How dangerous is BDSM?

The average person is generally a little confused about what BDSM really is. It turns out that it is actually several different things all rolled into one interesting sexual experience.

The BD stands for Bondage and discipline and or domination, the S for submission and/or sadism and the M for masochism. That is a pretty big mouthful right?

To understand BDSM you need to understand each of its components first since it is a hybrid. But you also need to recognize that true participants in BDSM are not violent in the usual way. This is not being done against the will of anyone, in fact each party is wholly consenting to all that is done to them. Though some may think it unusual for a person to want to be humiliated or punished in a painful manner, some do in fact find this not only stimulating but cleansing as well.

When BDSM is practiced according to the strict rules of play, each party is safe from true harm. Each participant is aware of the type of thing that will happen and they know that they can trust their partner to not do anything that will cause serious injury of death. Any pain that is suffered is done so willingly and it is truly asked for. This is not abuse in the traditional sense at all.

BDSM is not about sex per se, in fact oftentimes there is no typical sex at all. It is primarily about a sense of power and oftentimes even enlightenment. Some people use BDSM to deal with their stress and manage their emotional pain and torment. That is why some find it so cleansing and why it is literally a release for them unlike any other.

BDSM can sometimes involve types of role playing. This is why leather and rubber is often a large part of this sexual practice. Participants enjoy dressing up and playing the part of master or slave. And as far as who plays which part, either dominator or submissive, this can change from day to day. Though many people do prefer to be either the “top” or “bottom.”

It would be a mistake to assume that a person who is very powerful in their everyday lives would want to be the dominator when it comes to BDSM. In fact, it is comforting for these people to sometimes be able to let go of all this control and become the submissive. It is relaxing to be able to be told what to do and how to do it without having to make any decisions whatsoever for oneself. The opposite is true for some dominators. While they do not have a lot of power to wield in their day to day life, being able to be the master is an experience that is enjoyed enormously.

BDSM is not as dangerous as many people seem to think. There are of course fringe groups and exceptions, but this is the case with every rule. There is no rape involved in true BDSM, this type of sexual play is like acting, but a lot more fun for those who do it. It is a game of inflicting pain without truly injuring the participants.

If you are interested in BDSM it is important to keep in mind that you should not participate in this type of play with people that you do not know and trust. Because there is an element of danger that can be taken advantage of, you need to be sure of who you play with.