrasive, such as aquarium gravel or rock salt inside the wrap to give added sensation. Another alternative is to simply apply many layers of un-lubricated condoms to the penis. This removes the sensations from being felt.

Rigid Framing. You can use any firm, thin rod to build a structure under or around the cock and balls. Chop sticks, thin dowel rods, pencils, bamboo skewers, most anything that is thin but sturdy will work. Place them above the cock and below the scrotum and connect. A third can be added between the cock and scrotum for added restriction. You can connect these with thin rope, rubber bands, lace, string or anything that is easily tied. Once they are in place, you can use the extra material to weave around the structure for added tightness or decoration.

Shaving. This is pretty self-explanatory. One feature that is nice, a reminder of your play comes back a few days later when they deal with the stubble and itching. Make sure to keep the area wet and soapy while working or you can cause razor burn.

Sounds. “Sounds” are a medical tool that is inserted into the urethra. Lubrication, such as Neosporin or other first aid crème, is extremely important in doing this. When starting, some gentle massage or foreplay to relax the opening. Insert the tip slightly and work it gently in and out. Never force them in. If you feel resistance, stop. Be certain to keep a good grip on the sound so that it does not slip in further than you want them to. NEVER wiggle the sound back and forth; it is possible to tear the inside of the urethra.

Spanking/Whipping. Any impact play on the penis and scrotum should be tempered from the degree that is usually used on other more rugged areas of the body. A slight tap or finger flick will give a much stronger sensation here. Most any tool that is wide and flat will work in paddle fashion on the cock and balls. Be very careful not to use a thin area, the flat side of a wooden spoon or a cane, as it can cause severe damage.

Teasing. Fairly simple, mentally or physically stimulate, deny the bottom release, repeat. Outside restraints are helpful here to prevent the bottom from “completing the act” before you are ready to allow them to finish.

Vacuum Pumps. Vacuum pumps are sold to draw blood into the cock beyond the normal amount that would flow in on its own. Using these in combination with cock rings can help create a much larger erection than usual. Be careful when selecting these types of toys, as the quality varies greatly depending on the plastics used. Cheaper models may not function at all.

Wax Play. Drizzle wax around almost the entire area as you see fit. The only area to avoid is the urethra, never drip wax on the tissue inside. Generic Paraffin wax is the easiest to use and most readily available. Check the temperature before using on the bottom. Distance can be used to control the temperature when it comes in contact with the body. The higher you drip it from, the cooler it will be. Colored and scented candles burn hotter to remove the added chemicals in them. NEVER use bee’s wax on the genitals. The skin in this area is much thinner and more likely to blister from the heat. Removing the wax can be done in many creative ways.

Weights. Weights can be hung from parachutes or other forms of cock and ball restraints. The amount used should be added gradually and will vary widely between men. Never drop a weight. Lower it until it is taut and then release it to hang. Swaying once it is suspended is okay. Be very careful if suspending weights by a genital piercing. They can tear easily and cause severe damage. Do not leave weights on for more than 3-5 minutes. Another alternative to actual weights is to suspend a bucket, cup or 20oz. Bottle with an opening cut in it from a restraint and then use water for the weight. Pour it in slowly allowing for the bottom to adjust.

Whirlybird. Taking a long string, wrap the shaft of the penis neatly and smoothly from base to head. Be careful to avoid working back and forth as it can tangle when removed. It is optional to tie off the end before beginning or just wrapping the end up under the string as you work your way along. Once you have wrapped all of your rope or run out of shaft, step back and pull the rope off steadily and quickly. Be sure to use a soft material as to not “rug burn” the penis. It isn’t advisable to do this to a man who has a genital piercing on the shaft or head of the cock without removing the jewelry first.

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Posted September 19, 2008