BDSM is often equated with sexual deviance or even criminal acts in the category of sexual violence. In fact, if understood in depth, BDSM has a fundamental difference with the two things.
BDSM has actually been around for a long time in certain cultures. This is done to explore sexual pleasure. However, BDSM is sometimes still considered taboo to do because of the many negative perceptions related to this sexual activity.
In fact, BDSM is not always negative. Several studies have found that BDSM activities can have a positive impact on mental health, from helping reduce stress to strengthening emotional bonds with your partner.
What is BDSM?
BDSM is a sex role-playing game that involves bondage and discipline (slavery and discipline), dominance and submission (domination and surrender), and sadism and masochism (sadistic treatment and likes to be hurt).
For more details, the following is an understanding of the 3 main categories of BDSM that you need to know:
Bondage and discipline
Bondage (slavery) and discipline (discipline) is a role-playing game in which one partner acts as a slave who must be disciplined by the rules given by his master.
If the slave is undisciplined, the master has the right to punish him. This category usually involves binding, handcuffing, or detention.
Dominance and submission
Dominance (dominance) and submission (surrender) is a role-playing game in which one partner must submit or submit to any treatment during sexual intercourse by the Dominant (the person in power).
Sadism and masochism
Sadism (sadism) and masochism (masochism) is a role-playing game in which one party treats the other in a harsh and sadistic manner, for example slapping, grabbing, cursing, or silencing their partner's mouth, until both of them achieve sexual satisfaction.
Does BDSM Include Sexual Deviance?
The location of the most basic difference between BDSM and sexual deviance is the presence of: consent or the approval of both partners who will carry out BDSM activities.
In fact, the latest mental disorder diagnosis guide (DSM-5) no longer classifies BDSM performed on the basis of individual will as a mental disorder.
In addition, even though they have quite unique preferences in sexual relations, it does not mean that people who do BDSM also behave like this in their daily lives.
Important things to straighten out from BDSM activities
BDSM is a high-risk sexual activity, both from a security and legal perspective. If you do have a preference for this style of sex, there are a few things you should pay attention to first:
Approval from partner
Make sure that your partner agrees to BDSM. If your partner doesn't want to, you shouldn't force it because it can be considered sexual assault.
Knowing dangerous limits
BDSM is synonymous with rough treatment. However, you must understand the limitations of doing so. Do not let BDSM endanger your partner's life, because this is not impossible.
How to do BDSM safely
There have been many videos or BDSM instructional articles that can be learned, whether it's about how to safely practice it to easy tips for implementing boundaries. An example is by setting safeword, i.e. a code that requires a partner to stop when spoken.
You can watch and study this with your partner to add insight. However, make sure the video or article you watch or read is trustworthy and accurate.
If you or your partner has an interest in BDSM, understand that this is not a mental disorder to worry about as long as there is no coercion involved. In practice, make sure you both have an agreement and know each other's boundaries.
However, if you and your partner can't agree on this or one of the parties starts to feel scared and moves away, don't be shy to consult a psychologist or sexologist for help to solve the problem properly.
