Safety and Pleasure: Tips for Responsible Poppers Use
Poppers is a drug that most queer people have heard of. With their frequency of use and continued popularity among the LGBTQ+ community, the drug has become somewhat of a cultural relic. Despite how common they are, not many people have a firm grasp on what poppers are or how to handle them safely.
Understanding the risks, effects, and proper precautions is key to protecting your health and well-being whenever substances like poppers are involved. If you’re new to poppers, this guide will walk you through the essentials so you can approach them responsibly and with proper awareness.
Less is Often Better
With poppers, a small inhalation is enough; you do not need to overdo it to feel the effects. Keep in mind, poppers were originally used for cleaning leather, and using them too often can present risks, such as nausea and headaches, among other negative side effects. It is best to use poppers in moderation and to wait several minutes in between uses to ensure maximum comfort.
Don’t Put the Bottle Up Your Nose
Poppers have very potent fumes, which means the liquid is highly concentrated. Direct contact with the skin can cause irritation. It’s therefore best to use an inhaler or a specially designed cap to avoid spills and excessive fumes. If, by chance, you do get an irritated skin reaction from the poppers, you can rub the area with a little bit of aloe vera to soothe the discomfort. It is also recommended to use poppers in properly ventilated spaces to limit the potential for excessive fumes and ensure comfort.
Store Properly
Poppers are volatile liquids, and if they are not stored properly, they will degrade over time. To preserve the popper's quality, keep the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sun. Replace the lid on the popper bottle after every use to prevent loss of liquid due to fast evaporation. Storing your poppers in the refrigerator also helps to reduce evaporation and maintain quality. When storing them in the refrigerator, however, make sure that your bottle is secured and safely out of reach of children, and stored where it cannot be mistaken for anything else.
Avoid Mixing Substances
Many medications used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and impotence can interact negatively with poppers. You run the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or even dying if you combine any of these medications. Be sure to consult a medical professional if you are on any vasodilation medications, including those for the heart, sexual function, or circulation.
Who Should Avoid Poppers?
Poppers can be enjoyed by many, but there are certain situations where it’s better to avoid them.
Pregnant women: to avoid any risk to the health of the baby and the mum.
People with cardiovascular issues: Poppers can temporarily lower blood pressure. It’s therefore important to avoid it if you have arrhythmias, hypertension, or lower blood pressure.
People prone to respiratory allergies: Anyone with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or a history of respiratory allergies may experience worsened symptoms, difficulty breathing, or allergic flare-ups. If you already have sensitive airways, it's best to steer clear.
Conclusion
Poppers are the perfect drug for enhancing your short-term intimate sexual experience. That said, safety should always come first when using poppers. If you choose to use poppers, it's best to do so in accordance with the suggested usage guidelines. The most important aspect is to ensure that you don't exceed your limits and that everyone feels secure.