Fetish Friday: Balloon Play
The word ‘kink’ is used to describe the ‘non-conventional’ practises a person takes part in or the fantasies that they have. ‘Fetish’ explains the object of their sexual fantasies, whether it’s a living being or an inanimate object. When considering these two definitions, both are often perceived as off-limits from the viewpoint of prescribed societal norms.
Fortunately, the world has become increasingly sex-positive over the years and, consequently, many fetishes and kinks are now considered ‘normal.’ Yet, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is always understood, thanks to varying subcultures that often branch from a single fetish or kink. This can leave outsiders uncertain of what it actually involves.
Today, we’re delving into the topic of sexual arousal through balloon play to help eliminate the misperceptions and uncertainties surrounding the topic. We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish and what someone who takes part in it is into.
What is balloon play?
Balloon play, or a balloon fetish, describes a person who achieves sexual arousal when balloons are incorporated into sex. The folks often call themselves, or are referred to by others, as ‘looners.’ Arousal can stem from looking at, popping, blowing up, lying or sitting on, experiencing the tactile texture, or interacting with balloons of varying materials.
Common misconceptions
Not everyone feels sexual arousal from just looking at or engaging with balloons — some people are aroused by their fear! This could mean the anxiety surrounding balloons popping or of the actual combustion against the skin; in some cases, it can even bring a person to tears.
With this in mind, other individuals are unaroused by the fear, but turned on by balloons themselves. In situations like these, ‘non-poppers’ will enjoy the balloons without initiating the pop itself.
How to talk about it with your partner
If you experience an attraction to balloon games, it’s time to talk to your partner about your kinks and fetishes. Be open and honest about what you are interested in incorporating into your typical sexual routine and, if they consent to it, ask what your partner’s limitations might be. Every looner is different and, thus, it is crucial to inform your sexual partner(s) about how they can take a role in fulfilling your ideal bedroom play.
Things to try
For those interested in popping balloons, you can do so with a sharp object (like a sewing needle or knife), by squeezing it with your hands, or by jumping on or sitting roughly on it. Looners uninterested in popping balloons can caress balloons across their skin, lick them, or holding one or lying on it during sex. Folks may also wish to blow up balloons to popping or near-popping and experiment with different balloon shapes and materials.
Are there risks to consider?
If you are popping balloons with a sharp object of any kind, it’s essential to be careful with how you handle it; as well, balloons popping against the skin can be painful at times. Remember that some balloons may contain materials that a person’s skin may have an allergic reaction to (or get irritated by), such as latex, so be aware of this!
If balloon games are used during foreplay or sex, please be aware of the risks associated with intercourse, including preventing sexually transmitted infections and using the right birth control options if pregnancy is a concern to either partner.
How can I learn more?
The online world is an excellent resource for learning more about any fetish, including balloon fetishism. In addition to online chatrooms and threads, there are sources of ethical porn featuring balloon play, all of which can give you more ideas for incorporating balloons into your sex life. Additionally, these are often great places to find other looners to chat with about all things related to balloon play!
We hope you now have a deeper understanding of what balloon play and balloon games are, and what they entail. Should the topic come up in future conversations, you will feel more open to speaking about it confidently and knowledgeably. Whether it’s understanding the fetish from someone who engages in it themselves or educating another person who may be closed off to the idea of it, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Would you be interested in incorporating balloon games during intimate times, for sexual arousal? If balloon play is something you’ve already tried, how did you enjoy it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
