Temperature play tips in case of nerve injury?
April 18, 2022 8:24 AM Subscribe
Does anyone have tips for safe and extended temperature play in delicate areas? My partner has some nerve damage and can only experience temperature in some key places.
I was hoping to find a good battery-powered "precision temperature wand," or some sort, but there doesn't seem to be anything like that on the market.
I was thinking maybe a bowl with ice water and a bowl with heated water (with temperature carefully measured), and then (re-)chilling/heating smooth metal toys or lube in those? That seems a bit messy and fleeting, though.
I think bdsm candle hot wax isn't appropriate because of delicate mucous membranes and maybe other reasons.
Does anyone know if "hot/cold sensation lube," would still work, even if it's not real temperature? We'd try it on sensation-ful body parts, first, to check for allergies.
What do people do? Does anyone have creative ideas? We'd be very sane/careful in experimenting. For example, we wouldn't directly heat up lube or objects of unknown composition...
I tried looking for forums for people with spinal cord injuries, to ask there, too, but there didn't seem to be any active or searchable ones.
I was hoping to find a good battery-powered "precision temperature wand," or some sort, but there doesn't seem to be anything like that on the market.
I was thinking maybe a bowl with ice water and a bowl with heated water (with temperature carefully measured), and then (re-)chilling/heating smooth metal toys or lube in those? That seems a bit messy and fleeting, though.
I think bdsm candle hot wax isn't appropriate because of delicate mucous membranes and maybe other reasons.
Does anyone know if "hot/cold sensation lube," would still work, even if it's not real temperature? We'd try it on sensation-ful body parts, first, to check for allergies.
What do people do? Does anyone have creative ideas? We'd be very sane/careful in experimenting. For example, we wouldn't directly heat up lube or objects of unknown composition...
I tried looking for forums for people with spinal cord injuries, to ask there, too, but there didn't seem to be any active or searchable ones.
I'd think those hot/cold products would work (ie elicit a detectable response) bc they are built on compounds like capsaicin and menthol that trigger the same nerves that we use to detect heat and cold. (See 'mechanism of action' for capsaicin and 'biological properties' for menthol.) Because they trigger different receptors, you can feel 'hot' and 'cold' at the same time, as anyone knows who has eaten hot peppers followed by a strong mint. Good luck!
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:31 AM on April 18, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:31 AM on April 18, 2022 [1 favorite]
How about instant hot/cold packs, like hand warmers, first aid ice packs? Then you could warm or cool a toy /wand/ etc by sandwiching between, no mess with ice or hot water. Some are re-usable, too.
Me personal, I'd avoid any capsaicin or menthol products that could leave residue on the skin. That's just me, you have a good idea to try it on a less sensitive area first.
posted by winesong at 4:23 PM on April 18, 2022
Me personal, I'd avoid any capsaicin or menthol products that could leave residue on the skin. That's just me, you have a good idea to try it on a less sensitive area first.
posted by winesong at 4:23 PM on April 18, 2022
Best answer: From an anonymous Mefite:
I have lost the sensation of light touch on parts of my penis do to central nervous system damage. I'm still able to feel pressure. I'm sorry that your partner is going through this.posted by LobsterMitten at 2:31 PM on April 20, 2022 [1 favorite]
I have experimented with temperature play, and I think it's a great idea to pursue it. One item to check out is a rechargeable USB hand warmer. These usually have three temperature settings, and can be used for immediate stimulation and also worn under clothing for an ongoing warm and cozy sensation. They are not designed for internal us, but with a condom it might be possible. Sometimes these have hot-spots; small areas that are more intensely hot than the hand-warmer is overall. These devices take a little time to come up to temperature.
You could also look into the Embr Wave. This is a device that uses the thermoelectric effect to create heat and cold. It is designed to be worn on the wrist, but could be applied to other areas of the body. I tested one of these a few years ago (not for sex), and my memory that the temperature changed quickly in response to a change in settings.
Have you considered electrical stimulation? Violet Wand makes items specifically for sex, and you can also try out an off-the-shelf tens unit. I don't know whether your partner would be able to feel the electrical stimulation, but if they can it would probably provide more intense sexual stimulation than temperature. Many people have intense orgasms from electrical stimulation.
Good luck with this! If you are comfortable reporting back, others could benefit from what you learn. There's not much info available out there.
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Sigh, to disambiguate: there are key places where my partner lacks pressure and fine-touch sensation but can still feel temperature changes in those places.
posted by zeek321 at 8:25 AM on April 18, 2022