Sexual Health

Sadomasochism is probably a behavior we’re born with, according to research. Sadomasochism is widespread. In his first report on sexual behavior in 1948 Alfred Kinsey declared that 50 per cent of respondents said that they got erotic pleasure from being bitten, however the figure is probably nearer one in ten - and it’s found equally in women and men. Hypotheses about sadomasochism, which includes a spectrum of behaviors (dominance, submission, bondage) concerning infliction of pain are the stuff of psychoanalysts’ dreams. It was thought to be congenital, a transmuted death wish (no prizes for guessing that was Freud’s theory), early childhood shaming, and fear of castration and so on, ad infinitum.

But a much more likely explanation is that it is an innate sexual behavior. Similar to homosexuality, it is unquestionably seen in animals, and numerous animal species bite for the duration of coitus.

A long line of study has indicated that it is higher-educated, Times-reading types who are more probable to indulge than those News of the World enthusiasts. S&M behaviors can be psychological and physical. The important point is that it should be consensual though some people might place S&M in the same category as abuse.

There are no facts that it leads to violent crime, even though it can lead to embarrassment. A common form is to leave someone naked, defenseless and tied up. Fine if your leather-clad whip-wielding Zorro finds you. Bit of a bummer if it’s the cleaning lady, your children or, worst of all, a tabloid newspaper.

Tags: Sexual Health News //