Chastity belts in modern times are sometimes used in BDSM play. Designs are available for both men and women. They are intended to prevent sexual intercourse. Some designs are encompassing enough to prevent masturbation.
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Chastity belts in BDSM are a means for the wearer to surrender control over their sexual behavior by providing a physical barrier that deters sexual intercourse and possibly masturbation. The device is usually worn by the submissive in the relationship, as a way of providing control to the dominant (often referred to as the "keyholder" in this context). This is a part of the wider practice of orgasm denial.[1]
The erotic fantasy associated with chastity belts to give full control of the submissive's sex life to the dominant, so that they may decide when, how, and how often the submissive is allowed sexual release. Some claim it increases submissiveness in men.[2]
It has often been reported that when worn, the chastity belt frequently evokes sexual frustration in the wearer.[3] The constant intimate physical sensation of the belt upon the wearer's body reminds them that they are forbidden sexual pleasure.
Male wearers sometimes reported feelings of femininity or virtual castration that contribute to their fantasy experiences when wearing Florentine-style belts.
Most modern belt designs cannot prevent wearers from physically touching their genitals. In the case of male wearers, most designs cannot prevent wearers from freeing their genitals from captivity for masturbation. Effective masturbation prevention requires design features that incorporate genital piercings or full tight encapsulation of the genital area.
Modern chastity belt designs generally follow the basic "Florentine" pattern (named after the Bellifortis reference), with a band around the waist or hips and a "shield" running between the legs to cover the genitals. Modern belts usually are made with features and accessories to accommodate BDSM fantasy and play.
On belts intended for long-term wear, this shield must accommodate the wearer's hygienic needs:
Most modern belts fasten with padlocks. Some high-security designs nest the lock within a shroud to make it more difficult to attack with bolt cutters. A handful of manufacturers, however, do offer higher-priced models with integral locks for a sleeker profile.
Metal belts intended for long term wear should be made out of medical grade stainless steel (316L or 304) or titanium to reduce risk of metal allergies and metal toxicity.[4]
A chastity cage, also referred to as a chastity belt, is a device which encloses the male genitals to prevent stimulation and erection. Chastity cages are almost exclusively used as a sex aid and in BDSM play.[5]
Most chastity cages have two parts: a ring seated around the base of the penis behind the scrotum and a capped tube, into which the flaccid penis is inserted. The tube is perforated to allow fluids to drain easily. Some designs have a curved or angled tube to make erections uncomfortable. The two parts mate together on hinges or pins and are secured, usually with a padlock. When the device is locked, the testicles are trapped in the gap between the penis tube and the ring that is narrow enough to prevent the testicles, and therefore the penis, from being pulled out. Chastity cages are sometimes referred to as "ball trap devices" for this reason.
Chastity cages can be manufactured out of plastic or silicone which greatly reduces their cost and weight compared to stainless steel versions.
When combined with tamper-evident plastic seals, plastic chastity cages permit easier access through airport security or other security restricted areas that require passage through metal detectors.
Items like a shock collar or ball crusher are frequently combined with chastity cages. These tools allow negative punishment to be applied as an additional training method in addition to the removal of pleasure. One product, the DreamLover 2000, offers a small profile, remote electric shock, and many additional features that are designed to appeal to chastity wearers. These products have been shown to significantly improve obedience of the wearer.[6] These tools are much easier to accommodate on cage designs (vs. belts) due to the chastity cage’s much smaller mass.
The male genitalia is a delicate structure. A chastity cage must be properly sized, fitted and adjusted in order to be secure and not damage the genitals. Ring size and spacing are the two most important adjustments that can be made. A ring that is too tight will cut off blood flow while one that is too loose will not be secure.
Penile strangulation as a result of not being able to remove a device placed around the penis (not necessarily a chastity belt) has occurred in a wide spectrum of age groups, so care must be taken to avoid constriction with a chastity belt.[7]
In 2008, an incident was reported of a man having to be cut free from a titanium chastity device after losing the keys, due to pressure on the genitals.[8]
There are also safety issues regarding long-term chastity. See long-term sexual denial.
As with Florentine-type belts, metal chastity cages intended for long term wear should be made out of medical grade stainless steel (316L or 304) or titanium to reduce risk of metal allergies and metal toxicity.[4]
Some chastity cage designs incorporate urethral sounds. Care must be taken to 1) select devices with sounds that lack sharp edges and points to avoid injury to the urethra, 2) select devices that are made of appropriate non-corrosive, non-toxic materials such as medical grade stainless steel, and 3) only use devices that are thoroughly sanitized before use to reduce risk of urinary tract infection and other medical problems.
Most modern chastity belt designs are descended from Hal Higginbottom's designs from 1956.[9] Sometimes modern Florentine-style belts are described as "Tollyboy-style" or "Tollyboy-type" belts as references to his company's original design.
Human anatomy varies very widely from person to person and steel belts intended for long-term use are bespoke (custom-made) items. The manufacture of such belts, being quite a specific niche, is necessarily a cottage industry. Many firms have come and gone over the years.
In 1969, Time Magazine[10] and various newspapers in 1978[11] ran stories about David Renwick, a British chastity belt maker who claimed to have a thriving business making belts for a worldwide clientele.
In 1971, the Hugessen firm of Halstead, Essex that made chastity belts, applied for tax exempt status on the basis that their products were birth control devices.[12] In 1974, a story was widely published in magazines[13] and newspapers[14] about the firm's bankruptcy
Notable amongst those who have stopped manufacturing chastity belts since the 1980s are:
A.L. Enterprises, that sells the CB series of chastity cages, was started by Doris and Frank Miller in the late 90s,[3] and claims to own 71% of the market.[15]
Although no reliable statistics are available on the use of chastity belts, anecdotal reports from manufacturers suggest that most belts sold in Europe and the US are for men, and that of the female belts ordered, relatively few are used as rape prevention devices.[16]
Chastity belts have made appearances in erotica. Esar Levine's 1931[17] Chastity Belts: An Illustrated History of the Bridling of Women compiled erotica of women in chastity belts, with commentary.[18]
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