After Rostom's entry, I realized that many folks still don't know what "poppers" are -- so I thought I'd post a little 101 info for the uninformed. "Poppers" is a slang term for a variety of inhalant substances in the alkyl nitrate family -- most popular among them is amyl nitrate (but also butyl nitrate, isopropyl nitrate, and isobutyl nitrate). They're sold in small bottles (see image above) and when you want a hit, you remove the cap, put the bottle to your nose, and take a deep breath -- many folks prefer to do a hit in each nostril.

Okay so that's the "how," but what do they do? A lot of people I think are rather scared of poppers because they've been labeled a "drug," but the effect is generally short-lived (perhaps 30 seconds, depending on how much is inhaled) and relatively mild -- though quite wondrous. Alkyl nitrates are vasodilators, meaning that they dilate the blood vessels in smooth muscle (most notoriously your asshole). This results in an immediate increase in heart rate and blood flow, creating a sense of heat and excitement. Quite simply, poppers makes your lovemuscle relax, making receptive anal sex much more pleasurable and "easy" -- so to speak.

The one word of caution here: Never mix poppers with Viagra. That can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure that has resulted in some deaths. But really, this is the only typical scenario where poppers can equal danger. They are a fabulous sexual accessory, and I find that they can take sex to new levels of pleasure and wonder. In most states in the US, you can pick them up at most chochki stores in urban gay neighborhoods, and a number of sex stores. Or just buy them online.

My recommended brands: Jungle Juice Platinum, Iron Horse, Blue Boy, or Amsterdam. Oh, and keep them in the freezer when you're not using them. This helps keep them fresh for much, much longer.