Explanation of sadomasochism

Explanation of the term sadomasochism in BDSM

Sadomasochism (Sado-masochism) is a term for the interaction between persons with sadistic needs or wishes and persons with masochistic needs or wishes. Since the terms sadism and masochism often refer to the pathological, ruthless or self-destructive states, the term sadomasochism is preferred in BDSM. This term also emphasizes the necessary consent and mutuality in BDSM relationships.

Sadomasochism can be practised through e.g. bondage, dominance and submission, different kinds of hard physical stimuli, e.g. beatings, clamps, hot wax, large dildos and buttplugs, enemas, electricity, needles, cuttings, brandings and simulated rapes, humiliation through e.g. words of abuse or offensive language, public exhibition, urination or defecation over someone, control in the form of orders about e.g. indecent or humiliating dressing or behaviour, or assuming different positions, or combinations thereof. The reason for indulging in sadomasochism may be e.g. to emphasize dominance, submission or helplessness during bondage, sexual variation, to heighten or complement (put an edge to) "usual" rapture, achieving adrenalin or endorphin rushes, the thrill, to try and prove endurance, to satisfy a need to control or let go of control, to take revenge or punish oneself, sometimes pathological, compulsory sadism with ruthlessness or pathological, compulsory masochism with self-destructiveness, or various combinations thereof.

The term sadomasochism comes of the French Marquis de Sade and the Austrian Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, who both wrote several books on sadistic and masochistic themes, and the term itself was instated by the Austrian psychiatrist and sexual researcher Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840-1902) already back in 1886.