31 days without sexual arousal. Men from all over the world are trying to stay ‘under lock and key’ for the whole of October. Anyone who breaks the rules risks health problems

New dimensions of excitement

At first glance, it might seem like pure sadism, where the dominant partner denies their submissive counterpart sexual pleasure – and if they (by mutual consent, of course) take possession of the key to the cage, they can enjoy absolute control. According to Vojtěch Sláma, owner of the Czech online sex shop YOO.cz, however, some men also buy modern chastity belts for their own personal pleasure. “Combining penis cages with vibrators and other sex toys can bring a whole new dimension of pleasure. The cage prevents a full erection, which heightens sensitivity and thus the response to various stimuli, including vibrations,” explains the adult toy expert. “Vibrators applied to the groin, testicles or perineum can evoke intense sensations that are otherwise less pronounced during normal stimulation.”

Boredom in Czech bedrooms? Nothing out of the ordinary

Given that a full 39 per cent of Czech men sometimes feel they have a boring sex life (as revealed by a domestic survey involving 1,276 respondents), new dimensions of pleasure may come in handy. Especially as 98 per cent of Czech men agree that if sex with a partner has become boring, new practices, positions or sex toys can help spice things up. So, returning to Locktober, which is observed every year in the BDSM community, you don’t need to be an experienced ‘kinkster’ to work out what the challenge for men entails: the aim is to lock your penis in a well-fitting cage on 1 October and only release it at the end of the month. This means wearing the device whilst sleeping, exercising, showering, going to work, shopping… In short, carrying out all the daily and night-time activities they would normally do – with the exception of penetrative sex or regular masturbation, of course. On the other hand, a ‘locked-up’ man must manage to urinate without removing the cage – and this brings us to the hygiene aspects of these unconventional practices. Can they even be carried out without the cage user exposing themselves to health risks?

If anything, then hygienically

“To use a penis cage safely, it is essential to follow a few guidelines. The first step is choosing the right size and material, which should be hypoallergenic and comfortable for long-term wear. It is also important to regularly check the condition of the skin and watch out for any swelling or changes in the colour of the penis, which may indicate problems with blood flow,” advises MUDr. Marek Broul, Ph.D., MBA, FECSM, Head of the Department of Sexology at Masaryk Hospital in Ústí nad Labem and Chair of the Czech Society for Sexual Medicine. “Hygiene is absolutely essential – the genital area must be kept clean and dry. It is always advisable to remove the cage regularly to allow the skin to ‘rest’. If irritation or pressure marks appear, this is a clear sign that the user should take a break from wearing the cage for a while,” advises the Ústí-based doctor.

Problems? Unlock it immediately!

It is clear from the expert’s statement that he would definitely recommend taking a break from the cage sooner than after 31 days. So what is his view on longer-term use? “If a man wears a cage for long hours or days, it is important to ensure regular hygiene, particularly around the urethra and under the foreskin, to prevent inflammation or infection,” warns the sexologist. “There may also be pressure marks or chafing on the skin where it comes into contact with the cage, particularly if the cage isn’t fitted correctly or is too tight.” Another potential risk is restricted blood circulation, which can lead to more serious problems, such as tissue damage. “If pain or signs of infection occur, the cage must be removed immediately and medical attention sought.”

Plastic for beginners, metal for advanced users

Are you thinking that going through a proper Locktober must be terribly uncomfortable? This raises the question: what is actually the purpose of wearing a cock ring – to cause discomfort, or, on the contrary, to become completely accustomed to it? “Modern penis cages are designed with long-term wear and comfort in mind, with an emphasis on ergonomics and material properties that minimise friction and discomfort,” comments Vojtěch Sláma, who adds, however, that a great deal also depends on the quality of the cage purchased and its compatibility with the wearer’s anatomy. For beginners, however, he would readily recommend a cheaper plastic model – it is a lighter and less conspicuous option that does not put as much strain on a man’s pride and joy, and is also easy to maintain. “Metal cages, on the other hand, offer a greater sense of security and control, as they are heavier and more robust, which can enhance the psychological aspect of this practice. What’s more, they’re very durable and can be disinfected by immersing them in boiling water,” adds the owner of YOO.cz.

Psychological comfort – even with erectile difficulties

In his experience, Vojtěch Sláma has found that a certain proportion of clients prefer a silicone cage for long-term wear, as they find it more comfortable due to the more flexible material. “Users often report that, once they’ve got used to it, it’s possible to wear the cage for long periods without significant physical discomfort. The psychological aspect also plays a major role here – the feeling of restriction and control, which many people in the BDSM community find arousing and satisfying. Long-term wear can therefore be not only physically bearable, but for some even comfortable in a psychological sense.”

Zdroj: Giphy

And whilst we’re on the subject of psychology – there are even men who, paradoxically, began to seek out this kind of restriction after developing persistent problems with erections. “The urologist didn’t find any medical problem with me, and even after years, we still couldn’t work out why my penis sometimes goes limp in the middle of intercourse,” confides 42-year-old Michal. However, whilst experimenting with aids, he discovered that when the cage is in place and literally prevents the penis from becoming erect, he can experience a different kind of satisfaction – without the stress of wondering whether or not he’ll manage to achieve a ‘perfect’ erection.

First to the doctor, then to the sex shop

“I play on my own whilst locked up; my wife isn’t too keen on the dominant role. What’s more, she isn’t entirely happy when I wear the cage frequently; she’s worried that I might make my erectile dysfunction even worse,” explains the Czech man, who plans to take part in Locktober. According to leading sexologist Marek Broul, fears of such consequences may be justified, but only under certain conditions. “Using a cock cage can theoretically affect erectile problems, particularly if the cage is used incorrectly or restricts blood flow over a long period. Mechanically blocking an erection can lead to tension in the penile tissues and potentially worsen erection-related problems, particularly if there is already an underlying health issue,” explains the doctor. He advises men who are already experiencing erectile problems to exercise caution and to consult a specialist first to determine whether they should purchase such a sex aid at all. A cautious approach can, in fact, be applied to the practice itself – there’ll be another Locktober next year, so there’s no need to rush into locking (or even practising).