opinion

A Look at Bodily Fluid Play in the Time of COVID-19

A Look at Bodily Fluid Play in the Time of COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are more aware of the safety risks of fluid exchange both in and out of the bedroom. But what can someone do when their fetish involves bodily fluids? If you’re in the pleasure products industry, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of bodily fluid play so that you can help folks find the right tools while offering them pleasurable options that also safely respect COVID-19 protocols.

So, what is bodily fluid play?

Many of us are familiar with the term “fluid-bonded,” which pertains to consensually having sex without barriers, like condoms, and exchanging body fluids with one another. With these arrangements, partners also agree not to have condom-less/non-barriered (aka bareback) sex with anyone else. To those with body fluid fetishes, however, the term “fluid bonded” is about a lot more, and fluid exchange isn’t limited to semen or vaginal fluids. People eroticize semen, urine, vaginal ejaculate, saliva, menstrual blood, lactation, tears, even vomit. The most common of these fetishes usually deal with semen, urine or vaginal fluids.

Some see body fluid play as an intense bonding experience and find the act of worshiping, receiving, or consuming fluid from a partner’s body intimate, profound and even spiritual. Others, however, enjoy bodily fluid exchange as an act of humiliation, ownership, or experimentation with disgust and taboo.

Engaging in bodily fluid play safely

Typically, the most important thing to know about bodily fluids is which ones transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and which ones don’t. Bacterial and viral STIs — gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia; HPV, HIV, herpes — can be transmitted through the following bodily fluids: pre-cum, semen, vaginal fluids and blood. HIV can also be transmitted through breast milk. The year 2020 has brought with it the additional threat of COVID-19, and some studies have shown the virus can be present in semen. This makes it truer than ever that in order to engage in safe bodily fluid play, it’s essential that all partners involved get tested for STIs and COVID-19 and share results with one another. And if testing isn’t available or results aren’t clear, there are still many ways folks can enjoy body fluid play without having to come in contact with each other’s!

There are products you can recommend to your customers that will allow them to create the sensations associated with bodily fluid play without actually using their own (or their partner’s) bodily fluids. Today we’ll look at some of the best products available for safe and easy bodily fluid play.

Playing with semen

Let’s start with semen. Think of most porn movies you’ve seen: there’s almost always a money shot, and for good reason. Cum fetishes are exceptionally common both for givers and receivers. Enjoying ejaculating all over the face, breasts, ass or genitals of a lover is so commonplace it’s often regarded as the norm. Craving the taste, smell, and texture of a lover’s juices in your mouth and on your body is, too.

This tactile experience is so prevalent, lube that mimics cum is a popular seller. Lubes that mimic semen are terrific for those looking for a safe (not to mention always available!) way to engage in ejaculate play. These unique water-based lubricants look, feel and smell like ejaculate, and just the sight of rubbing it on you or your partner's naughty bits can be enough to push some over the edge. Additionally, for partners who use barriers — like condoms — for sex, these lubricants allow them to enjoy the fluid-sharing sensations while reducing risk of STI transmission.

Want to mimic the “straight from the cock” feel of ejaculation? A squirting dildo offers the look and feel of an ejaculating penis, making it perfect for solo play, protected partner play, or even for folks who want to experience repeated ejaculations without taking breaks.

Vaginal secretion play

Let’s not forget about vaginal secretions! Many find vaginal ejaculate and secretions incredibly arousing, as well. Just the distinct smell alone is enough to get some people’s engines revving and those folks deserve safe and convenient options for bodily fluid play as well. A vaginal scented-lube mimics the smell of a juicy, aroused vulva and is activated with friction and warmth making it ideal for those who want that natural vaginal smell and feel without actual fluid exchange.

Getting wet and wild with urine

What about urine? Urophilia is much more common that you might think and can include activities like golden showers (the act of urinating on someone) or even drinking urine. In kink, these activities are known as “piss play” and often used in BDSM Dominant/submissive relationships where it can signify ownership, be used as a humiliating act, or simply be a strong desire of either partner to experience on the receiving end. Some people get off on being turned into human toilets or receiving urine enemas and there are products that exist to facilitate such activities. For folks who want to keep the bedroom clean while engaging in this kind of play, a waterproof bed sheet is perfect!

Part of what makes bodily fluid play so hot is the taboo element; knowing traditional polite company would consider it “disgusting.” With added concerns about safety, those curious about fluid play may be apprehensive to inquire about complementary products and they may not even know bodily fluid fetish products exist at all. Making these items available to your customers while displaying knowledge and acceptance about this kind of play goes a long way. Not only may you make a sale, you very well may cultivate a trusting relationship that delivers years of repeat business.

Rebecca Weinberg is the president of XR Brands.

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