THEGAYUK

Tag: NSFW

All the latest breaking news on NSFW. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on NSFW.

  • People want to know if male twins have exactly the same D size

    People want to know if male twins have exactly the same D size

    The internet is a place where you can find out almost anything.

    So there we were browsing Reddit when we came across a thread in which the OP was asking if identical male twins have exactly the same penis size. We couldn’t help but delve further. You know, for research purposes.

    Identical twins aren’t, despite the name actually identical. There is always a difference between the two siblings, a mole here and there, and even differing sex, it’s not common, but it does happen.

    According to Diffen.com, “Identical twins are monozygotic, meaning that they developed from the same fertilized egg, and so have nearly identical genetic code. They almost always have the same gender and many of the same physical characteristics (phenotypes). However, they may develop some genetic differences after the zygote splits, due to mutations in the DNA. So then, it goes without saying then surely, that dick sizes between brothers will be different – but not always, as user eliasedamasceno pointed out,I have one, and the answer is no”.

    Another person, Brian Kinney, who had gotten up close and personal with two brothers shared his experience, saying, “The two I played with did. One of them was slightly curved and the other one was straight, which means they had different wanking techniques, but they were the same size”.

    However, user OverEleven4U said that he had an identical brother (he passed away, unfortunately) “We were identical in dick size. I don’t know if that’s common or not, but that’s my two cents worth”

    Do you have experience with twins? Let us know in the comments below.

  • Hold the phone, there’s now a sex toy for Rimming

    Hold the phone, there’s now a sex toy for Rimming

    If you liked getting rimmed your day is about to get even better.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Does your boyfriend have 10 pleasure settings and the stamina to go for an hour – with a 90 day standby time? If he does we want to meet him. If he doesn’t or you don’t have a BF then we’d like you to meet ORA (2). The oral sex – sex toy.

    If you’re not entirely sure what rimming is, then we got this article, which explains the 10 things you need to know about rimming.

    The toy, which is from the upmarket Swedish intimate toy manufacturer LELO, describes the toy as “better than real” and “thrilling”. We’re interested – very interested.

    Although the website describes it as perfect for “clitoral stimulation” we’re betting this will feel just as good on your boy booty bean.

    So now you don’t need a man to give you a good licking. You can even give the BF the night off while you go to town on yourself.

    It’s currently selling for £123.25, so we’re saving up now!

     

  • Seven things you need to know before using a really large sex toy

    Seven things you need to know before using a really large sex toy

    You’ve seen them. We all have. Those massive, dock off dildos in sex shops. But how exactly do you insert one?

    Take Gilbert here. He was sent to us by Carvaka Toys (£36.99) and is a whopping 11 inches long and boy is it thick, with a girth of 7.25 inches, it definitely could bring a tear to your eye. So how on earth do you get something like that up your butt?

    Just how do you get something this massive inside you?

    Well with enough time and patience you can.

    1)  Lube

    We’ve said it before and well say it again – any butt play is going to need to start off with some kind of lube. The anus isn’t self-lubricating so you’re going to need lots of it – and nope, we don’t suggest spit for a huge monster like Gilbert.

    The lube should also be water-based. Other lubes might actually destroy the integrity of the toy itself. We love Super Slik and it’s not very expensive either – or there’s the Fist It Extra Thick Waterbased Anal Fisting Lube.

    2) Time

    It’s not a race… only you are the winner – so take your time and slow down!

    Take your time with a big toy. You might not be able to get it all in on the first try and you don’t want to force it, or you could cause yourself some damage. You don’t want to end up with a torn sphincter. Doctor Rick Viney, warns that a torn sphincter will most likely need surgical repair.

    If you’re with a partner, don’t feel rushed into going too quickly and let them know how it’s going.

    3) Something smaller first

    In order to get a monster in you might find it useful to start with something smaller first. Another toy or cock even. Once your butt can accommodate something you can start to size up! Dr Rick suggests, “The sphincter can be gently dilated over a short period of time using devices like a plug or a gradual increase in the number of fingers inserted. Needless to say, there should be a generous use of lubricant to help. This kind of foreplay will limit any damage but it is important to stop if there is any pain and that requires self-control.”

    4) Find the G spot

    There might be a point that you’ll start to feel an intense feeling – that isn’t just the stretch of your bum. That could well be your G Spot. Legend has it that you can cum without touch your D if the G spot is handled just right! A toy like this is going to go right past that G Spot – as it’s only just a few inches inside you, but using the head of the toy could give you some really great reactions.

    5) Condom or condomless?

    If you are going to use this toy with your partner you might want to use condoms between each use. This can ward off any dirt that can happen with deeper play but also stop infections from passing from one person to another.

    6) Come back to it

    If you can’t do it one sitting… take a time out and come back to it.

    If on your first attempt you can’t get it all in, then try again a little later. Rome wasn’t built in a day and there’s no rush. Take your time and enjoy experiment with yourself.

    7) Tomorrow is gonna be a little uncomfortable

    You’ll find that going to the loo the next day might be a bit uncomfortable, especially if this is the first time you’ve inserted something this large. As they say, practice makes perfect, you should find the next time that you could be a little more accommodating.

    Before you get started you might want to read up on some advice about making sure you’re clean down there. We asked porn star Kit Wilde to take us through the basics.

  • 5 guys give their best advice about taking the D

    5 guys give their best advice about taking the D

    When this guy asked “aren’t I supposed to be used to it by now?” these guys shared their advice about bottoming.

    FILE PHOTO (BIGSTOCK)

    One guy took to Reddit to ask why he was having trouble bottoming. Despite trying “lots of times” he still didn’t feel like he was getting used to it.

    So he asked the Internet and well, the Internet responded.

    Ease into it with plenty of foreplay. It helps if your top can eat you out for a while, which coaxes the sphincter to relax. Start with a (lubed) finger, then two, before finally taking the guy’s cock. Concentrate on relaxing, as the instinct is going to be to tighten up (especially if you’re relatively new to bottoming). VIA

    This old whore has been all the way around the gay block. Things that make it easier. Poppers, beers, weed, coke, crystal, music, mood and mental gymnastics. The real first hurdle to get over is the mental block of something going up through the sphincter and the fear of the abnormal stretch. A relaxed position and a meditative attitude towards releasing control of the muscles is key. Use deep breathing and try to disconnect your focus on your asshole and release control. VIA

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    If you’re not into it, just don’t do it. VIA

    I’ve had many c**ks in my time and I still find the experience uncomfortable, as a lot of men prefer to do it doggy style or in the missionary position (which I find extremely painful). But if the guy doesn’t mind about the position, then straddling him, together with poppers and lube, helps me to actually enjoy the experience. VIA

    Not every gay man likes to do anal, no biggie. VIA

    Importantly, if you don’t enjoy the act of bottoming then don’t feel pressured to do it. Gay porn has given most of us wild, unrealistic expectations for ourselves and what we should be able to achieve, but life isn’t porn and sex on film isn’t the same as sex in real life.

    Also if you’re thinking about numbing lube, you might want to check out what this doctor said about it.

  • Do gay men need to wear tampons?

    Do gay men need to wear tampons?

    There are so many questions that people have, especially when their information comes through the grapevine. So rather than letting myth turn to fact, we’ll answer them for you.

    Do gay men need to wear tampons or adult diapers? Where to begin. Do you mean receptive gay men? I.e. Bottoms? Because you know it’s not just gay men who bottom. Ever heard of pegging?

    So the question is more likely to be: “Do people who have anal sex need to wear tampons?” And the answer is nope. Not if you’re doing it right. Yes, there is a right and a wrong way of having anal sex. Misinformation and myths like this can lead to the idea that you can tell if a guy is straight or gay by giving him an anal examination. This sometimes happens in countries where homosexuality is illegal.

    We’ve all heard the story of the guy that had anal sex so much that he couldn’t control his bowels and so he needed to wear a tampon to stop the poop. Whether this guy actually existed we’ll never know, maybe he did. But guys who are having regular receptive sex shouldn’t have any issues in controlling their bodily functions.

    What is regular anal sex?

    do gay men have to wear tampons after anal sex

    So what is “regular anal sex”, well it’s important to know two things about up-the-butt sex. Time and Lube are your friends. In fact, they’re best buds.

    One of the most important muscles is your external sphincter. It like the main ring. It’s a powerful muscle that stops stuff from getting out (and in) but like any muscle, it can be damaged (and even better strengthened).

    This and the lining of the rectum are delicate and if you’re too rough or haven’t prepared yourself properly, well you can cause yourself damage, which is why it’s important to communicate how you’re feeling with your “top”.

    Doctor Rick Viney, a consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham, told us that “Rapidly and forcefully overstretching the anus can tear the anal sphincter which can result in the need for surgical repair. The sphincter can be gently dilated over a short period of time using devices like a plug or a gradual increase in the number of fingers inserted.”

    The butt, will after dilation return to its normal size shortly after sex. If you’ve done something more extreme, like fisting, it may take a longer time to go back to normal.

    But what if you have lots and lots of anal sex.

    Well, regularly having anal sex isn’t really enough for you to need you to wear a tampon. Naturally, if you’re having a lot of sex, you might find your hole does become looser, but you shouldn’t lose control altogether.

    If you do find yourself or feel that you’ve become looser, there are exercises that can help you retain a tight ring. The NHS recommends a series of exercises. In one they suggest engaging your muscles like you are trying to stop a fart. They write,

    “Try squeezing and lifting that muscle as tightly as you can, as if you are worried that you are about to leak. Your buttocks, tummy and legs should not move much at all. You should be aware of the skin around the back passage tightening and being pulled up and away from the chair. Really try to feel this. You are now exercising your anal sphincter”.

    There’s a way of holding that feeling for as long as you can. Like imaging that your sphincter muscle is a lift and that you’re taking it to the fourth floor and holding it while the passengers get out and then back down again.

    If you can’t go to the fourth, try the 2nd!

    You get the idea.

    The best thing about exercising these muscles is that you don’t need an expensive gym membership or even proper work out clothes. You can do them in your car at the traffic lights or on your way to work on the train. No one will know. Unless you turn to your fellow passenger and tell them. We suggest you don’t do this. It might freak them the F out.

  • Benedict Cumberbatch’s bum is out and it’s glorious

    Benedict Cucumber has been giving his fans an eyeful in his latest project, Patrick Melrose.

    Cumberbatch, who is probably most famous for his role as the gay genius, Alan Turing in The Imitation Game has excited many of his viewers in the five-part drama, Patrick Melrose with this completely naked scene.  Of course, the show is more than just a glimpse of Benedict naked body…

    Patrick Melrose is described as a critical humourous dive into the upper class from a deeply traumatic childhood, through substance abuse and towards recovery.

    You can catch up with the show on NowTV… or on Sky Atlantic.

    Check out the cheeky (NSFW) pictures here

  • This woman accidentally sent her friends a live photo, while her Fiancé got his monster out

    “It’s huge”

    Moments later the boyfriend appears with his monster!

    And we’re not talking about the rock on her finger.

    Imagine if you will, your beloved has just proposed to you and planted a huge ring and rock on your finger. Naturally, you want to send a photo of that bling to your friends / the world. But here’s where some caution is needed – especially if you haven’t swapped your photo setting from “live photo” to just normal “photo”.

    Live Photo is a feature on the iPhoto which captures a few moments before and after you click the shutter – meaning you get a small video clip instead of a single photo. Brilliant if you want to capture more than just a second in history – not so great if your boyfriend is likely to whip out his D, while you show off to the world your new jewel.

    Which is exactly what happened to this woman, who sent a Live Photo to her friends – while her hung future husband, whipped it out. Such a romantic.

     

  • These guys share what they think when there’s a poop incident during sex

    These guys share what they think when there’s a poop incident during sex

    Rinse, Wash and Repeat

    Does sex end when poop happens during anal sex?
    Does sex end when poop happens during anal sex?

    Pooping is a fact of life when you’re dealing with the butt and anal sex. Yep, for the most part, the butt is where waste leaves your body – and to that end, nothing really to be ashamed about. We all do it.

    If you’re bottoming, there are ways to minimise a poop event, by being careful of what you eat before sex and also taking time over your cleaning preparation. But, sometimes even the most careful of us, will have that moment of, “oh sht, that’s sht”.

    Don’t worry it’s not the end of the world. There are some options for you. You can both jump in the shower and have a wash down, or if your partner is up for it, flip roles!

    ALSO READ: What’s a white-glove bottom?

    ALSO READ: 10 things you should know about rimming

    pooping and anal sex
    Is it the end of play if poop happens during sex?

    So what happens if you accidentally have a pooping incident during sex, these nine guys share what they think when the shiz hits the fan.

    1) “Wash, rinse, repeat.” (VIA)

    2) “If neither one can get by with a little poo then neither one should be having anal in the first place. Shit happens. It’s a butt – what’d you expect?” (VIA)

    3) “Usually, I think that ends anal for the night. Hop in the shower, rinse off, resume oral/body contact/making out. I’ve never gone back to anal after an incident lol but that’s nbd”. (VIA)

    4) “Clean up and proceed or flip roles if they happen to be clean. It’s really only a problem if you don’t have a place to wash up around.” (VIA)

    5) “Take it to the shower, with silicone lube in hand. Ta-da.” (VIA)

    6) “It’s an occupational hazard, like catching a pube when you’re giving a blowjob. Grow up, and towel off, I guess? Humanity is repulsive if you look at it with any seriousness. I find accepting that goes a long way.” (VIA)

    7) “It’s the ass’ way of communicating. It says “I want more”” (VIA)

    8) “Yeah, have to say I laugh at the tops who get all squeamish about guys ‘cleaning’ beforehand. You are putting your penis into an asshole. It’s where poop comes from”. (VIA)

    9) “It’s just literally the male equivalent to a queef. If you’re pounding air into something it’s going to release. The bottom doesn’t even usually know it’s going to happen”. (VIA)

  • 50+ dating terms every gay guy needs to know

    50+ dating terms every gay guy needs to know

    You’re checking out his dating profile and suddenly you come across an acronym you’ve not heard before… we’re here to help you navigate the shorthand world of gay hookups.

    420

    This is all about pot and the smoking thereof. This guy is probably into smoking weed. So if you see someone who has 420 written in their profile this is what it means!

    Alevels

    A-Levels. This all about anal sex… and the willingness to do it. Don

    Age Play

    Age Play is about the guys who like to age up or age down. Guys who take part in age play might like to wear nappies/diapers – or go the other extreme and use Zimmer frames

    ASL

    Before pictures and GPS on apps, it was common to start a chat conversation with ASL, which means Age, Sex Location. Thanks to smartphones and gay dating apps, location and sex are pretty much-taken care of, however, you might still need to ask his age, if that kind of thing is important to you.

    ATM

    Ass to mouth. Yep, penis in butt and then in your mouth. Nothing to do with cash machines.

    BTM / BOTTOM

    You might be asked whether you’re a top or Bottom. “Bottoms” or “Vers bottoms” are guys who generally take or receive the D. They are the ones who get penetrated. Tops or Vers Tops are the ones who do the penetrating. Vers are those guys who like it both ways. Guys who don’t like penetrative sex are called “sides”.

    BDSM

    BDSM is the broader term for bondage, dominance, discipline, submission, sadism and masochism. He likes whips, chains and all sorts of sub and dom play.

    BB / Bareback

    This is anal sex without the use of condoms. Previously Bareback / BB sex was seen as extremely risky, however, due to the invention and availability of PrEP, bareback sex is safer from an HIV point of view, however, BB sex can lead to other sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

    BBC

    Potentially offensive, so use with caution, but it derives from porn which has black men with big cocks.

    Bear

    Bears are guys who are generally thicker and hairier – a bit like a bear. There’s a whole community and they even have their own flag. How well do you know your pride flags? Take our quiz here.

    Bondage

    Part of the BDSM world. This is about being tied up – and not in an officey, phone-call type of “tied up”. Actual ropes or straps can be used – or failing that his tie or even electric cords. It’s all good.

    Boy Next Door, BND

    BNDs are younger guys who are a typical build, height and looks. They may be geeky or they may be jocky. Check out their pictures for more details.

    BS

    As in not into bullshit.

    Candle Play

    Some guys love the feel of candle wax dripping on their nipples/chest/stomach/cock.

    CBT

    Cock and Ball Torture. Some guys are into having their junk tortured and there’s a whole host of toys out there to help you out if that is your thing. They could include chastity devices, which makes it impossible to touch your D or even ejaculate.

    Chemsex

    Chemsex is where drugs and sex come together, which isn’t always a good idea, especially as some drugs can make a person take risks that they wouldn’t normally take sober.

    Cut / Uncut

    Cut is for those guys who don’t have a foreskin, whilst uncut is for guys who are still intact. Across Europe, most guys are still intact, whereas in North America many guys are circumcised. Of course, some religious people are circumcised such as Jewish and Muslim men.

    Chastity

    Chastity is abstaining from sex and sexual contact.

    Daddy

    Where to start, some guys love the daddy mantle some guys HATE IT, so be careful before you ascribe “Daddy” to someone. Generally, guys over the age of 40 could be considered “daddies”.

    Discreet

    This guy might not be out or maybe in a relationship with another person so therefore discretion is everything to him. Usually you’ll see something like “DL” in his profile.

    Dirty

    This guy goes beyond the dirty mind. He likes actual dirt, like urine or poop. This isn’t for everyone. Guys who like watersports might use WS to indicate their preference on dating apps.

    Dom / Dominant

    This doesn’t have to mean topping during anal sex, a bottom can be dominant too. It means that this guy is one who likes to take charge.

    DP

    Double penetration. Yes, that’s two cocks up your bum. Not for the faint-hearted and probably only for someone who is experienced. He’ll probably need quite a bit of prep time.

    Edging

    Edging is where you play with your dick but then stop just before you bust a load. Some guys can do this for hours. Ultimately leaves you very horny – and potentially giving you a crazy big money shot.

    E play/ Stim / Electrical Play

    Plugin and plug up. This guy likes electrocution, but don’t be licking any plug sockets. This will be low-voltage play.

    FF

    This is all about Fisting. Either just run of mill fisting or fist fucking. You can let guys know whether you’re active (the one doing the fisting) or passive (the one being fisted).

    Flogging

    Whips do it for this guy. He likes to be flogged – which means whipped.

    FWB

    Friends with benefits. It’s when you don’t go the whole hog and become boyfriends, but buddies who suck each other off… now and then… or all the time.

    Hanky Code

    Back in the olden days, guys used to display their sexual preference with hankies hanging out the back of their pockets. There was an entire colour-coded system which let people know what you were into, from Vanilla to full-on fisting. Check out the list here.

    HMU

    This simply means, Hit Me Up – as in give him a call or a message.

    HNH.

    The first H stands for Horny, the second stands for High – so this is probably a guy who likes to have sex whilst high on pot.

    GGG

    Good Giving and Game. This is for sexually evolved guys who know that being a good lay means that everyone is happy.

    GPS

    Some apps use GPS to display your location and how far other guys are from you. Grindr became known as the first gay dating app which successfully used GPS locating, bringing local guy after local guy to your yard. Modern technology huh!

    JO

    Means Jerk off, not a typical British English way of saying, wanking or masturbation – mutual or otherwise.

    Limits

    Do you know yours? This about knowing what your sexual limits are and communicating them to your potential partner.

    MMF

    Basically a bisexual threesome, with two guys and one gal.

    Neg on PrEP

    This means that since his last test, this guy is HIV negative and is on PrEP meaning that you can have bareback sex with a greatly reduced risk of contracting HIV.

    NSA

    No strings attached, not the National Security Agency.

    Poz / Positive and undetectable

    This guy is letting you know that he has HIV but is on anti-HIV medication. People living with HIV who are on treatment for 6 months and with an undetectable viral load can’t pass on HIV to an unprotected partner.

    Otter

    A guy who is hairy, but slimmer than a bear or a cub. He may have the appearance of an otter when wet… apparently.

    S&M also written S/M 

    Sadomasochism This guy gets pleasure from giving or receiving pain or humiliation.

    PnP

    This stands for Party and Play – generally speaking drugs play a part in this guy’s sexual activity. Sometimes also referred to as chemsex. Make sure you keep safe during PnP often drugs can make people take risks with their sexual health, due to lowered inhibitions.

    Piss

    This guy is into watersports and not the sort that you can do on the ocean. He’ll be into guys pissing on him or him pissing on you. Either way, if you’re not into the urine thing, you might want to make this known at the start. This is part of the “dirty” community who like to play with body fluids that aren’t salvia or cum.

    S2R

    Send to receive. He’s basically saying you got send some picture his way if you want some of his. Could be face, cock or ass pics. You might need to be specific.

    Side

    Guys who don’t like or do anal sex are sometimes referred to as “sides“. If he has this in his profile he probably doesn’t identify as a top or a bottom.

    Sub / Submissive

    This doesn’t have to mean bottoming or anything to do with penetrative sex, it’s guys who like to be dominated during sex.

    Switch

    A Switch is one who likes both being dom and sub and switching it up.

    SSC

    Safe, Sane and Consensual

    Slave / Master

    This guy is looking for you to fill a role, the slave (submissive) or the master (dominant). Which will you go you for?

    Safeword

    When things are getting a bit freaky in the bedroom it’s good to know there’s a “safe word” that one of you can use to make sure whatever is happening comes to a full stop.

    Top

    This is the guy who does the penetrating, i.e. puts his dick in the other guy’s butt. Guys who don’t like being tops or bottoms are called “sides”. They’re into BJs (blow jobs), mutual masturbation and frottage (rubbing yourself against others).

    Twink

    This is a type of guy defined by his lack of body and facial hair, slim body and youthful appearance – think Bel Ami porn boys and that’s pretty much a Twink.

    UEqualsU

    Undetectable Equals Untransferable. It means that a guy with HIV who has an undetectable viral load cannot transfer the HIV virus to you. Being undetectable happens when someone is managing their HIV with antiretroviral drugs.

    Vers

    A vers guy is a versatile guy, this means that he likes anal sex both ways, topping and bottoming. Although he might have an overall preference, like Ver Top or Ver Bottom. It’s pretty self-explanatory.

    WS / Watersports

    This guy is into pissing on you or having you piss on him. This is part of the “dirty” community who like to play with body fluids that aren’t salvia or cum.

    Looking for a new gay chat site to join? Check out our very own social network for gay and bi guys just like you

    Have we missed any out? Let us know in the comments below.

    ** This article has been amended from its original to update information on PrEP. 

  • Why do poppers cause a headache?

    Why do poppers cause a headache?

    If you inhale poppers you might have suffered a headache afterwards, here’s why that happens.

    geralt / Pixabay

    Poppers are known to enhance sexual experiences and some believe they make anal sex easier as they can help a person relax their sphincter muscles, but when you inhale, most people find that they get a headache… but why?

    When you inhale, the chemicals in poppers dilate your blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow to your heart and your brain. This is why your face may turn red and your heart thumps a little harder when you take poppers. Many people talk about a warm rush sensation. This is the blood flowing through your body.

    The effects are short-term, although the headache might last a little longer!

    So what causes the headache when your inhale poppers?

    Why do poppers cause a headache?
    Why do poppers cause a headache?

    It’s all to do with how the chemicals react to your own physiology. When you snort or inhale your blood vessels dilate, meaning they get bigger, which means your blood has the chance to rush through your system. It also means your blood pressure becomes very low. Headaches can be one of the symptoms of low blood pressure.

    All that fresh blood pumping around can get the heart pumping quicker. But soon after the blood vessels start to restrict again. The dilation and constricting of blood vessels in the brain can trigger the pain centres of the brain, which might cause the headache you feel after using poppers.

    Drinking alcohol while taking poppers might also exacerbate the issue.

    The thing to remember is this, if you’re not enjoying it or are worried stop using them. The rush will end after two to four minutes, but your headache might last for an hour. Take an aspirin and a glass of water.

  • Are poppers safe to use?

    Are poppers safe to use?

    Poppers are a well-known, legal aroma used by many bi and gay men during sex, but are they safe to use?

    Are poppers safe to use?
    Are poppers safe to use?

    Poppers have a long history in the lives of gay men. They are often used during sex and when inhaled can create a head rush, like a “high”.

    They are known to enhance sexual experiences and some believe they make anal sex easier. When you inhale, the chemicals in poppers dilate your blood vessels – which allows more blood to flow to your heart. This is why your face may turn red and your heart thumps a little harder when you take poppers. The effects are short-term, although the headache might last a little longer!

    How do you take poppers?

    How do you do take poppers?
    How do you do take poppers?

    Poppers come in small glass bottles, usually brown with bright wrapping. They are sold as room aromas, and the idea is that you leave the cap off the top and let the aroma permeate the room. However, many people inhale directly from the bottle.

    What are poppers made of?

    The ingredients of poppers have changed over time, they used to be made of amyl nitrate. However today, they are made from alkyl nitrites. Specific alkyl nitrites include butyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite and amyl nitrite.

    What does it look like?

    Most poppers come in a small bottle, which is sealed and has a child-proof cap. The bottle is usually covered with a bright, colourful plastic brand wrap.

    They are dangerous, potentially lethal if swallowed.

    Are they safe?

    Poppers are generally safe to use, although they can cause death if swallowed. Also, people who have heart problems should stay away from using them – especially when combined with other medications, such as viagra. They can cause a person’s blood pressure to drop incredibly low.

    If you mixed poppers with other drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, MDNA the oxygen supply to your vital organs might be affected, which could cause a coma or even death.

    The chemicals are irritating and will cause chemical burns if you get it on the skin. It can cause a rash around the nostrils.

    After inhaling many people also talk about a banging headache, although it shouldn’t last long.

    In 2014 optometrists warned about vision loss in those who habitually use poppers. There have been reports of temporary and permanent vision loss. It is referred to as “poppers maculopathy”. If you experience any issues with your eyesight you should seek medical advice.

    Poppers are also highly flammable.

    Sexual health risk?

    risks of taking poppers
    Are there risks to your health by taking poppers?

    Poppers can cause a person to undertake sexual activity that might be risky. Getting carried away in the moment, means that users could try to go further than they otherwise might – for instance, try rougher anal sex, fisting or double penetration.

    GMFA warns, “As poppers expand your blood vessels inside the arse, the chance of anal bleeding increases and makes it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream. Poppers can also influence you to have rougher sex, like fisting, which also increases the chance of bleeding.”

    Are they legal?

    Yes, poppers made from alkyl nitrite (Isopropyl Nitrite) is legal to buy (not for human consumption) however, amyl nitrite is a controlled substance under the Medicines Act 1968. Poppers made from Butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite have been illegal for a number of years. Website TalkToFrank reveals, “Poppers are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but amyl nitrite is regulated under the Medicines Act 1968 and there have been cases where the Medicines Act was used to fine shops for selling poppers. Poppers are also covered by general consumer protection legislation. Possession is not illegal but supply can be an offence.”

    There was a worry for some gay and bisexual men in the UK that poppers would have been made illegal in the new Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. In the end, however, poppers were left off the list of substances. Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Lord Paddick, said, “The way that the law is written, it’s any substance that changes your mental state like making you feel happy.

    “So suppliers of air fresher for example and potentially florists could be arrested because the scent given off by roses makes people feel romantic, makes them feel better.

    “By the strict definition of the law they are supplying a substance which when inhaled through sniffing changes your mental state, that’s how ridiculous this law is.”

     

    ** We corrected the right chemical which is legal in the UK.