Medical expert of the article
New publications
Sexual masochism
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Sexual masochism consists in the deliberate participation of a person in actions in which he himself is subjected to humiliation, beating, tying, or other violence in order to obtain sexual pleasure.
Sadomasochistic fantasies and sexual behavior between adults by mutual consent are very common. Masochistic actions tend to become ritual and chronic. Most use humiliation and beating more in fantasies, realizing that this is a game, and carefully avoiding real humiliation and trauma. However, some masochists increase their activity over time, potentially leading to serious damage or death.
Masochistic actions can be preferred or the only way to achieve sexual pleasure. People can act on their own masochistic fantasies themselves (for example, tying themselves, piercing the skin, striking with electric current, setting fire to themselves) or looking for a partner who can be a sexual sadist. Actions with a partner include tying, blindfolding, flogging, scourging, humiliation through urination and defecation of a partner, forced dressing up or imitating rape.
