Tucking is a practice that can help minimize the appearance of external genitals, such as the penis and testes, under clothing.
There are several methods to tucking. However, it may take various attempts before a person can find the most comfortable way to do it.
Tucking can help hide the testes and scrotum by moving them between the buttocks and moving the testes up into the inguinal canal, the cavity in which they sit before birth.
People may practice tucking to hide their external genitals as they may not identify themselves as male, and showing male genitals may make them feel uncomfortable. People may also tuck for aesthetic reasons, for drag, or cosplay.
This article reviews tucking in more detail, including why people do it and how to tuck and untuck safely.
Tucking is a technique that people may use to position their genitals to hide the appearance of a bulge in their crotch area. This consists of tucking the penis shaft and scrotum between the legs and hiding the testes up into a space called the inguinal canal.
People then secure their penis and testes in position using a variety of techniques, such as tape, a gaff, or underwear, to create a flat and smooth crotch. Tucking may be a technique used by individuals who identify as:
Tucking may feel slightly uncomfortable. However, it should not be painful. To perform tucking, a person may wish to use some supplies, such as medical tape and a gaff, to create a flat surface over the underwear.
The first step to tuck safely involves slipping the testes back into the inguinal canal. A person can use their fingers and slowly guide them in position. If this causes pain or discomfort, a person should stop. The following step consists of tucking the penis and the scrotum between the legs and possibly securing it with medical tape.
If an individual wants to secure their penis with tape, they should always use medical tape. Using regular tape can damage the skin. People can buy medical tape in most department stores or any pharmacy. Before using the tape, people should remove the hair to prevent pain when pulling the tape.
However, using a tape can make it more difficult to go to the bathroom as a person will need to remove the tape and reapply it every time. Many people tuck without using tape. This may not secure the penis in position as well as using tape, but it
Some other tips for safe tucking include:
- stopping if it is painful
- always using medical-grade tape — do not use duct tape or packing tape
- not sleeping while tucked
- starting slowly and allowing the body to rest
- being gentle when tucking or moving the testes
- not wearing gaffs or underwear that is too tight
- using the bathroom when needed
- keeping the anus and genitals clean to prevent skin and urinary tract infections
Tucking may also have a negative effect on fertility. This is because pushing the testes back into the inguinal canal may expose them to higher body temperature, reducing their ability to produce sperm. People can speak with a doctor about tucking and how to preserve their fertility.
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Learn more about sperm cryopreservation.
Tucking may help alleviate dysphoria and may help people affirm their gender. Anyone can tuck, regardless of their gender or presentation.
Some individuals may tuck every day, while others may only do it on specific occasions, such as wearing a suit or a costume. Tucking does not mean a person identifies in a specific way or with a particular gender. Tucking is simply a way to change how the body looks by flattening the space between the legs, avoiding the formation of any bulges.
Learn more about gender dysphoria.
Untucking requires the same gentleness and patience as tucking.
If a person uses medical tape, it is important to slowly and carefully peel it away from the scrotum, then gently move the penis back to its typical resting position. They can then gently push their testes down back into the scrotum.
If a person has issues removing the tape without experiencing major pain, they can use a wet washcloth to soak the area where it is stuck. This should help break the adhesive and make it easier for the tape to come off. People can also buy a medical adhesive remover to help them take off the tape.
Tucking is a practice that can help hide the bulge the external genitals may cause when wearing certain types of clothing.
Tucking consists of pushing the testes back up into the genital canal and folding the penis and the scrotum between the buttocks and the legs.
People can use a gaff or a medical tape to secure their genitals in position. Tucking may feel uncomfortable at first, but it should never cause pain. If a person experiences pain, they should immediately stop.