What is Needle Play in a Fetish or BDSM context?
Needle play is the practice of inserting needles under the skin of the submissive and is considered a form of “Edge Play”, it can produce an intense natural endorphin high which can last for hours. Needle play involves inserting a hypodermic needle into the skin through at least the top two layers of the skin, epidermis and dermis.
Penile needle play is one of my favourite CBT activities. Today I am going to talk about the dos and don’ts of needles used during CBT. There are specific techniques and precautions in penile needle play and you need to know your penile anatomy well to avoid severe injuries.
This blog is probably more for advanced players who desire needles in their penis; balls or foreskin. However, if you are a beginner feel free to read on even if you are new to needle play. I am going to make it easy to understand without boring you with mind-numbing details. I will write a blog about basic needle play in a couple of weeks time.
First of all, it is important to know about what skin does:
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, it serves as a barrier to protect the body from the external environment, regulating body temperature, keeping the moisture, excreting waste via sweat and most importantly transmitting sensations to the brain through the nervous system. Skin also hosts a variety of microorganisms.
The skin consists of three major layers:
· Epidermis – a comparatively thin layer of skin that lack blood vessels.
· Dermis – supplies blood to the epidermis
· Hypodermis or subcutaneous level – consists of fat cells, blood vessels and nerve endings.
Because the skin both hosts and protects us from so many potentially harmful microorganisms, a break in the skin can provide an opportunity for those organisms to enter the body. Before skin is pierced with a hypodermic needle, it needs to be treated with an antiseptic to lessen the risk of infection.
Skin prep
The two most common antiseptics for play piercing are providone-iodine and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Alcohol is drying to the skin and should not be using on mucus membranes, also it stings if used on broken skin. Alcohol has a good instantaneous effect on microbes but it is not persistent. Once the skin is pierced, the wound needs to be protected until it can heal well enough to reseal itself.
Providone-iodine (Betadine ©) is another commonly used skin antiseptic in needle play, it does not dry out the skin and is non-irritating to mucus membranes.
With Providone-iodine, you need to check with clients whether they are allergic to chlorhexidine before you use it and this can be part of your standard questionnaire. These reactions are very rare, so these same skin prep agents are still used as before in hospitals, they just ask about allergies first. If in doubt you can do a patch test when they arrive, leave it when they are getting ready. If there’s no itching or irritation then go ahead with the skin prep.
Regardless of which antiseptic you choose, do not go over the same area twice with the same antiseptic pad to avoid recontamination. Start to wipe it in the spiral starting from the centre to the outer area, just throw away the used antiseptic pad half way through and start a new one if needed.
Penile anatomy
The parts of the penis are the base, shaft, glans, and foreskin. The tissues that make up the penis include the dorsal nerve, blood vessels, connective tissue, and erectile tissue. The urethra passes from the bladder to the tip of the penis.
Glans, the head or tip of your penis
Foreskin (if your penis isn’t circumcised, this covers the glans)
Shaft, the length of your penis
Scrotum, the sac that holds your testicles
There are arteries inside the penis:
Dorsal penile arteries
Cavernous arteries (deep arteries of the penis)
Bulbourethral arteries
Circumflex arteries
What to do and what NOT to do:
First and foremost is the client’s desires and limits. For novices, I focus on the epidermis of the shaft and scrotum using 21 – 23G needles and work my way to the glans whenever the client is feeling more adventurous. Do not put needles into the shaft i.e. across the Corpus cavernosum and Corpus spongiosum. I have seen many people doing this and THIS IS NOT SAFE!
Corpus cavernosum: Two columns of tissue running along the sides of the penis, blood fills this tissue to cause an erection.
Corpus spongiosum: A column of sponge-like tissue running along the front of the penis and ending at the glans, it fills with blood during an erection, keeping the urethra – which runs through it open. You do not want to stick the needle across the urethra and cause damage. If you go through the shaft arteries breaks there will be heavy bleeding and haematoma which may not be absorbed.
If you are not familiar with penile anatomy, please just stick with sticking needles across the epidermis, nothing will go wrong except a bit of bleeding.
Glans is another safe zone. It is made of erectile tissue but the blood vessels are much smaller (capillaries not arteries) so it won’t bleed as much also blood pressure is not as high.
Scrotum – as long as you don’t stick needles right into the testicles you can put as many needles as you like as long as the client is ok with it.
Client’s care:
I push limits in medical sessions but only with clients with whom I am familiar with their bodies and limits/maybes. I communicate a lot in sessions, checking if they are ok. I look into their eyes – if their eyelids starting to drop I have to make sure they are not fainting, I feel their body temperature to make sure their blood pressure is not dropping and they are not going into shock.
It is a good idea to have sweet tea prepared just in case they need it, highly recommend for longer medical sessions.
Visit MedFetUK for their needle products.
Hi yeti,
It is not rude at all. Castration fantasy is very common, I’ve performed mock castration incorporate with role-play with my client.
it is not that the castration which seems interesting to me it is the fact of being laid down on a wet sheet of rubber of pee, while waiting for medical assumption of responsibility of castration, perhaps even that the penis will pass under the scalpel …. The fear of this fact increases my blood circulation … the paradox between desire and denial of sex.to become a child again, no longer to be an adult, subjected to a surgical operation that healed and mutilated, again from these male contradictions. To be or not to be there is the question.
Why don’t you recommend needles being put into the testicle?
Hi John,
Because if you are not careful you will cause rupture in the testicles.
When you put needles in glans, how deep in do you normally push them paralell to the shaft?
I use the shortest, thinnest needles (30G).for the glands.
I’ll see. I like 23g in my glans, cause it feels a little bit more. Is it ok to push them one centimeter in, before you let them out in middle of the glans?
I’ll see. I like 23g in my glans, cause it feels a little bit more. Is it ok to push them one centimeter in, before you let them out in middle of the glans?
Yes, as long as you stay away from the urethra, I would be really careful using long and smaller guage needles on the glans.
yes, it bleed much with smaller gauge. Is there anything else with smaller gauge, except fore more bleeding?
Feel for some Needle play tomorrow. Was very long ago
I need information on needle play. I have stuck needles and straight pins through the base of my penis and it seems with no problems and it really turns me on. But I want to know the safest way and the know how from an expert. I really can’t find a lot of information on the internet for this kind of play. Any information would be very helpful thank you.
Hi Mark,
What do you mean by based of your penis? Please let me know.
MLY
Awesome write up! Quick question : will there be permanent marks after putting a needle in the Glans for example?
Hello
There might be bruises but no permanent marks unless you needle yourself all the time (I don’t recommend it).
Hope it helps.
MLY
Hi MLY
Thank you for the write up. I have only recently discovered needle play and keen to learn more about how to do this safely.
Firstly, why do you use a hypodermic needle. I experimented with a sewing needle in glans and it bled quit a lot.
Also, can you safely push a needle all the way through the glans, so long as you dont pass through urethra. Have seen some videos on porn sites and some of the needle play goes right through plans, penis shaft and even testicle skewering……
Hi Chris
Hypodermic needles are individually packed and sterile. If you use any non sterile equipment you are risking infections and worse, septicemia. Glans is sensitive (that is why it feels good) because there are 4000 nerve endings, you were bleeding quite a bit because of the small blood vessels, even more if you were erected.
Do not needle through the shaft because you will puncture the arteries. When I needle the testicle I use the shortest and thinnest hypodermic needles (27G or 30G) which only land on the surface but not puncture through.
Do the hypodermic needles penetrate the skin easier than a standard sewing needle (all I have at my disposal at the moment)…..seems to take a fair bit of pressure to get through even the first layer or 2.
Are there any other online resources you recommend looking at to learn how to do it more safely rather than just trial and error
Thank you
It depends on the gauge, I recommend 27G or 30G for the glans, you can get them from Medisave or Amazon. Length-wise 1/2 inch to 1 inch. I do not recommend learning needle play online, the best way to learn is to visit a professional who is specialised in penile needle play, you learn by experiencing someone do it on you.
Hello, my wife and I want to play with the needle and I want to insert the needle into my testicles. Will this cause any problems for my fertility and is there any risk ؟
All BDSM play have risks.
I use the shortest hypodermic needles for the testicles: 1/2 inch, 27G or 30G. I don’t skewer the testicles, this is to avoid rupture. Make sure you clean the skin using alcohol wipes.
Hope that helps.
I have used 22g needles up to 3 through both of my balls. The feeling I get is intense and the orgasm I get from it is mind blowing. Next on my list is to have saline infusion.
Hi, my gf and I have been playing with needles lately, mostly all superficial, and I’m curious as to a couple things. I hope you get a chance to answer these questions…
1) I know piercing through the shaft has been discussed on her and you don’t recommend due to arteries. I’ve seen penile injections that go in the shaft into the corpus cavernosum. My question is it safe to stay to the left or right side of the shaft and rather then just inject into it, go completely through the corpus cavernosum?
2) How far into the glans (head) can you go back? As I would like to have a needle run from one side to the other…
To answer your questions:
Penile injections: I do not recommend it because of the immense structure of blood vessels. When I do injection I only go under the skin, between the epidermis and dermis. Things people do on porn sites doesn’t mean they are doing it right.
When I needle the glans I use 1/2 inch 27G or 30G hypodermic needles if I am needling from the top. If you want to run from one side to the other you have to avoid the urethra (pee hole) . Use longer needles but stick with 25G or even 27G, you can use 23G but you will bleed more especially when you are erected.
Hope it helps.
It does, thanks! I guess I’m just looking for a little more pain or excitement, and definitely want to play safe!!
I’m currently using 25g needles for everything. So let me ask. What is the area that would cause the most amount of pain, and what gauge would you recommend for that spot..?
Hi Mike,
The corona is the most painful part according to my clients, you will bleed a lot so prepare sanitary pads so it won’t be too messy, bleeding will stop after a couple of minutes. If you are erected bleeding will take a bit longer but it will stop eventually. Regarding what gauge you just have to try it yourself. If you enjoy electro play you can use E-Stim + alligator clamps on the needles to get the maximum (painful) effect.
Hi MLI
I would like to know if bruising is normal or if there is a way to minimise or avoid bruising when removing needle from glans.
Thank you
Hi Chris,
Bruising comes from tissue injury from the needles because blood vessels are damaged. This is completely normal and you can’t avoid it, just like you can’t avoid bleeding when cutting your skin. You can try using thinner hypodermic needles (27G or 30G) and see if you will bleed less.
Below you said you don’t use smaller needles 28-30g) for the gland (head meat), yet here you suggest it.
What is the best gauge for the gland?
Also, how long does the bruising stay around? There are lots of videos of people going in with the needles but never removing them or the aftermath.
I used to, for crown of thorns. I prefer 24G or 25G not because 27G and 30G are dangerous, but because the needles would not go in if I inserted from the edge of the glans if the penises were engorged. If you insert the needles from the top of the glans, there is no problem.
Thank you. I have 23g 1.5in. Is that bad for just corona/gland play? Or would I be better off with 25g?
Will the smaller gauge cause more bleeding since needle is bigger?
Would you know how long bruising would last?
How obvious after doing the crown of thorns is the bruising?
Some videos show bleeding as the needle goes in, but none as they are removed. What can be expected as you remove the needle? Is there more blood then when they went in?
It will take a couple of days for the bruises to heal. The amount of needles you use will determine how obvious it is. As your arteries and veins expand to increase blood flow, you’ll bleed more if you’re fully erected.
Hi Madame Li Ying,
Been experimenting quite a bit, and other then some bruising afterwards it has been very enjoyable! I want to ask my mistress to pierce a needle completely through the head from basically as far back as the corona from one side and out the other side. As long as I stay away from the urethras is there much danger in this? Not sure if I run the risk of going through the Corpus cavernosum or Corpus spongiosum with a needle that far back in the head. What is the furthest back you would recommend when piercing through the head? Would love to hear your thoughts on this!
Hi Billy
My advice is don’t do it. If you are not careful you will hit the cavernous arteries. Read my blog about penile needle play, I posted an image of penile anatomy there.
can I use a 18 or 20 gage for my penis
Hello
Depends on where you are going to insert the needles?
Hi Madame Li Ying,
I am a big penile needle play enthusiast and have always wanted to try the hardcore stuff but since i live in canada i cannot find a any mistress who specializes in advanced medical play and CBT sessions. Do you have any plans on touring the country in the near future, if not then could you please recommend any mistress who are able to provide this kind of sessions.
Thank you for your kind words. I am planning some tour in the US (East Coast), I will see if I can come to Canada too. Keep an eye on my Twitter page and sign up my newsletter. MLY
Hi Madame,
I’ve had 25ga through 22ga used on the epidermis of my shaft. To me the sensation was mild and about the same. What would be the thickest gauge you would safely recommend for the most sensation. And is there any downsides of using much thicker gauges in this area for this type of play?
Hello Shane. Apologies for the late reply. You can use 19G or even 18G, if you disinfect your skin before and after, the only thing that would happen is bleeding more. Watch out for thick blood vessels.
I use injectable Alprostadil on my penis, which works incredibly well. It does require injection deep into the corpus cavernosum which requires care to avoid the urethra.
I did wonder if Alprostadil might increase bleeding from recreational use of needles in my penis, but all seems fine in my glans and foreskin (not into shaft). I use quite a lot of needles in my glans, in conjunction with estim.
I do find that estim can end an erection early even with Alprostadil, but turning the power off for a couple of minutes and it starts up again, so i can continue to play for a good couple of hours.
Alprostadil increases blood flow to cause an erection. Because it increases blood flow by expanding the blood vessels that is why you will bleed more.
was wo during if I can have needled placed directly through my testicled
I don’t recommend it. I’ve only done it once to a client who has been having his testicles skewered by other Dommes and he has been doing this for many years. The photos and videos you see on my website and social media – I used 30G 1/2 inch needles, just about to land on the surface of the testicle, this is to avoid the needles moving around.
Hi there! just a quick question. would 30 G needles placed in the cock head (not all the way through though) have much bleeding? like if say 10 were used? and if they were placed in the skin across the shaft, would the skin bleed much? how many could i safely use in either scenario? thank you.
Hello Billy,
Even with 30G, if you’re fully erected, you’ll bleed a lot, no matter how many needles you use. I rarely use 30G for the glans (cock head) because it’s way too thin. Glans always bleed more than other areas, what you can do is compress the wound for a few minutes, the bleeding will stop. You can also prepare dry ice, wrap it in layers of gauze to avoid ice burns. Apply ice to the wound, blood vessels will be constricted and bleeding will stop faster.
So clearly going through the shaft is not safe. However is there any danger in going straight through the head, from one side of the corona to the other, and avoiding the urethra?
If going side to side through the head, is there still a chance of hitting the Corpus cavernosum and Corpus spongiosum, or any major arteries? Assuming the “shaft” starts just behind the corona, how far away from there do you want to stay?
Hope my question makes sense. TY
Hello.
If you don’t go deep you should be fine. Penile arteries ends at the base of the glans however, superficial dorsal vein and deep dorsal vein lies beneath glans, behind the corona. If you stay superficial you won’t hit the Corpus Cavernous and Corpus spongiosum.
You can find images from MedScape https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1949325-overview