With the greater sexual freedom that men and women have today, there is a wider array of activities consenting adults can enjoy, including those frequently classified as "kink." Many individuals and couples are increasingly into kink activities, finding that their involvement brings excitement and fulfillment to their sex lives. However, immersion in the kink scene can raise questions of penis health for many men, and it is important that these concerns are addressed. Finding the right balance between kink fascinations and penis health is essential.

Kink

People talk about kink frequently, but some are not always sure what it means. Technically, kink would apply to any kind of sexual interest or activity that is at least somewhat outside "the norm." Since what is "normal" changes over time, some activities once considered kink are now considered part of typical sex play for many. For example, role playing, with or without costumes, was once considered highly fetishistic. Now, many couples role play as a matter of course.

In one sense, defining kink is highly individualistic; if one man finds something to be kinky, then for his purposes, it is. But for the purposes of this piece, kink is defined more along the lines of activities associated with "Fifty Shades of Gray" - bondage, submission/domination, discipline, sadism, masochism and fetishistic adoration.

Penis health

It’s easy to see why there may be concerns about penis health for men that engage in kink activities. While much of kink is concerned with emotional and/or psychological issues, it often also involves varying degrees of physical engagement. And sometimes that physicality can be focused directly on the penis.

For example, some dominant/submissive role plays may involve a partner who exerts their influence over a man by "controlling" his penis and/or scrotum. Perhaps this involves forcing the man to masturbate repeatedly, often without the use of lubricant. In more extreme scenarios, it may involve the manhood being slapped, beaten, spanked, whipped or tied up.

It’s important to remember that this all assumes the activities are being undertaken with the consent of the man to whom the penis is attached. He is undergoing this physical treatment because it provides pleasure for him. Nevertheless, it still can negatively impact his penis health.

Safety

What are some steps a man who is into kink can take to better ensure his penis health is not compromised by his enjoyment? The following are a few suggestions:

- Be sure to have a safe word/phrase. Before beginning, it is absolutely essential that a couple agrees to a safe word or phrase that either one can say if they want the activity to end. Once said, the players must stop what they are doing, drop any roles they have assumed, and tend to the "here and now" of what is happening. A man whose penis is being pushed beyond his comfort zone must use the safe word whenever necessary.

- Start slow. Beginners should take it slow and easy to start. It may take several sessions to determine just how much pain a penis can take.

- Take breaks. It is always allowed to use safe words for a "time out" when needed.

- Wear protection. Consider wearing a condom, penis sleeve or other form of protection to keep the penis safer.

- Allow time to heal. Take days off between sessions in order to make sure the penis has healed properly.

The penis health of a man into kink may also benefit from the regular use of a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) , especially when healing a sore penis. A crème with both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) can provide much-needed soothing relief. The skin will also be more resilient if a crème including vitamin B5 is used. Also called pantothenic acid, B5 is required for cell metabolism and keeping penile tissue healthy.