What exactly do nipple clamps do?
There are a lot of reasons people might use nipple clamps, explains Taylor Sparks, founder of Organic Loven. Some people like the feeling of wearing clamps, some like the feeling of taking them off, and some like the look of the clamps or the act of using them on a partner.Ummm, do they hurt?
Before you panic about the pain, the feeling of wearing clamps isn't one-size-fits-all. In general, clamps attach directly to the nipple and increase sensation by convincing out the blood flow from the nipple, similar to the feeling of being pinched, explains Carmel Jones, a sex and relationships expert and founder of The Big Fling. The resulting feeling from the pinch feels dull—almost numb.
But! Depending on the type, you can experiment with the intensity of the clamp and the slack of the nipple chain, if there is one. Some people like more pain than others, which is why Dr. Grover always suggests newbies opt for adjustable clamps so they can slowly increase the intensity and be in charge of the sensation.
Regardless of what type of clamp you choose, Dr. Poppel says it's important to keep in mind a clamp that hurts before you orgasm might be extremely painful after you climax, so timing the removal is essential here. Additionally, Dr. Grover adds that nipple clamps can cause scarring if used too frequently or with extreme intensity, so again, go slow and make sure to give your nipples plenty of time to recover post play.
Is everyone using nipple clamps without me?
Maybe! Nipple clamps are, understandably, very popular in the BDSM and kink communities. Although the sensation of a nipple clamp might not be for everyone, Queen says it would feel "exciting and intense," rather than painful, for someone into BDSM.
But that doesn't mean their usage is limited just to the BDSM and kink communities. Jones advises people looking to try out clamps not to be misled into thinking that the toy is exclusively BDSM. "They're more widely used than you'd think," she says, and suggests doing more research with an open mind.Lovehoney sex toy educator Ashley Cobb says if you’re someone who likes a little pain with your pleasure (think spanking or hair-pulling), you might like clamps. And the really good news here is that nipple clamps are great for all bodies, all genders, and all lifestyles. Sadie Allison, PhD, author of Tickle Your Fancy–A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Self-Pleasure explains all nipples—no matter the gender—have the same amount of sensitive nerve endings.And uh, just a lil tip from Dr. Allison: “For some cis-men, nipple play is an extremely pleasurable and preferred type of stimulation. For others, they may have overlooked this erogenous zone altogether, so it’s worth an introduction.”
Ok, fine, how do you use nipple clamps?
Before you just grab some clips and put them on, Dr. Poppel says you’ll want to prep the area for action. “First, get the skin nice and warm. Long-lasting foreplay is essential to good nipple play, torture, or stimulation, she says. “Massage the breast tissue (including the nipples), then softly begin to squeeze, suck, and worship the nipples.”Dr. Poppel says once your partner is sufficiently aroused, have them take a breath and clip the clamp onto the nipple before asking them to exhale. It might take a few moments for the nipples to respond to the clamp, so continue stimulating the area during the build. And when your partner is either on the brink of climax or in the midst of an orgasm, that’s the time to remove the clamps, says Dr. Allison. Not only will the blood flow rush back into the nipples, but nipple play also releases a chemical in the brain called oxytocin (the same chemical released during orgasms), so they'll be in for a super-concentrated rush of sensation.As for how long to actually keep the nipple clamps on, it all depends on tightness. Jones says you can leave on looser clamps for as long as 30 minutes, and tighter ones for up to 10 to 15 minutes.Are there different types of nipple clamps?
As you’re searching for the perfect nipple clamps, you’ve probably noticed there are lots of different types out there. Before just selecting the prettiest pair, there are a few components you’ll want to pay attention to. Sparks says people with sensitive skin should consider nickel-free options to avoid a potential reaction to the metal. And since clamps covered with silicone tips are typically less painful than bare metal clamps, they’re a good choice for first-timers.
Dr. Poppel says you can also try clipping them on the penis, the inner thighs, and the sides of the torso, or opt for a weighted pair for some extra intense stimulation. Another fun option is to add ice or heat (like via hot wax) to the nipples once they’re clamped, suggests Sparks.
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