Poppers: Our Ultimate Guide

Poppers are one of those products that everyone has knows about, yet they don’t necessarily understand the effect they have on our bodies or why some people choose to use them during sex.

Poppers are liquids belonging to the alkyl nitrate family (amyl, propyl, for example). You’ll find them in small, sealed bottles, designed to be opened and the vapours inhaled. The effects are almost instantaneous: in just a few seconds, a feeling of warmth spreads throughout the body, heart rate increases slightly and a feeling of euphoria sets in.

The effects are short-lived, lasting from 1 to 3 minutes max, but are intense enough to modify the perception of physical sensations.

Poppers are known for being used during sex. The main reason being that they provoke vasodilation, promoting blood flow and temporary hypersensitivity. Lots of people who orgasm after taking poppers describe it as being more powerful and all consuming than a regular orgasm.

Another effect that draws people to poppers is the relaxation of smooth muscle tone, specifically in the anal sphincter. This relaxation can facilitate anal play by reducing muscle tension. This also explains why poppers are often called upon in contexts where a relaxed body is key.

On top of the physical effects of poppers, there’s also a noticeable psychological dimension at play. The brief, yet intense post-popper sensations can help someone to let go, momentarily let down their inhibitions, thus making an intimate moment more spontaneous and even more intense. However, side effects vary greatly from person to person: some people enjoy this quick rise in sensations, whereas others may find it a little destabilising.

If used just before orgasm, or during a period of intense arousal, poppers can give the impression that every sensation is explosive or can be felt all around the body with added intensity. Some people describe it as an ‘amplified’ orgasm, others as a feeling of warmth coupled with a little vertigo.

Strictly speaking, poppers aren’t sexual stimulants . They don’t make you aroused, or increase erections. Above all, the effects are vascular and sensory, meaning that you have to already be aroused for them to be effective.

It’s always important to be careful, although in the heat of the moment people tend to forget. Poppers cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness or headaches. People who suffer from heart problems are strongly discouraged from using them.

In the UK, the sale of poppers is authorised, as long as they aren’t advertised as for human consumption. Poppers are widely sold in sex shops, festivals and even in convenience stores.

Intensity levels vary depending on the formula. Some products offer a more abrupt and pronounced high, while others have a milder effect. For a first timer, it’s generally a good idea to opt for a brand that is known for being less intense, to let your body get used to how it reacts.

Poppers occupy a unique place in modern sexuality. Used to intensify sensations and promote relaxation, they can alter the perception of an intimate moment in just a few seconds.

However, their powerful and brief effect means they must be used wisely and with caution. Understanding how they work allows for more conscious use that’s tailored to your desires and limits.