Docking 101: Possible Penis Health Concerns

As people become more accepting and open-minded about sexual matters, many men are becoming more interested in different forms of sexual activities, some of which involve other men (even though the participants may identify as totally straight). For example, some men enjoy engaging in a practice known as docking, in which the glans of one man’s penis touches the glans of another; the foreskin of one penis is then stretched over both penises as far as it will reach, so that the "owner" of the foreskin has his penis totally covered and the upper portion of the second man’s penis is snugly fit inside. While some men find this an enjoyable practice, there may be some penis health issues that they need to consider.

It’s not really clear how common docking is. Since it involves at least one participant possessing a foreskin, and since the circumcision rate in the United States is so high, it is likely less common in America than in some other parts of the world. However, for those who do enjoy docking, the following are a few penis health issues that they might encounter:

- "Stuck" foreskin. This does not happen very often, but it is possible for the partner’s penis to become stuck inside the other man’s foreskin. This usually happens when the partner’s penis is not fully erect when the foreskin is first engaged; if the glans expands significantly after covering, it may become very tight, making removal of the penis from the foreskin difficult or painful.

- Foreskin damage. Sometimes stretching the foreskin so much may result in small tears in the foreskin. This is more likely in instances when the foreskin is stretched very tightly. Being sure that both penises are very well lubricated can cut down on the chances of tearing.

- Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Almost any kind of unprotected sexual activity can run the risk of a sexually-transmitted infection if one or both of the partners is already infected (and it is important to remember that not everyone is aware that they have contracted an STI). The release of semen or of self-lubricating pre-seminal fluid, can carry the seeds of infection, so when two penises rub together in this way, the route of infection is clear. Sexually active men should be tested every three months for possible STIs, as one way of helping to prevent transmission to partners. And if they know they are infected, they should refrain from activities (including docking) which might result in passing on of the infection.

- Yeast infections. Though not as serious as STIs, yeast infections can be annoying and uncomfortable. As with STIs, men who are aware that they are currently carrying a yeast infection should refrain from docking.

- Rashes. Sometimes a penis rash from one partner can be passed on to another from docking. In addition, it’s possible that some inactive allergen on the skin of one man, which does not produce a rash on his penis, may be passed on to another man who is sensitive to it and may therefore develop a rash.

- Crabs and scabies. These common parasitic creatures can cause significant itching and embarrassment. Do not dock with a man with these or similar conditions.

- Soreness. Finally, simply having one’s foreskin stretched top such an extent may result in lingering pain for several days afterward.

Taking steps to prevent or treat penis health issues due to docking makes the experience more enjoyable, so definitely start by regularly applying a top drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin ). If soreness from overstretching is present, soothing the worn skin with an oil that contains both a high end emollient (such as shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) is urged. The best oil will also include vitamin D, the so-called "miracle vitamin," which has proven benefits in fighting diseases and supporting healthy cellular function.

Does Docking Carry Any Penis Health Issues?

Practicing proper penis health gives a man (and his partners) peace of mind. Men need to take steps to ensure safe sex in order to keep that penis healthy, and when dealing with normal penetrative sex, it’s relatively easy to do so: use a condom, be sure to be tested, know if the partner has been tested, etc. But what about sexual activities which are not about vaginal intercourse - such as docking? Does docking carry any penis health risks that a man should know about?

What it is

Docking is not as common a practice in the United States as it is in some other parts of the world, one reason being that it requires a foreskin, but circumcision is the prevalent practice in America. According to the CDC, about 81% of men between 14 and 59 are circumcised. However, that remaining 19% represents a fairly large pool of people, so many men are capable of practicing docking.

Docking involves two men, both of whom are usually erect and standing facing each other. They bring their penises together at the tips, and one of them stretches his foreskin so that it extends past his glans and stretches around the tip of the other man’s penis. Depending upon the length and pliability of the foreskin, it may stretch several inches around the partner’s penis. A form of mutual masturbation usually ensues, with the intention to keep both penises inside the foreskin.

Although docking is more commonly practiced among men who are homosexual or bisexual, some heterosexual men engage in the practice as well.

Penis health issues

Many men find docking to be an especially enjoyable activity. The "sharing" of the foreskin creates an intimate bonding experience for many participants. But are there any penis health issues that participants should be aware of?

The answer, as is the case with many sexual activities, is yes. Among the penis health issues that docking men should be aware of are:

- Foreskin tear. Clearly, the foreskin of one man is not naturally designed to accommodate a second penis. Therefore, men who engage in docking need to be careful that they don’t stretch the foreskin so far as to cause tearing. Both penises should be well lubricated, and the foreskin should be slowly stretched out over time before attempting the docking procedure.

- Smegma. It is absolutely imperative that both participants practice decent penis hygiene. In uncircumcised men, lack of hygiene can lead to the build-up of smegma, a combination of dead skin cells, oils and moisture. While smegma is not dangerous, it is unappealing and can cause itching or rashing in some men.

- Yeast infections. Similarly, yeast infections can be passed from one penis to the next - so participants should refrain from the activity if either party is currently infected.

- STIs. Some STIs can be spread from docking, although the risk is lower than during penetrative sex. Still, there is the possibility of such STIs as syphilis, herpes, etc.

- Scabies and pubic lice. These itch-inducing menaces can be a problem if one (or both) participants are infected with them.

- Pain and soreness. And, of course, over-stretching the foreskin can result in some pain, as can the tightness of the foreskin on the participating penises.

Docking is less risky if both participants know they are clear of any diseases and infections, although soreness and tearing are still possible problems.

Docking will be more enjoyable if the penis health of both parties is top notch, so regular use of a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is advised. Supple, pliable skin is needed, so choose a crème that includes both a high-end emollient (look for Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E), which together can keep the skin moisturized and more accommodating to stretching. In addition, find a crème that includes vitamin D, the so-called "miracle vitamin" to support healthy cellular function.

Docking Can Be Pleasurable, but Beware of Penis Pain

As all men know, the penis is a resilient source of incredible and ecstatic pleasure, but some activities may also produce a bit of penis pain if not practiced carefully. Many men engage in the practice known as penis docking or male docking (or simply docking). For most of these men, docking is both a source of enormous physical sensations and a unique bonding experience with another man; to get the most out of it, men will need to make sure they practice appropriate penis care along the way.

What is docking?
Docking is a sexual activity involving two men, at least one of which must be uncircumcised. In docking, two men stand across from each other in an aroused state. The tips of their penises meet and touch; in many cases, frottage would ensue at this point, but the docking enthusiast takes a slightly different route.

If only one of the pair is intact, he then rolls back his foreskin, revealing the naked glans; if both are intact, they both retract the prepuces. Then the foreskin of one man is rolled back over his glans and stretched across so that the other man’s penis is also covered by the foreskin. If both men are intact, the other man then releases his foreskin. A form of mutual masturbation then begins, with the foreskin or foreskins rolling back and forth over each penis, or with penises thrusting against each other inside the foreskin. For men with very stretched and commodious foreskins, the goal is to engulf as much of the other man’s penis as possible.

Not just a gay activity
While this may strike many men as a very odd or even distasteful activity, many other men find it thrillingly sensual and report that the orgasms achieved via this method are intensely powerful.
As might be expected, docking is thought to be practiced more frequently among men who are homosexual or bisexual; however, there seem to be a considerable number of straight men who have docked with another man. This is perhaps more common among teen-agers, but it is not unheard of for two straight adult males to dock. Think of it as the ultimate expression of bromance.

Preparation can be important
Not every uncut man is capable of enjoying the docking experience. Certainly those whose foreskins are especially tight or are shorter in length will have a more difficult time docking than those whose foreskins are much looser (whether by nature or by active stretching) and who enjoy a bit of extra length in the skin department.

It’s also essential that both penises involved be properly lubricated before embarking on a docking expedition. Some men report that pre-seminal fluid is sufficient for this activity; others definitely require the use of a proper lubricant on both the accommodating penis and the penis that is invited in as the guest of the foreskin.

Side effects
Clearly, the man whose foreskin is containing both penises may find his foreskin has become sore from overstretching. The potential for tearing is present, so care must be taken to avoid any damage. In addition, there is always the possibility of spreading an STI or a yeast infection.

Because the penis is so sensitive, docking can also result in rashes, itching or other skin irritation.
And, of course, overaggressive penis play on the part of one or both participants can result in plain old penis pain.

Fortunately, a sore penis or one that is rashy or itchy, can be aided through the use of a high quality penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). Whether docking or not, regular use of such a formula keeps the penis in prime health; the desired formula will include an agreeable moisturizing ingredient such as vitamin E, as well as a high end natural emollient like shea butter. In addition, those formulas that also feature the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid can help avoid the aging process that sets in early in many penis skin cells.