Myths and Misconceptions

The following myths and misconceptions have been aggregated from Fist Theory courses.

Current Filter

Anatomical

Ease of Entry
Claims or Assumptions

Fisters have trained their holes so well that they can take a fist just as easily as a dick.

Reality

Fisting porn cuts out the warm-up sequence because it can often take fifteen minutes stretch the hole wide enough to take a fist, even with advanced fisters.

Mitigation

Always ask your bottom how long their warm-up typically takes.

For additional information, see:

Incontinence
Claims or Assumptions

You'll shit your pants!

Fisting leads to old age incontinence.

Fisters never experience incontinence.

Reality

Men in their sixties and seventies who have fisted weekly for twenty years or more do not report any higher level of incontinence than their non-fisting counterparts.

Most fisters have occasionally experienced a specific type of incontinence: Lube Farts.

When excessive lube is coupled with punch or depth fisting, the air that is pushed deep into the colon will eventually work itself down to the rectum as gas. If residual lube has pooled in the rectum, a lube fart may occur resulting in messy briefs.

For additional information, see:

Prolapse
Claims or Assumptions

Fisting Inevitably Results in Prolapse

Due to the stress and trauma on the hole, eventually anyone who fists will prolapse.

By following specific routines, any fister can develop a prolapse.

Reality

Several prolapsing fisters indicate there is a genetic component to prolapsing. Some men work diligently to weaken the muscles and ligaments to no avail. Others prolapse without any type of body modification training.

For more information on prolapsing, see:

Perforations
Claims or Assumptions

At mid-forearm, I'm past the second hole.

Any skilled top can work open the second hole during a session if given enough time.

The second hole works just like the first and can be opened with ease.

Reality

The first hole is composed of muscle that stretches with ease to complete its biological function.

The second hole is composed of ligaments that are attached to muscles. These ligaments and muscles straighten the hole but do not expand and contract nor open and close with stimulation.

It takes dozens, if not hundreds, of sessions to loosen the ligaments. Many mid-forearm sessions are often stretched rectums where the second hole has not been fully breeched by the meaty part of the hand.

For more information, see:

Punch Danger
Claims or Assumptions

All punching carries the same risk.

The second hole responds to punching the same way the first hole does.

The colon has the same resiliency and strength as the rectum and anus.

Reality

The second hole is mostly ligament with attached muscle while the first hole is all muscle. Muscle tissue can relax to prevent trauma and allow punching. Ligaments do not relax and contract. They open only through regular stretching. When a finger catches the side of the first hole, the hole gives and the hand passes through. When a finger catches the second hole, it can pull and tear the colon on either side of the hole.

The tissue strength and thickness of the colon decreases significantly with depth. The walls of the sigmoid are easier to rip than the walls of the rectum. For additional information, see:

Depth Insertion
Claims or Assumptions

I've reached the 3rd ring!

When a top is elbow deep, he's passed the third ring and is in the transverse colon.

Reality

Both the rectum and sigmoid have a high stretch capacity and can accept over 45 centimeters (18 inches) with ease. These sections of the colon float and can be moved from side to side across the abdomen.

The descending and transverse colons are fixed to the body and do not have any leeway in movement. Furthermore, at the third hole, the bend in the colon is greater that 270˚. It is almost impossible to pass through this bend with the limitations of the hand. Fingers may cross, but the hand will not.

In most cases, if a top feels a ring, it is a rarely accessed haustra segment with extremely tight bands.

Lubrication

Ingredient Quality
Claims or Assumptions

I can buy my specialty lubes on Amazon.

Alphabet lubes (in their powder state) do not go bad.

Reality

Lubes purchased from Amazon or even some specialty sex shops may be knockoffs and mix poorly.

Powders have been known to degrade, especially when exposed to poor climate conditions.

Remediation

Purchase lubes, especially powders, directly from the vendor if possible. Once a lube is in your possession, use a sharpie to indicate your acquisition date and discard after three years. For additional information, see:

Disclosure
Claims or Assumption

It's unnecessary to inform the top about lube additives.

Reality

Your top may be allergic to certain ingredients or may have medical reasons for avoiding pharmaceutical additives. He may not be able to fist you when your lube puts his health at risk.

Remediation

Discuss any lube additives with your top before play. For additional information, see:

Additives and Enhanced Lube
Claims or Assumptions

Additives, such as numbing agents, are beneficial.

Using my lube and its special additives on my partner will definitely open him up better!

Reality

While numbing agents may extend play, they can also mask damage and cause health issues. Certain additives, like Voltaren cream, can cause kidney damage.

Additionally, numbing additives prevent natural pain mechanisms from warning you of injury.

When a bottom's hole isn't familiar with special additives like clove, lavender, or numbing creams, exposure to these agents can cause the hole to induce expulsion reflexes or even close up completely.

Remediation

Familiarize yourself with overdose symptoms for lidocaine. Avoid the use of acetaminophen containing additives (such as Voltaren). Study the potential health consequences of any lubrication additive.

Recognize that unfamiliar lube can shut down a hole rather than open it, so plan 'lube experimentation' strategically. Avoid new lubes at events and parties to ensure you can bottom for the duration of the event.

For moderate and advanced fisters, using a familiar lube with the right viscosity, lubricity, and consistency enables them to focus on relaxation instead of new sensations triggered by lube. For additional information, see:

Shortcuts / Cheat Codes
Claims or Assumptions

Injecting lube into the upper fist chute is the secret to faster development of depth capabilities.

Injecting large volumes of lube will make depth gains quicker.

Reality

There are no shortcuts for gaining depth. Excessive lube and deep lube injection are not replacements for regular conditioning. Sustained depth gains, especially those that occur near or beyond the elbow, require a lot of play over a long period of time (typically years).

Injecting lube into the upper fist chute gives false courage.

Remediation

Focus on regular and consistent play with a moderate amount of drag-eliminating lube rather than deep injections as a shortcut. Focus on regular massage of the second hole to trigger relaxation rather than excessive lube as its trigger. For additional information, see:

Perforation Prevention
Claims or Assumptions

I won't perforate if I use a lot of lube.

Reality

Perforations can happen at any time. While a well lubricated hole decreases perforation risk, it can provide false courage and encourage pressing limits—especially in inexperienced depth players.

Remediation

Do not use lube as a safeguard for perforation. Always discuss your hole's abilities with your top before play to prevent unnecessary risk taking. For additional information, see:

Sufficiency / Insufficiency
Claims or Assumptions

He's already got enough lube inside him, so I will hold back when he asks for more!

Reality

Novice, inexperienced, and over-confident tops are prone to making lube assessments for the bottom. There may be ten gallons of lube in the hole, but if the bottom says there isn't enough, re-apply. A request typically indicates the bottom is experiencing discomfort. Further investigation is needed after applying fresh lube.

Remediation

Often, a request for additional lube from a bottom indicates a deficiency in technique by the top. For additional information, see:

Poppers

Drug Classification
Claims or Assumptions

Poppers aren't really considered drugs.

I don't use drugs when fisting—can you hand me the poppers?

No drugs: pot and poppers OK.

Reality

Poppers are considered a recreational drug by most governmental regulatory agencies around the world. Some recognize alkyl nitrites as prescription drugs.

Alkyl nitrites interact with muscle and nerve cells. This interaction causes physical changes that affect how cells function, including changes in muscle tone, cardiovascular function, and neurological stimulation.

Remediation

Acknowledge that poppers (alkyl nitrites) and drugs that may carry risk and several health concerns. Learn the potential side effects and drug-to-drug interactions that may occur with popper use. Avoid statements that infer that poppers are not drugs and are harmless. For additional information, see:

Legality
Claims or Assumptions

Poppers are illegal.

Reality

Poppers cannot be sold in the USA for inhalation purposes; however, they can be sold to clean your video heads (Hello 1988). U.S. Code § 2057a and § 2057b bans the sale of various butyl formulations and pentyl (amyl) and propyl in general.

Canada prohibits the sale when it can be assumed the consumer does not own a VCR and consistently uses a bootblack to clean his leather.

Europe has various sale restrictions based on country; however, butyl poppers are prohibited as butyl is recognized as a carcinogen.

Most of Europe and Anglo North America do not criminalize possession.

Spanish-speaking Central and South America follow laws similar to the USA or Canada. Portuguese-speaking South America classifies possession as a crime.

Most of Asia is fairly harsh on individual possession of poppers.

Little information is available regarding the laws and legality of poppers in Africa.

Addiction
Claims or Assumptions

Poppers aren't addictive.

Poppers are addictive.

Reality

Alkyl nitrites do not cause physical dependency. They can cause a psychological dependency in some individuals, especially those who engage in fisting. Some fisters believe it is impossible for them to take a fist without using poppers.

Remediation

If you cannot fist without poppers, focus on training and conditioning without their use. Eliminate use during a session outside of critical moments. For additional information, see:

Spray/Aerosol Poppers
Claims or Assumptions

Max Impact, Black Arrow, and Amsterdam Aerosol are alkyl nitrites.

Ethyl chloride is no more dangerous than poppers.

I can handle a single hit of ethyl chloride.

Reality

Ethyl chloride is not a form of poppers. It is an anesthetic and unlike poppers, it is responsible for dozens of deaths around the world every year.

Ethyl chloride can suppress your regulatory brain function which may cause your body to forget how to breath and may depress your heartbeat to fatal levels. Because it affects your consciousness, you will not recognize these base functions are shutting down.

Many fisting groups ban the use of Max Impact and other ethyl chloride sprays at their play parties and events.

Remediation

Do not include ethyl chloride in your play routine, especially when playing alone. For additional information, see:

Health Concerns
Claims or Assumptions

Poppers don't have any negative consequences for health.

Reality

Poppers can be fatal, especially with existing heart conditions or the use of certain prescription and even OTC drugs.

Poppers have been shown to increase virus related cancers in HIV- men— likely due to transient immuno-suppression.

Poppers can exacerbate certain eye conditions such as glaucoma and may cause long-term vision deficits.

Poppers Cause HIV/AIDS
Claims or Assumptions

Poppers are the reason gay men develop HIV/AIDS.

Reality

This myth was put to rest when the AIDS virus was discovered; however, conspiracy theorists are attempting to revive this belief.

Popper use could potentially correlate with a propensity for higher risk sexual activity; however, the is no .

Formula Consistency
Claims or Assumptions

< INSERT BRAND NAME > are the best.

< INSERT BRAND NAME > always smells and hits the same.

Reality

Most PWD Brands such as Rush, Jungle Juice and other low tier, ubiquitous poppers have multiple manufactures and no consistency in formulation. One batch may vary from another. Even the large and small bottle size may vary from one another.

Typically, if you purchase your favorite poppers and they are not in their normal bottle, they are probably not going to act the same as your normal bottle.

Some vendors such as Double Scorpio (now defunct), Brown Bottle, and VHC are more likely to remain consistent from batch to batch.

Golden Age
Claims or Assumptions

Poppers were better "back in the day," specifically, true amyl poppers.

Reality

There are eight different types of amyl and various methods and recipes for synthesizing amyl poppers. Chemistry doesn't change over time, and a "golden age" recipe would make its way into the market and spread like wildfire—especially since the industry is unregulated. Legal bans are unlikely to affect an unregulated product as there is no federal agency to ensure a specific recipe or production methodology is followed.

It is unlikely that amyl poppers were better then than they are now.

Roles and Identity

BDSM Interaction
Claims or Assumptions

Fisting bottoms want to be dominated.

Submission is necessary component of fisting.

Fisting is inherently a sadomasochistic activity.

Reality

BDSM constructs are largely absent in fisting sessions and relationships.

While some fisters do engage in dom/sub behavior, it is rare. In some circumstances, tops are submissive to bottoms.

Remediation

Discuss prior to play expectations and roles. If a BDSM construct is mutually agreeable, include it in your play session.

Develop an exit strategy before play begins. If a partner disregards established boundaries or introduces non-consensual BDSM behaviors, terminate the session immediately and disengage from the relationship.

For additional information, see:

Power Dynamics
Claims or Assumptions

The top is in control.

Bottoms should avoid being bossy.

Reality

There is risk of severe injury or fatality during any fisting session. Because the stakes are so high, the bottom is usually in control of the pace and intensity.

Bossy bottoms understand their holes and needs. Ignoring or dismissing their requests creates a headspace and environment that makes fisting difficult or impossible.

Remediation

Make every effort to follow the requests of the bottom. Allow him to set the pace and control. If his control over the session doesn't vibe with your style, terminate the session.

Familiarize yourself with typical body language that grants consent and encourages deeper engagement.

Avoid substances that may alter consciousness and foster a loss of control. For additional information, see:

Identity Constraints
Claims or Assumptions

I just wasn't made to top.

He's got a hand/arm—he's just selfish.

Reality

Individuals will always have a preference, even if it is prematurely determined. Forcing a playmate or fister into a role he isn't comfortable with is gross and borders on rapey.

Remediation

Clarify in advance the roles of each partner in a session. If these roles are incompatible, cancel the session. Never bottom shame another fister for his identity but encourage him to have open mind. For additional information, see:

Training Expectations
Claims or Assumptions

A good top can train my hole.

Tops and bottoms should push limits.

Reality

Most fisters do not want to train a bottom. The request shifts responsibility from the bottom to the top. While there are fisters that work well with newcomers, they should not be treated as hole whispers.

Pushing limits results in injuries.

Remediation

Avoid the phrases "Train my hole" and "Open my hole!", especially when seeking out playmates.

Discuss prior to the session start any limits and the comfort levels of both partners in pushing those limits. For additional information, see:

Vaccinations

Hepatitis Immunity
Claims or Assumptions

Hepatis C can be prevented by the HEP Vaccine or previous exposure to Hepatitis.

Reality

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C and treatment can be expensive where socialized medicine is not available.

Unlike some viruses, the body does not develop protective antibodies strong enough to prevent future infection.

People who clear the virus naturally or through treatment can still be infected again with a different strain (or even the same one).

Vaccination or exposure to other forms of hepatitis does not provide immunity to hepatitis C.

Remediation

If infected, avoid spreading Hep C. The fisting community is small and you can become re-infected.

For additional information, see:

Waning Immunity
Claims or Assumptions

Once vaccinated, I'm protected for life.

Reality

Some vaccines and pathogens only trigger limited immunity even in non-immunocompromised individuals.

Remediation

Consider joining your local fisting club for public health updates. For example, Mpox may need revaccination every few years, and your fisting club can notify you of local outbreaks.

Verify with your healthcare provider that vaccine immunity is still present. During your annual physical, your healthcare team can identify several waning vaccinations.

For additional information, see: