Wisdom Wednesdays

ABC of being on Top!
By Patrick Battani

Everyone knows their ABC’s…or at least I hope you do. So being a “good” top requires some work; After, Before, and Cleanliness or ABC’s. So we are going to talk a little bit about how to achieve this.

Before
If you were a scout you know that you should always be prepared! Make sure that you have your own supply of condoms. Do not trust that the other person will always have some available. Make sure that the condom is new, not expired, does not have any visible signs of damage, and still has air in the packaging. I would even recommend bringing your favorite lube.

As for your own body; make sure that you inspect you genital area. Make sure that there are no abrasions on the penis, unusual discharge, bumps, or rashes. Just make sure that everything is on the up and up, down under. Do this inspection in the mirror, it will help you to understand your body. This will also give you a great chance to do a self testicular exam, which needs to be performed once a month. For more information about how to do a self testicular exam check out: http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html.

Before you engage in any sexual act with any partner make sure that you ask about your partner’s sexual history. This is also a good time to ask if they have any Sexually Transmitted Diseases or if they have ever had a test.

Cleanliness

As they say, Cleanliness is next to Godliness! Make sure that you are washing your genital area every day. If you are uncircumcised (have foreskin) make sure that you pull back the foreskin and clean underneath it. This will ensure that penis is clean from any debris or dirt that may be present. Make sure that you are using a mild soap with no fragrances so as to avoid irritation.

If you chose to shave or wax the pubic area make sure you care for that area. The pubic area is more sensitive than the face. There are many things that could happen if you shave the pubic area. For example: itching, irritation, rash, and Folliculitis to name a few. Folliculitis is caused by bacteria or a fungus and is treatable with medication. So it is very important that you clean the area very well first. If there are any nicks, cuts, or irritation I would recommend that you do not engage in sexual activity until that heals. If you continue to have irritation after shaving or waxing, stop and see a doctor.

After

After having sex, make sure that you pull out of your partner all the way. If you used a condom walk away from you partner and take the condom off and throw it away. You may also have an urge to urinate; make sure that you do not hold it in, this will help to flush out bacteria.

Make sure that you clean yourself as soon as you can after sex. Make sure to pay special attention to the genital area. Again, if you are uncircumcised, make sure to pull back the foreskin and clean that area as well. Take this time to inspect your genital area for any irritation, bumps or abrasions.

If at anytime you have any unusual discharge, pain during urination or ejaculation, sores, or swollen testicles, you should seek medical attention immediately. This may be a sign of an STD or other complications.

So, now that you know the ABC’s of being on Top, go out there and be the best Top you can be. They always say practice makes perfect, just make sure that you always wear the proper safety equipment. You would not jump out an airplane without a parachute! If you have any questions about the signs or symptoms of STD’s check out: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/std-symptoms/ID00053

As always, Stay Health and Be FIERCE!