Sexual Masochism

Sexual masochism is intentional participation in an activity that involves being humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise abused to experience sexual excitement.

Sadomasochistic fantasies and sexual behavior between consenting adults is very common. Masochistic activity tends to be ritualized and chronic. For most participants, the humiliation and beating are simply acted out; participants know that it is a game and carefully avoid actual humiliation or injury. However, some masochists increase the severity of their activity with time, potentially leading to serious injury or death.

Masochistic activities may be the preferred or exclusive mode of producing sexual excitement. People may act on their masochistic fantasies themselves (eg, binding themselves, piercing their skin, applying electrical shocks, burning themselves) or seek out a partner who may be a sexual sadist. Activities with a partner include bondage, blindfolding, spanking, flagellation, humiliation by means of urination or defecation on the person, forced cross-dressing, or simulated rape.

For treatment sex therapy including psychological counseling can be tried but often it is ineffective.