testicle cuffs

A testicle cuff is a ring-shaped device around the scrotum between the body and the testicles such that when closed it does not allow the testicles to pass through it. A common type has two connected cuffs; one for the scrotum and one for the base of the penis. They are one of many different gadgets for restraining the male genitalia. They are not to be confused with handcuffs, which have a more widespread use in restraining the hands and wrists. Historically, testicle cuffs may have been used by the slave traders of Western Africa, as a means to subdue newly-captured males. In processions to markets, the males were bound to each other in single-file formation, usually by the hands, with ankle manacles in place. The testicle cuffs extended between the legs, and each man was connected to the next by a rope between their genitals. These tight metal bindings on their scrotums were to ensure that a quick pace was kept, for if a man were to stop walking the rope would pull and cause quick, sharp pain in the genital region.

Motivations

The choice to have oneself restrained about a sensitive area such as the testicles may stem from several sexual desires. Testicle cuffs can be part of cock and ball torture and other parts of the BDSM culture. (BDSM is short for BD DS SM which is short for bondage, discipline, domination, submission, and sadomasochism) Some men enjoy the feeling of being 'owned', and some people enjoy the feeling of 'owning' their partners. Making the man wear testicle cuffs gives a sense that his sexual organs belong to his partner. Equally, there is a certain level of humiliation inherent in the devices, and some people are turned on by humiliation. Finally, cuffs may form part of a sexual fetish of the wearer or his partner. Fetishes can range from the fetishised object just being a 'turn on', through to it replacing conventional sex altogether. Corsets and latex are examples of more common fetishes.

Dangers

Using testicle cuffs can prove extremely painful as the cuffs also restrict the movement of the scrotum itself and the proportions of the scrotum are required to protect the testicles. They can cause the skin around this area to get rather sore if worn for prolonged periods (longer than a few hours). With time, even fluffy ones can cut through the scrotum like cheesewire if too tight, possibly severing the testicles entirely. Attempting to hang anybody by these cuffs or chain them up to beds could cause internal injuries. All the dangers associated with physical restraint apply to the use of testicle cuffs. See also safe, sane, and consensual.