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Sexual masochism
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Sexual masochism consists of a person's deliberate participation in acts in which he himself is humiliated, beaten, tied up, or otherwise abused for the purpose of obtaining sexual pleasure.
Sadomasochistic fantasies and sexual behavior between consenting adults are quite common. Masochistic acts tend to become ritualistic and chronic. Most use humiliation and beatings more in fantasy, recognizing that this is a game and carefully avoiding real humiliation and injury. However, some masochists escalate their activities over time, potentially leading to serious injury or death.
Masochistic acts may be the preferred or only way to achieve sexual pleasure. People may act on their masochistic fantasies on their own (e.g., tying themselves up, puncturing their skin, giving themselves electric shocks, setting themselves on fire) or seek out a partner who may be a sexual sadist. Partner acts include bondage, blindfolding, spanking, flagellation, humiliation through urination and defecation on the partner, forced cross-dressing, or simulated rape.