As the leaves start to turn orange and the air becomes crisp, October signals the beginning of more than just spooky season. For men in chastity, it marks the arrival of Locktober. A playful, month-long challenge within the chastity community, Locktober invites participants to lock themselves in chastity devices for the entire 31 days of October.
While some may associate the season with Halloween and pumpkin-spiced lattes, Locktober is a time for self-control, submission, and exploration of sexual boundaries. So here’s the story of Locktober, how to join the challenge, and some fun ideas to make it even more exciting (and frustrating).

post by: Austin Madore
The origins of Locktober
Like many internet phenomena, the exact origins of Locktober are a bit murky. I do remember one of the earliest mentions; it traces back to 2015, when a user on the OrgasmDenial.com forums, known as SubMaleSlaveUK, proposed the idea of remaining in chastity for the entire month of October. While it’s hard to pinpoint the “Big Bang” of Locktober, it’s clear that the concept grew steadily over the years, with the complicity of the voyeurism and exhibitionism in adult content communities such as Twitter / X and Fetlife.
The movement gained serious traction around 2017, especially on Tumblr (ah, the good old days of Tumblr), where users shared chastity experiences and tips. The now-defunct post titled “Keep Him Locked: A Wife’s Guide to Male Chastity and Cock Cages” helped to bring Locktober into the broader consciousness of the BDSM community. By 2019, Locktober was fully embedded in kink culture, despite the “Porn Purge” of Tumblr that year.
Why people love Locktober
In my experience there are several reasons why Locktober gained the traction it has.
A Challenge of Willpower and Submission:
The primary allure of Locktober lies in its challenge: men voluntarily lock themselves into chastity cages, relinquishing control over their sexual pleasure. For some, this is about submitting to a partner who acts as the keyholder, while for others, it’s a test of self-control trough self chastity. The psychological thrill of being denied orgasm for a whole month heightens the experience, amplifying desire and anticipation.
Heightened Anticipation and Reward:
One of the most significant aspects of Locktober is the buildup of sexual tension. To some, as an example gay men who are bottoms, or just men who like to be sexually receiving (which includes sissies), this doesn’t mean giving up sex. Actually, it can mean having even more sexual encounters, but with their cock locked.
To straight men, or tops and so on, knowing that you cannot access your genitals at will can make the ultimate reward (unlocking in November) intensely gratifying. Some participants extend the challenge into No Nut November, further prolonging their state of denial.
If you’re wondering how long can an individual go in chastity, and if after two months we could be talking about long term chastity, read our article “permanent chastity: fantasy and reality” to get an idea of what is achievable in a reasonable and safe way.
Community Spirit:
Locktober is more than just an individual experience; it’s a community event. Social media platforms like Twitter, Fetlife and Reddit are filled with participants sharing their journeys, challenges, and victories using the hashtag #Locktober. This sense of shared experience helps to create a supportive environment where participants cheer each other on.
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There’s even a big subreddit entirely dedicated to Locktober.
Preparing for Locktober: A Month-Long Commitment
If you’re new to chastity, jumping into a 31-day challenge might seem daunting, so preparation is key.
We have several resources here to help you face what’s coming up. Here’s some must-read for you:
First, an introduction to chastity lockups.
Secondly, how to choose the right chastity cage for you.
And third, how to handle long term chastity.
If you want to keep it short, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re ready:
- Select Your Device: Choose a chastity device that’s comfortable for long-term wear. Whether it’s metal, plastic, or silicone, make sure you’ve tested it before Locktober starts. Wear it for extended periods in the weeks leading up to the challenge, even during regular daily activities like working or exercising.
- Build Up Gradually: If you’re new to chastity, don’t expect to jump straight into a full month without preparation. Start with smaller sessions. Try wearing the device overnight or for 48-hour stints during normal activities like working, driving, or running errands. This will help you understand any discomfort or issues that might arise and give you time to adjust before the real challenge.
- Set Clear Expectations with Your Keyholder: If you have a keyholder, communicate openly about your expectations for the month. Are you looking for a kink-heavy experience with teasing, edging, and tasks? Or are you simply hoping to complete the challenge with minimal interaction? Aligning expectations will ensure both you and your partner enjoy the experience.
- Plan for Hygiene and Safety: Long-term chastity requires careful attention to hygiene. Make sure to clean your device regularly, ideally once a week, to avoid any health issues. For those wearing closed cages, complete removal for cleaning is highly recommended. Locktober is about pushing your limits, but not at the cost of your health.
What if you don’t have a keyholder?
Not having a keyholder doesn’t mean you can’t participate in Locktober. Self-locking is just as valid, but it comes with its own challenges. Without someone to hold your key, temptation can be overwhelming. A common solution is to make access to your key difficult—freezing it in a block of ice, for example, adds an extra barrier to unlocking impulsively.
Alternatively, there are apps that allow you to set a variable lock time, creating a sense of unpredictability around when you’ll be unlocked. And you can even engage with Locked in Lust’s 100% safe and discreet online keyholding service!
Fun Challenges and Activities to Enhance Locktober
To make Locktober more engaging, participants often incorporate various challenges and activities:
- Teasing and Denial: Many keyholders engage in playful teasing throughout the month, using methods like edging or verbal humiliation to keep their partner aroused but locked. This ongoing torment can make the experience even more intense.
- Daily Journaling: Documenting your thoughts and feelings throughout Locktober adds a personal dimension to the challenge. A daily journal can help you reflect on the highs and lows of being locked, making the experience more meaningful.
- Custom Challenges: Some participants introduce personal goals or milestones. For instance, allowing brief unlock periods after completing a significant task or reaching the halfway point can serve as a reward system that keeps things interesting.
- Online Engagement: Many chastity enthusiasts share their journey through social media. Whether you’re seeking tips, encouragement, or just a place to vent your frustrations, platforms like Twitter offer a supportive community of fellow participants.
Health and Safety During Locktober
Locktober can be an intense physical and mental experience, so it’s essential to prioritize safety. Ensure that your device fits well and isn’t causing pain beyond mild discomfort. Always remove it for cleaning and check for any signs of irritation. Chastity is meant to be challenging, but not harmful.
If you’re worried about health impacts, such as concerns around prostate health, know that some studies suggest regular ejaculation may lower the risk of prostate cancer. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid abstinence, it’s something to consider when planning your month.
Celebrating the End of Locktober
At the end of the month, how you choose to celebrate your release from chastity is entirely up to you and your keyholder (if applicable). Some participants go straight into No Nut November, prolonging their denial even further, while others revel in the intense pleasure of their long-awaited orgasm.
Some keyholders organize themed release scenes to mark the end of the month—whether it’s a Halloween-themed roleplay, a costumed party, or a sensual evening, there are countless ways to make the culmination of Locktober memorable.
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