With sexy vampire shows like True Blood and Vampire Diaries, or movies like Twilight, fetishists and BDSM fans may be tempted to try lots of biting and bloodletting in the bedroom if they haven’t already. Sure, it might be creepy to some people, but who’s to judge? Here’s how to keep bloodletting and biting in check so you can have hot vampire sex safely.

Biting

Most people are no stranger to biting in the bedroom. Even non-BDSM lovers can enjoy light biting or nibbling during sex, and some even enjoy harder biting that leaves marks. Biting during sex typically isn’t dangerous if you’re not drawing blood, but it’s important to have a safe word during biting just like with any sex activity that involves pain of any kind. Come up with a completely unrelated safe word (like “banana” or “train”) and if your partner is biting too hard or you want to stop for any reason, use the safe word. Before getting started, make sure both you and your partner (and whoever else is involved) is aware of the safe word and knows to stop immediately if anyone says it.

Bloodletting

Bloodletting isn’t as common as biting and it’s definitely not considered a “safe” activity and in fact it can be as dangerous as other activities such as erotic asphyxiation. There are, however, some things that you can do to make it safer for both you and your partner if this is an activity you both wish to pursue. First of all, bloodletting is not an activity that can be done with either partner inebriated in any way and of course must never be done by anyone under the age of eighteen. Bloodletting is an activity that is reserved for responsible, consenting adults only! Typically, people who enjoy bloodletting will draw only small amounts of blood from themselves (to avoid cutting or harming the other person more than intended) and either lick the blood themselves or allow their partner to do so. Never draw large amounts of blood from yourself or your partner, and if you’re not comfortable with it, don’t do it! Don’t let anyone “talk you into it” or convince you that you want to do it.

A Note On STD’s

Blood spreads STD’s like wildfire. NEVER, EVER use someone else’s needle or razor and never allow anyone else to use yours. Never drink another person’s blood unless you and your partner have had STD testing and your results were negative. In addition, once you and your partner have had clean blood tests, you both must be committed to monogamy to avoid contracting a new sexually transmitted disease and giving it to your partner. Remember that bloodletting and biting (if blood is drawn) can spread serious STD’s like HIV and Hepatitis C, for which there is no cure. It is considered a high risk activity and it’s important to take steps to make yourself and your partner as safe as possible.

Don’t want to take the risk but enjoy the sight of blood during sex? Why not incorporate a bottle of good old fashioned fake blood into your sexcapades? Or find a recipe for edible blood made from corn syrup and red food coloring. You can still have fun without causing pain or putting yourself at risk for contracting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases.