Getting into restraint? Introducing role play can be a very special time in a couple’s relationship in which they openly express their desires and demonstrate a sense of both trust in one another and responsibility for one another’s wellbeing. And, of course, it makes for some amazing lovemaking (for couples who are into that sort of thing). Along with the basics of sensual health, including regular male organ care, use of protection and testing, men should take the additional step of learning about common role play injuries and how to avoid them. While some of the more extreme forms of role play do involve the infliction of pain, a partner shouldn’t emerge with injuries that take weeks to heal or, worse, that are permanent. Learn how to prevent injuries with the following considerations and tips.

Nerve Damage

The most common severe injury that occurs during role play is nerve damage. Nerve damage can sometimes heal within weeks or months, but sometimes it can be permanent. There are two primary ways in which nerve damage occurs during role play, and one or both may contribute: tying restraints too tightly and using positions that cut off circulation to certain body parts.

One of the first warning signs that circulation is being cut off is numbness. Because of this, bound partners might not even realize what is happening. If a partner is restrained in a position that is stressful on certain body parts – for example, if her arms are behind her back with her elbows bent and hand up near the shoulder blades (the “reverse prayer” position) – a man should check in frequently to make sure she has feeling in her fingertips. If she reports pins and needles or a loss of feeling, get her out of the restraints.

Another important nerve damage prevention step is making sure the restraints are not too tight. One or two fingers should be able to fit comfortably between the material and the partner’s body.

Men should also mind the location of the restraints. Avoiding areas of the body where arteries and nerves travel near the surface of the skin is the best bet. Areas to avoid applying pressure to with a restraint include:

- Inner wrists (tie wrists with hands palm-to-palm instead)

- Inner thighs

- Inner elbows

- Backs of knees

- Any joint directly (tie above or below joints instead)

- Neck – it is never safe to bind a partner’s neck

Falling Over

A bound partner relies heavily on the other for stability. Even if just her wrists are tied, don’t forget how important one’s arms and hands are during a fall. Partners who are bound should not be left alone. Couples should not attempt any elaborate lovemaking positions that require a high level of balance, and men should ensure they are strong enough to support their partners in any position before getting into it, paying special attention to the safety of their partners’ heads. If for any reason a man needs to step away during the session, he should get his partner into a position lying safely on the floor, and he should hurry back. Couples should not attempt extreme forms of restraint that involve suspension of the bound partner until they are very experienced with role play.

Now, the unbound man is susceptible to injury as well during role play – an injury that is not as serious as nerve damage or a concussion from a fall, but still merits treatment: a sore male organ. The friction created during lovemaking and solo play can leave the manhood skin raw and chafed. Men can apply a male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) on the daily to keep skin resilient and moisturized. Look for ingredients like Shea butter and vitamin E for hydration, as well as acetyl L-carnitine, which protects manhood nerves to help maintain sensitivity.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common member health issues, tips on improving male organ sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy manhood. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.