Tucking 101: How to Untuck Safely

Co-authored by NV Gay and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: February 23, 2026 Fact Checked

• Removing Tape
|
• Untucking Your Testicles
|
• Safety Considerations

|Show more |Show less

You’ve mastered the art of the tuck, but now it’s time to strip off the tape and allow your genitals and skin to rest and recover. Learning to untuck is easier than it seems, and once you’ve got it down, you’ll be even more confident when you express your gender on stage or in everyday life. That’s why wikiHow partnered with an LGBTQ+ expert to help us put together a comprehensive guide to untucking your balls safely and pain-free.

How to Untuck Safely

LGBTQ+ culture expert NV Gay says to soak in a warm bath or take a hot shower to help weaken the adhesive and protect your skin. Then, slowly and gently peel away the tape. Relax your abdominal muscles (lying down can help) and, if needed, gently pull your penis and testicles back to their usual positions.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Tape

1. 
   1
   Soak your tucking tape in warm water to break down the adhesive. Gay suggests that you soak in a warm bath or take a hot shower before you remove the tape to help weaken the adhesive and protect your skin. Or, use a wet washcloth to dampen the tape. Make sure the entire length of tape is thoroughly soaked for a faster, less painful peel.

   • If you’re in public, it’s not always possible to soak your tape before removing it. However, most tapes will peel off fairly easily without a soak.
   • Gay notes that untucking is best done in private so you can feel comfortable releasing the tuck. This is especially helpful if you’re using the bathroom, and it helps ensure skin health and proper circulation.
   • If you are using tape, Gay says you will likely need to remove it to urinate and to reapply, so they recommend that you keep extra supplies on hand.
2. 
   2
   Peel the tape away slowly to reduce pain and skin irritation. Grab one end of the tape and gently start to pull the strip away from your scrotum. Keep your grip on the tape firm and pull slightly downward, away from the skin. The phrase “rip the band-aid off” does not apply here!

   • Some tapes peel off more easily than others. Medical tape or specialized tucking tape are your best options. Duct tape should never be used.
   • Gay agrees that you should not pull off the tape as if it were a band-aid. They say that removing the tape incorrectly may result in irritation to the skin.
   • For the smoothest peel, shave your skin 1 to 2 days before applying your tucking tape. Pulling tape off of body hair can be painful and cause red bumps or irritation. Never tape freshly shaved skin.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Use medical adhesive remover if your skin is sensitive or the peeling is painful. Adhesive removers are inexpensive and can be found at many drug stores, general merchandise stores, or online. Apply the remover according to the instructions to remove your tape and any remaining residue.

   • Cooking oil, dish soap, or nail polish remover can also soften or remove tape residue from your skin. Use these sparingly since they can be harsh, and thoroughly wash afterward.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Untucking Your Testicles

1. 
   1
   Relax your abdominal muscles to ease your testicles back into your scrotum. If you’re new to untucking, try lying on your back or performing a deep breathing exercise to loosen up the muscles around your inguinal canals. Your testicles might lower on their own once the tension is gone.

   • Try a hot shower or bath to help you relax. The heat will loosen things up and encourage your balls to drop on their own.
   • Your inguinal canals are the openings in your lower abdomen where your testicles naturally retreat when they’re exposed to cold.
2. 
   2
   Use your fingers to guide your testicles to their resting position. Sometimes, your testicles need a little help returning to their usual position. If leftover adhesive or muscle tension is holding them in their tucked position, gently pull your penis to its usual position first. Next, carefully use 2 or 3 fingers to reach inside the inguinal canals and nudge your testicles back down into the scrotum.

   • Take your time with this step. This is a sensitive area, and rushed motions can be painful. Listen to and trust your body.
3. 
   3
   Shower after untucking to thoroughly clean your genitals, if possible. Tucking causes excess moisture to form in your crotch area, which can lead to odor, infection, or irritation. Give your genitals a good scrub to prevent these side effects and remove any remaining adhesive and dampness. Dry thoroughly before putting your clothes back on.

   • Try an antifungal powder on your genitals while you’re tucked to prevent excess moisture buildup.
   • Gay says to always clean the area to help prevent infection, even if you are just wearing tucking underwear.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Safety Considerations

1. 
   1
   Take your time to untuck carefully and safely. Try not to rush or untuck “on the go,” and make sure you have all of the supplies you need to do it safely and pain-free, like adhesive remover or access to warm water. When it comes to your testicles, slow and steady wins the race.
2. 
   2
   Untuck after 4-8 hours to give your testicles a break and avoid injury. It can feel very affirming, but a tuck is not meant to last 24/7. Listen to your body and untuck when you feel discomfort, you’re doing an activity that causes you pain, or your drag show is over (if you’re tucking to perform). Excess tucking increases your risk of conditions like testicular torsion, epididymitis, or orchitis.

   • Gay agrees and says to limit tucking to 4 to 8 hours to help prevent irritation, skin issues, or pain. For this reason, they say to not sleep while tucked.
   • It’s still recommended that you take breaks from tucking if you are using tucking underwear, says Gay. This helps ensure that you’re getting proper circulation.
   • It’s important to take tucking breaks to pee, too. Drinking less or holding in your pee for long periods of time can lead to dehydration or UTIs.
3. 
   3
   Untuck immediately if you feel pain. Some discomfort is normal, but a tuck should not hurt you. If you feel pain, nausea, or lightheadedness, untuck immediately and rest, says Gay. Wait until the pain in your testicles or abdomen subsides before tucking again. If your tuck is consistently painful, try a different method or see a gender-affirming doctor for more solutions.
4. 
   4
   Check for signs of irritation on your penis, scrotum, and inner thighs. Frequent tucking might cause rashes, sores, red patches, bumps, or sensitive skin. If your skin is consistently irritated after tucking with tape, try a different method (like gaffs or tight underwear) next time or see a gender-affirming doctor for other options.

   • Gay agrees that you should regularly check your skin for rashes or damage. If your skin is irritated, take time to allow the skin to heal.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!