Risks associated with each gas:
Plain Air:
Infection: Air can contain dust, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Introducing this into the body could lead to infections, particularly in areas like the scrotum, which is delicate and prone to irritation.
Tissue Damage: If air is forced into the body under pressure, it can cause damage to the tissues or result in a condition called subcutaneous emphysema, where air becomes trapped under the skin, which can lead to swelling, pain, and serious complications.
Circulatory Issues: If air enters the bloodstream (though rare in cases like air embolism), it can be life-threatening.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O):
Oxygen Deprivation: N2O displaces oxygen, and inhaling it can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which can cause dizziness, confusion, and even unconsciousness if used in excess or without proper ventilation.
Nerve Damage: Prolonged or frequent exposure to nitrous oxide can cause nerve damage due to its effect on vitamin B12 metabolism.
Pressure Injury: If N2O is used to inflate the scrotum, it can potentially lead to injuries due to the pressure or the gas itself. This could cause pain, swelling, or permanent damage to the skin or tissues.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
Tissue Damage: CO2 is not biologically neutral, and introducing it into the body can cause tissue damage or inflammation. It could also lead to a build-up of gas under the skin, which can be extremely dangerous if not properly managed.
Asphyxiation: CO2, in higher concentrations, can displace oxygen and lead to suffocation or asphyxiation. If used improperly, it could lead to a lack of oxygen in the body, causing unconsciousness, brain damage, or even death.
Please read before inflating CO2, N2O or plain air
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- Quax
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Please read before inflating CO2, N2O or plain air
Last edited by Quax on Thu May 01, 2025 7:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy" (Nightbirde - *12.29.1990 †02.19.2022)
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Re: Please read before inflating CO2, N2O or plain air
For N2O, I'm actually curious if there's any information on how it's metabolized/processed through the body. Yes, if inhaled frequently, it can disrupt B12 which can erode the myelin sheath but with N2O insufflation of the scrotum or subcutaneous layer, it's surely different than inhaling.
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Re: Please read before inflating CO2, N2O or plain air
Pretty sure that guy who pumped air into his account was a troll. But regardless good write up. Also remember that liquids and gas's do not not mix. Think of a balloon, one that you played with as a kid. If you fill half with water and the blow up the other half with air the rubber around the water doesn't stretch as much as the rubber around the air. Years and years back someone really injured themself when doing saline/co2.
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Re: Please read before inflating CO2, N2O or plain air
Don't forget about the fact that compressed gas/air/etc. can get real cold, real quick.
- Quax
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Re: Please read before inflating CO2, N2O or plain air
That's the reason why an adjustable needle valve as flow limiter is recommended

"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy" (Nightbirde - *12.29.1990 †02.19.2022)
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Re: Please read before inflating CO2, N2O or plain air
I've only used N2O, never had any bad side effects but everyone's body is different. Just be safe/sterile/smart about it and don't forget to give your body time to heal. If you don't have a needle valve for added safety I posted my solution to flow control here: viewtopic.php?t=58825