C. Prevention. .....
The only absolute protection against sexually
transmitted disease is complete avoidance of contact with all bodily secretions
of another..... All other measures provide SAFER SEX ..... the
more information you have, the better able you will be to assess your risk and
take appropriate precautions. By far the most effective means of REDUCING the
risk of STDs is CONSISTENT, CORRECT and CAREFUL use of CONDOMS
during vaginal, anal and oral intercourse. Care should be taken when withdrawing
not to spill semen from the condom. Yes.... condoms should cover the penis
during fellatio (giving "head " to a man). The appropriate use of
condoms is critical when considering the HIV virus. Since infection invariably
leads to AIDS (97%) and AIDS invariably results in premature death... each
sexual encounter must be evaluated in that light. When toys are used that result
in contact with bodily secretions... for example, a vibrator used for vaginal or
anal intercourse... it should ONLY be used with that partner
and not shared between partners.
A. The most important factors in the prevention of
injury during D/s activity are picking the right partner and using common sense.
For a sub, picking the right dominant is crucial. In
order to avoid injuring a sub, a dominant must have control of him/herself, and
a deep sense of responsibility to protect the well being of those in his/her
care. Skill and knowledge of techniques employed ain't bad, either.
B. Safety tips for Subs:
First meetings are particularly risky. There are many
sources of information on safety tips. I recommend a chat room, safe for new
subs, on aol as a place to ask questions and get helpful advice from
knowledgeable people. Also, safety tips can be found at the following website: http://www.mouse~works.com/subnation/main.html
Submissives should always know how and feel free to use a safeword or gesture to
stop D/s activity at any time. A safeword is a word that when uttered, signals
the dominant partner to STOP immediately. If unable to speak...
(as when gagged).... a safe gesture is employed.
C. The use of alcohol and/or drugs is to be avoided
during D/s play as it clouds judgment...
the dominant partner may not be able to exercise the
necessary control when intoxicated, and the submissive partner might not be able
to accurately assess her limits.... leading to injury. DRINKING/DRUGGING
AND D/s DO NOT MIX.
2. Choking.....
While I have no idea how common this practice is in
the D/s community.... it is so potentially dangerous I have to speak to it.
Choking.... compressing the neck.... is sometimes done as part of sex play.... (erotic
asphyxia) ..in which case the choking is used to heighten orgasm. Any
miscalculation can result in death by strangulation. Choking in any other
context... as part of power exchange... not only carries the risk of
miscalculation resulting in serious injury or death. Some people are especially
sensitive to carotid pressure and develop a slowed heart rate in response. This
can result in simple fainting, or more severe heart rhythm disturbances. For
this reason, choking is not a recommended activity.
3. Bruises:
In the context of D/s play, not all bruises can be
prevented. Those who engage in activities leaving frequent bruises do well to
consider the following. On a daily basis, taking 1000mg. of vitamin C... which
helps with tissue repair. Avoid the frequent use of aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin),
naprosyn (Naproxen, aleve) and other drugs of the nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory class. Activities leaving bruises are to be completely avoided
if a person is taking COUMADIN, a drug to prevent clotting.
Bruises can be treated simply with ice for the first 24 hours followed by
application of heat.
4. Lacerations:
This is the medical word for a cut. Welts that bleed
are forms of lacerations, as are those inflicted by knives or razors. The two
main considerations with lacerations are first: blood is a body fluid that can
transmit disease, and disposable gloves should be worn when treating a partner's
lacerations..... Secondly, the prevention of infection. Lacerations should be
washed with warm, soapy water and if significantly open, dressed with an
antiseptic ointment (bacitracin is good) and covered with a bandaid or
sterile dressing. Minor bleeding can be stopped with direct pressure over the
wound. If bleeding persists, consult a physician or go to emergency room.
5. Abrasions:
These are rubbing injuries, typically sustained from
restraints. Also from carpets... the so called rug burn. These should be washed
with warm, soapy water, and if significant, dressed with bacitracin and covered
with a sterile dressing and gauze.
6. Burns:
First degree burns result in reddened and painful
skin. Second degree burns blister. Third degree burns destroy tissue. Extensive
second degree and any third degree burns require medical attention. Minor burns
should be treated immediately with immersion in cold water. Grease... butter,
petroleum jelly, etc. should NOT be used. Burns blisters, when
opened, should be treated as abrasions and covered with bacitracin and dressed
with a sterile dressing.
7. Vaginal Injuries:
To prevent injury to vaginal tissues, care should be
taken not to introduce anything into an unlubricated vagina. If sufficient
vaginal secretions are not generated, a water based lubricant such as KY jelly
should be employed. Care should be taken introducing large objects at the
introitus... the entrance to the vagina, as the tissues there can be torn if
excessive force is employed. Douching, unless prescribed by a physician, is NOT
recommended. The vagina is self cleaning. (Much better even than an oven).
Should there be soreness, redness ,swelling etc.. these should be checked by a
physician as some STDs present that way and distinguishing injury from infection
can sometimes be difficult. Objects that are breakable (such as light bulbs)
must never be inserted into the vagina.
8. Anal injuries:
See above. Liberal use of KY jelly is critical, as is
slow penetration of the anus, allowing tissues to stretch and the muscles to
relax. Enemas should NOT be used to "clean" the rectum following any
vigorous anal penetration because there are always microtears in the rectal
wall. Introducing an enema under those conditions could cause serious infection
and illness. Enemas given recreationally should not contain chemicals, should be
around skin temperature, and should not be given too fast. CONDOMS MUST
BE WORN FOR ANAL INTERCOURSE TO PROTECT AGAINST STDS. Any object...
finger, dildo, or penis, used in anal play must be thoroughly cleaned in warm
soapy water before being put into the vagina or mouth in order to prevent
infection. Condoms should be changed when switching from anal to vaginal or oral
intercourse. Glass objects do not belong in rectums. Be careful not to lose
anything inserted into the rectum... unlike the vagina, which is a closed space,
the rectum is an large vault and items can be difficult to retrieve. Please
leave mice and guinea pigs in their cages.
9. Penile injuries:
Use common sense. If catheters are used, they should
be sterile and used ONLY for that sub once. Rubber cannot be
resterilized. Do not force anything into the urethra... (the opening into the
penis). If compression of the penis is practiced with any kind of device, pain
is a good barometer of when to stop. Any deep lacerations sustained to the penis
must be evaluated medically. Lacerations in this area should be avoided.
10.Animals:
If an animal is used in erotic play, a muzzle should
be used to prevent animal bites which are serious, especially to the face. The
animal's toenails should be clipped as well.
11. Beating:
There are some areas of the body that should be
avoided when administering a beating. The kidneys area, which is located on the
back where the ribs join the spine, is one such area to avoid. The area of the
spleen is also vulnerable to excessive force. This area is on the left side of
the abdomen just under the ribs. Head injuries can be serious and heavy blows to
face and head are not wise. Stick to the tush, the upper back, shoulders, and
legs.
12. Frostbite:
Sometimes ice is used in D/s play. If there is
prolonged contact to skin, frostbite can result. The first response to cold is
blueness to the area... then redness and burning or diminished sensation....
followed by tissue injury. The area must be rewarmed IMMEDIATELY
in WARM, not HOT water. Serious, extensive frostbite needs to
be seen by a physician. The extremities... the fingers and toes...are most
likely to get serious frostbite.
13.Wax:..
Use only paraffin candles for wax play. The height
that the wax is dropped from determines how hot it will be when it hits the
skin..Less than 6 inches dripping height CAUSES BURNS... avoid
this.
14.Bite wounds:
Bite wounds on the face should be avoided and if
serious, should be seen by a doctor. All bites should be thoroughly cleaned with
warm soapy water, covered with bacitracin and a dry sterile dressing. Infection
is the major complication of bites. Signs of infection include: redness
extending from the wound, swelling around the bite, pain at the site, heat at
the site and fever. An infected bite is very serious and should be treated by a
doctor.
15.Electricity-related injuries:
If toys are used that involve electricity, the major
injury is an accidental burn. These should be evaluated and treated as outlined
in the burn section above. Please keep all electric toys away from water, and
check all wires before play to make sure they are intact, and not frayed. Should
electric shock occur, the possibility exists that the person's heart will stop
and CPR will be required. Before touching the person, make sure that the
electric source is off.... interrupt it using an insulated item or at the source
(circuit breaker). If the person is not breathing , and you know CPR... follow
the protocol. Otherwise, call 911 and tilt the person's head back (person is
positioned on back) to open the airway. Taking a CPR basic course is the best
way to save a life.
16. Strains and sprains:
These are injuries sustained to ligaments and tendons
around joints. They may be complications of restraint and suspension. If pain is
so severe that the joint cannot be moved, a doctor consultation is advisable.
For minor injuries, remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and
Elevation. Rest the affected joint. Use ice for 24 hours, then heat. Ace
bandages can provide compression and reduce swelling. Elevate the effected
joint.
17. Branding, Cutting and Piercing:
These activities by their very nature cause injury.
Any activity that breaks the skin must be done under sterile conditions. This
means the skin must be cleaned first with warm soapy water... Then, the area
should be washed with betadine. Allow the betadine to dry, then wipe off with an
alcohol wipe. The person doing the activity should be wearing sterile gloves,
both to protect him/herself from blood contamination, as well as protecting
their partner from infection. Any of these instruments should only be used if
they are sterile. Either purchase them in a sterile fashion and discard... as
with needles... or sterilize. An item can be considered sterile if it is brought
to a rolling boil and kept there for 20 minutes. It must be completely immersed
in the boiling water. These activities may result in infection... please see
above for signs of infection and treatment. Any infection accompanied by fever
should be evaluated IMMEDIATELY by a doctor. These activities
will result in bleeding. Minor bleeding can be stopped by continuous, direct
pressure over the wound. Remember to wear gloves. If bleeding is spurting out,
an artery may have been opened and this requires emergency medical treatment.
Apply direct pressure and get to a hospital. Another complication of these acts
may be shock, due to excessive blood loss. Follow guidelines for treatment of
active bleeding.. keep the person warm, and raise the legs higher than the head.
Get emergency medical attention. Shock can be recognized by pallor, sweating,
tremulousness, faintness, rapid, thready pulse and loss of consciousness..
18. Psychological risks.
The D/s power exchange can be a deeply fulfilling,
joyous, and thrilling way of life in the right context. Some "mental health
awareness" unique to our community seems in order. There is a pattern for
submissives particularly, to be aware of. In pain play, for example, the central
nervous system responds with an outpouring of endorphins.. the natural
painkiller., whose chemical structure is similar to morphine. This may indeed be
the physiologic basis of subspace..... As this wears off.. there is a
"letdown" and should not be confused with depression. Depression that
is clinically significant lasts 2 weeks or more, and is characterized by
persistent low mood, decreased energy, disturbed sleep and appetite, feelings of
helplessness and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts, delusions and
hallucinations. These symptoms should lead one to consult a physician. Other
hazards include those associated with the use of sleep deprivation..... (one
should not drive sleep deprived!) . Psychological consequences of sleep
deprivation include altered perception... (hallucinations), unstable mood,
irritability, decreased fine motor performance and impaired judgment. Much the
same picture is produced by prolonged sensory deprivation.
Psychological health between dominants and submissives is fostered by clear, open communication, respect, trust and communication , communication , communication. If you can't talk to each other, you shouldn't play!
Long life, good health, play safe.
~~Yaldahtvah (a D/s Physician)
Questions about our site? Click the ask live icon to chat live or leave a message with our site host. CJ isn't always available, but generally you can find Him here from about 8:30 - 11:00 pm Eastern time. Your questions about the site, the Asj community or just about the lifestyle in general are always welcome. If nothing else, take a moment and tell us what you think of this feature!
Did you know, the Asj Community
hosts Lifestyle Classes and Discussions here online every Sunday
and Wednesday evening at 9:00 pm Eastern Time. The Classes and Discussions
are open to all and Free to attend.
Visit our Members Only Pages for more information, or
click any of our ask live icons to ask for more information.
