BDSM Basics for Everyone

BDSM Plenty of people enjoy BDSM and kinky sex. BDSM stands for Bondage & Domination, Sadism & Masochism, and describes a whole range of activities which people can enjoy in their sex lives – everything from handcuffing your partner to using pain and control is BDSM. BDSM isn’t always sexual, but we’re talking about sexual health here. 

BDSM isn’t abuse, because it’s between consenting people who’re enthusiastic about what they’re doing – it gives benefit to everybody involved. If anyone isn’t consenting, or they’re unwilling to participate, you should stop and talk. Continuing without someone’s consent is never OK and is abusive. If you’re tying someone up, or being tied up yourself, you should take care to look after everybody involved, particularly if someone is binding their chest or has recently had surgery etc. Never use tight restraints across someone’s chest if they’re binding, or any part of their body which is sore or delicate.

If you or your partner has an anxiety disorder or is prone to panic attacks, make sure anyone being restrained is able to escape safely as soon as possible if they get too anxious or panicked. Some people perform BDSM around others or in public – be aware that without the consent of people around you, you 20 could upset someone, if for example they find what you’re doing to be traumatic or triggering, as well as making them uncomfortable. Before trying any of this, you should make sure what you’re doing is safe, and you can manage if things go wrong. Also, if you or your partner is tired or needs support after any sex, including when BDSM is involved, make sure you get the aftercare and support you or they need.

For more information, visit BDSM Café