What is BDSM?
In order to know what is behind the term, it should first be clear what the acronym BDSM stands for. It consists of the first letters of the English designations „Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism" and summarizes a group of diverse sexual preferences and identities. For those involved, three characteristics are essential: "safe, sane and consensual".
What are the roles in BDSM?
What is a session?
BDSM practices usually take place within a fixed period of time which can be defined as a game or session. Sexual intercourse can occur in any form within a session - but does not have to.
Important: BDSM is not always everything at once, it is diverse. So, dominance does not mean sadism and the pain of pleasure is not for everyone and does not occur in many sessions. And did you know that bondage is not necessarily only intended to fix the sub, but is also practiced for purely aesthetic reasons?
Tips for getting started
As a BDSM newcomer, you should start slowly and work your way up. You don't need to set up an entire game room to enjoy exciting power differential games. While "learning by doing" is arguably best for many sexual practices, when it comes to BDSM adventures, you should do some research - safety and trust first and foremost. In the OH MY! FANTASY Bondage Light Box we have developed an exact scenario for you, how you can slowly approach the world of consensus-driven bondage.
Are you interested in lustful slaps? Then you will insterested in our Spanking Date Box, who gives inspiration for positions for beginners and more experienced spankers.
The most important abbreviations and terms of the scene can also be found in our BDSM encyclopedia.
Who? How? Where? – BDSM in numbers
Estimates of the proportion of people who love BDSM range from about 5 to 25 percent. According to a global survey from 2005 ("Durex Global Sex Survey 2005"), around 20% of those surveyed have already used masks, blindfolds oder other bondage paraphernalia. 5% (in Germany 4%) expressly professed sadomachistic varieties.
The lust for power games, i.e. BDSM, is practiced across society, but seems to turn on people with higher incomes. Most members of sadomasochistic clubs are upper-middle class, well-educated, cultivated, socially integrated, professionally successful, reliable, emotionally and mentally stable.
In general, masochism (the passive part) is apparently more popular than sadism (the active part). According to various surveys, there are about four times as many BDSM fans who prefer the submissive part. Mostly it's women. It may serve as an outlet for them to release the pressure of responsibility and finally be allowed to show weakness.