BDSM is a form of sexual expression that includes many different types of role-play, bondage and submission elements. BDSM is generally considered to stand for bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism although occasionally discipline and submission can also be used in the definition. BDSM is enjoyed by people of many different ethnicities, backgrounds and ages; there are many organisations set up to campaign for the rights of BDSM followers and promote acceptance in society. Many people choose to find other BDSM aficionados by joining online member sites that put you in touch with other who share your interests; a large portion of the pornography market also concentrates on many of the elements of this sexual behaviour. There are many different types of sexual activities that fall under the title of BDSM and it is estimated that between 5-25% of the population partake in it to varying degrees; some of these include:

Bondage

This usually refers to the act of physically restraining an individual during sexual intercourse and is often considered the most popular and widespread form of BDSM behaviour; this is because there are many individuals that choose to incorporate light bondage into their normal sexual routine but would not necessarily consider themselves a specific follower of BDSM. Bondage is usually in the form of handcuffs or chains that are used to restrain a person during sexual intercourse and play. Bondage clothing can be bought at a variety of outlets in the high street and there are many online retailers that offer a discreet sales procedure to keep your privacy protected. It is not only women that take on the submissive role in the BDSM fantasy; many men fantasize about being dominated and restrained during sex and this is a perfectly natural desire.

Role play

Role play is a popular element of BDSM culture as it is something that appeals to many people, especially those considering BDSM practices for the first time. Often there will be a costume or props involved and the scenario will usually revolve around some sort of authority figure. This is a classic staple on the BDSM world as many of the practices involve a dominant and submissive role. Role play can be a good way of expanding your sexual repertoire as many people fantasise about different role play scenarios and it can be adapted multiple times to provide new enjoyment. Costumes can be bought at a variety of outlets including high street sex shops or specialist online retailers; many people like to purchase their outfits online as there is a wide variety available covering every fetish imaginable.

Infliction of pain

Another of the main elements of BDSM is the combination of pain and pleasure during sexual intercourse. For many people, physical pain during sex is not something that would enhance the pleasure and would not be something they would like to try but many followers of BDSM get a strong sexual thrill from inflicting pain or receiving pain during sex. The pain can range from a wide variety of things; some people like to slapped or mildly choked whilst others take it to more extreme levels. Often there will be some sort of implement used, such as a paddle, which is used to strike your partner during sex. The degree of pain that some people enjoy can vary greatly which is why there is usually a “safe” word implemented to avoid any misunderstandings. A safe word is a word that your partner can say during the moment that will cease all pain and put a halt on the session; this is used by many people as a way of guaranteeing each other’s safety and ensuring it does not go too far. Some people get a sexual thrill from restraining their partner during sex and so usually the safe word is something entirely unrelated to the moment so that it is not mistakenly overlooked. There are many other ways of inflicting pain that BDSM followers use; a popular choice is to drip hot wax over a person’s body whilst they are restrained; this can be a sexual thrill for both the person in pain and the person inflicting the pain. Some people also gain sexual pleasure from being humiliated during sex; this of course may sound very strange to people without BDSM tendencies, but it usually revolves around being shouted out or insulted and can be a big turn-on for some people.

Solo acts of BDSM

Although different types of BDSM behaviour are usually enjoyed between couples or a multiple number of participants, there are elements of this sexual lifestyle that can be enjoyed as an individual. One of the most popular examples of this is Erotic Asphyxiation, which is classified as the pursuit of restricting oxygen intake in order to enhance sexual pleasure; this is an act that many people also do in pairs, but some people practice this sexual act when they are on their own. They will usually rig together a device that can act as a noose in which to place their neck; similar setups can be purchased from specialist retailers. The air will be restricted until the individual releases themselves from the contraption; due to the reliance on the individual to release themselves there have been instances when a person has died as a result of this practice. This is usually because the air was restricted to such a point that they lost consciousness and eventually suffocated. In order to get the same effect any other practitioners of BDSM will also tie a plastic bag or similar item over their head to restrict the air flow to them; of course this comes with similar risks. It is thought the enhanced sexual thrill comes as a result of the lack of air; when the brain is starved of oxygen on this manner it is thought that it heightens the sensation of climaxing through sexual pleasure.