Illuminations: Breast Torture

To cover all the different forms of extreme breast torture in one article would be an impossible task. There are mild and severe ways of playing with breasts but this time I want to explore with you a more extreme form of play... and that is needle play, also known as piercing.

When I decided what my topic would be, I began doing what I do, researching what others have had to say on the subject so I could get a good idea on how to say what I thought needed to be said and be as thorough as possible. I was shocked when I read some of the things that have been written on the subject of breast needle play and was struck by how dangerous a game this was if people were following most of the "how to" advice that is out there.

Let me at this point start with all the needed disclaimers. What will follow is in no way to be construed as a comprehensive how to instruction guide for temporary, or play piercing. Let me remind you that breast play is edge play and is also an activity that would be listed under blood sport. While there usually is not a lot of bleeding involved with temporary piercing of the breast and nipples, there certainly always is some, and any blood is potentially dangerous. Blood can contain pathogenic organisms that can cause Hepatitis, HIV infection, as well as other diseases. It is important that you trust the people you play with and that you observe safety precautions for the well being of everyone involved. If you anticipate contact with blood visit your doctor and be tested to be as sure as possible that you are clean. I will also need to state here (lest some medical person come along and want to rip me a new asshole) that blood tests are not 100% reliable. Variables include but are not limited to your activity, and length of time from exposure to testing, as well as activity following the testing.

Temporary piercing is gaining in popularity in many BDSM play circles. It can and is done safely over and over again. The biggest concern is cleanliness, and safety. As is the point with any kind of play it is as safe or unsafe as the people doing it. So, with that in mind set out to learn all you can and how to best accomplish the event in the safest fashion possible.

You will need a good antibacterial soap, a betadine solution, isopropyl alcohol, cotton balls, needles of your designated size and length, cork cut to small pieces, towels to use so that blood doesn’t get on the floors or carpeting of the play space, and Neosporin ointment.

Please be careful of the needles you use. I read in many places how some advocated use of quilting needles, sewing needles or other none medical needles. The material these needles are made of will often times be porous and in these pores can be infection-causing bodies. Also, because of the pores these needles cannot possibly be sterile enough for safe play. Needles should be prepackaged and sterile. They are relatively inexpensive but a bit hard to come by.

Needles come in different lengths and gauges. When you speak of needle gauges the larger the number the smaller the needle. 28 gauge is the size of an insulin needle... very small in diameter and about an inch in length. Many people advocate using needles as large as 18 gauge, and 2 inches in length. Sterile prepackaged needles come with hubs on them, that is the plastic end that fits onto the syringe. Under no circumstances should these hubs be removed as it could allow the needle to disappear under the skin and need surgical removal. These hubs also make it easier to grip and pull the needle back out of the breast.

You will need a container to safely discard the needles, and other materials in. Medical professionals use sharps containers and these can be purchased the same place you get your needles. These containers are made of hard plastic which will not be punctured by the sharp points of the needles and have a top that locks into place to keep anyone from getting into the box and doing something foolish like retrieving the needles for reuse. If you have a hard time coming by a legitimate sharps container an empty milk jug or soda bottle will serve the same purpose. Under NO circumstances should you consider reuse of the needles even if on the same person. The inside of the needle is a vessel for bacteria and disease causing agents to flourish. It simply isn’t worth the risk and the needles are not costly enough to even begin to justify it. Dispose of the needles in a safe and responsible manner.

Next you will need latex or nytrile gloves to wear, (the nytrile being for those with sensitivities to latex). Have at least a dozen pair of gloves at your disposal, most likely you will not need more than a couple pair... but just to be safe, be prepared. It is important for you to realize that unless you buy sterile gloves individually packaged, the gloves you use will not be sterile. The gloves are used to protect you from any body fluids which may ooze from the needle pricks.

As I stated above the breasts really do not bleed that much when stabbed with needles. The biggest safety consideration is going to be the cleanliness of the skin prior to the needle play. Preparation of the skin needs to be done well and deliberately.

Washing with a good antibacterial soap is a good start. After washing and drying the breasts you should then swab them with betadine, being sure of course that the submissive is not allergic to betadine or shell fish prior to swabbing with the betadine (an allergy to shell fish would also indicate an allergy to betadine). Following the preparation of the skin with betadine, and just before commencement of needle insertion swab the breasts with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry. After the alcohol dries the skin is prepared for the piercing to begin.

Once the skin is prepared and you’re ready to insert the needle remember to put them into the skin horizontally... aka, side to side. The tip of the needle should not go deeper than about a half inch and this is especially true with first time experiences. When you think of it though there is really no need as the nerve endings are rich just beneath the skin and not as abundant deeper. But pushing the needle in side to side most likely you would see it emerge a short distance from the original insertion site. Technique is different in accomplishing the full insertion of the needle. Some dominants prefer to pull the skin taunt, stretching it some while inserting the needle horizontally, dipping down slightly once the beveled point of the needle is in and then coming up to come out on the other side. Others prefer to take a pinch of skin between the thumb and forefinger, pulling it out and then pushing the needle through in one smooth easy push. Once the needle is in, you will have the hub of course on one side with the point of the needle sticking out on the other side. This is where your corks will come in. They are used to stick the point of the needle into while the needles are left in the skin. Needles can be left in for hours at a time... purely a matter of dominant and submissive choice. Corks are required in some public play spaces for the safety of everyone involved. If you’re playing privately it is a matter of personal choice. Remember however, to be extremely careful corking the tip of the needle as you can stick yourself thereby exposing yourself to the blood. Use something other than your fingers for corking the tips... like needle nose pliers.

While the needles are in the breast they can be gently played with by grasping the hub and twirling gently, causing the needle to turn in the breast, or by gently flicking. You must keep a careful eye on your submissive during this play because often they will have a hard time standing, walking or sitting. They often times feel as if they are on a drugged high... and its only endorphins of course. Keep plenty of healthy fluids around to keep them hydrated. Water and fruit juices of course are your best choices.

Once the time has come to remove the needles all you will need to do is, being sure to wear your gloves, remove the corks from the sharp end of the needles, and grasp the hub and pull the needle out. You will need to have a cotton ball wet with alcohol or betadine ready to press to the little hole when the needle is out. If it bleeds gently firm pressure for a few seconds will most likely stop the bleeding. If it continues to bleed simply hold pressure to the site a little longer. Providing the submissive isn’t allergic to it, application of a dab of antibiotic ointment after the bleeding has stopped will help to safe guard against infection, for this Neosporin is a good choice.

The breasts will need to be watched for swelling, heat, or redness following needle play. These are all signs of potential infection. If any of these signs, or unusual soreness develops it will be imperative to seek medical treatment.

Do you ever wonder why they do it? I cannot speak from experience as I have yet to feel this extreme form of play. But the submissives that I have talked to tell me that it is a huge endorphin rush to be pierced temporarily. They speak of feeling vulnerable to the dominant in charge of the piercing. Dominants on the other hand speak of feeling total awe and wonder for the submissive that would trust them with so much of their well being, and that they too... feel a rush

There are many other ways to torture nipples and breasts. Perhaps as time goes by we will revisit the issue and I will give you more wicked ideas for your submissives breasts... male and female.