BDSM

BDSM is an acronym for consensual sexual practices that involve:

Bondage: physically restraining a partner during sex, such as with handcuffs, cords, or some type of ties
Dominance: exerting power or control over a partner during a sexual experience
Submission: being dominated during sex, or willingly submitting to the power or control of a sexual partner
Sadomasochism: deriving sexual gratification from either inflicting or receiving physical pain or humiliation


BDSM usually involves partners taking on specific roles in which one is dominant and the other is submissive. The person who is dominant is sometimes referred to as the Dominant (Dom), Master, or Top. The person who is submissive is referred to as the Submissive (Sub), Slave, or Bottom.

While often portrayed as deviant or taboo, research has shown that BSM is a common sexual fantasy and practice for many individuals and couples.

It's important to note that both partners must consent to this dominant-submissive roleplay, making it different than a sexual assault. In fact, a common phrase used in the BDSM community is "safe, sane, and consensual" or SSC, reinforcing that any type of play must be all three.

There are several types of play that can occur during BDSM. They include:

Age play: pretending that you are a different age than you are, whether younger or older
Breath play: controlling one's breath during the sexual experience, such as by holding your breath or through choking
Edge play: BDSM activities deemed as being more dangerous, pushing the "edge" of whether the action is SSC
Gender play: pretending to be a different gender than you are
Impact play: striking the body with some type of instrument, such as a hand, whip, or cane
Role play: pretending to have a different identity during a sexual experience