Molly's BDSM Tips | Getting Started with Needle Play

Do you fantasize about your skin being penetrated by a needle? Or maybe you think about decorating your partner's body with needle work? Read our BDSM writer Molly's tips on how to get started. 

Dear Molly, 

My partner and I are really keen to start exploring needle play. We have seen quite a few pictures online of things we would like to try and are both turned on by, but we are totally new to needles. We're looking for some advice on how to get started, as well as what we might need to consider before we try it. Can you help please?
Mx Sharp

Dear Mx Sharp,

Within the context of BDSM, needle play is the act of inserting hypodermic needles under the surface of the skin. It is a form of sensation play, and some would classify it as an extreme form of sensation play because it involves penetrating the skin. Many kinksters consider it a form of edge play due to the inherent risks involved. For some people, needle play is connected to a medical play fetish – but not always. This kink can purely be all about the sensation and pain, not to mention its decorative aspects. Beautiful needle play is an art form that not everyone will necessarily 'get'.

So, how can you get started? 
 

Buying the correct needle play equipment

Buying needles is something your doctor may know a lot about, but not you. Fret not! There are lots of ways to purchase needles online, from medical suppliers to Amazon, with a huge variety on the market. Remember: needles come in different gauges, which refers to the thickness of the rod, starting at very small all the way up to the dauntingly large. Start at the lower end of that scale.

However, you need more than just the needles. Below, check out a list of the basics you will need before you get started. My advice is to look for a kink and fetish supplier that sells a starter kit. 

• Medical Gloves

• Sterile Wipes
• 
Single use, sealed, hypodermic needles

• Sharps Bin

• Biohazard bags
• 
Wound care supplies



One important thing to consider is where you'll dispose of your needles post-play. You must put them into a proper sharps bin; never into household refuse, as they are classified as a hazardous waste item. Handle with caution and do some research in your local area for places that collect a sharps bin. Pharmacies, doctor surgeries and hospitals will often have such facilities. 

Attend a needle play course

You're bound to have lots of questions before you get started. How do you use all the equipment you bought? Where in the body is it safe to insert the needles? How do you insert them? How do you practice before you actually try it on your partner? 

Needle play is definitely a kink that requires knowledge and skill. Buying the kit is the easy part; learning how to use it is a different story. The best thing is to find a local kink group that might run a needle play class or workshop. If you can’t find this, try attending your local munch or find local kinky folk through sites like Fetish.com. Fellow kinksters will be happy to share their skill set with you. There are also lots of resources online. 

Consider safety

This is not a risk-free kink – in fact, it's far from it. You need to think about good hygiene practices, wound care and needle disposal, as well as elements like whether someone has been drinking alcohol or is under the influence. Alcohol can impact someone’s pain threshold, and how much they bleed if their skin is broken. As a general rule, if someone has been drinking, don't engage in needle play with them. Likewise, if someone is ill or particularly tired, think twice about it.

The most crucial part is communication and planning. Talk to your partner about what you want to do together. Plan it properly. Know the protocol if someone bleeds out or has a reaction to the play in some way. Consider what to do if you need to call for help. 

Set aside the right amount of time

Playing with needles is not a quick activity. You can't just squeeze it in. Time is needed to set up, and to clear up afterwards. Give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy the process. You don’t want someone knocking on the door halfway through calling 'Mummy' or 'Daddy', or rush because someone needs to catch a train home soon.  

Start small and build up

You mention seeing lots of images online, and I suspect many of those included beautiful, intricate designs. There is definitely a strong aesthetic element to needle play, but if you are new to it start with something simple and small. Imagine what that might be, what area of the body, how many needles etc. Be patient while you learn your craft and discover whether you truly enjoy it or not.  

Will there be blood?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked, and the answer is: maybe. It's not a given, in fact, the chances are you won't bleed, at least not when the needles are inserted. There's no guarantee, though, and you should expect small amounts of blood when removing the needles. If blood is not for you, then needle play might not be your thing.

Learn from others as much as possible, think about safety, plan your time, communicate with your partner and buy the correct supplies. If you have covered all those bases, you're ready to get on the sharp end of things!

Molly x

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Cover image : released from Shutterstock.