BDSM Basics: Kink Without Hurt – Your Guide to Consensual Play

banana in chains
  • Breaking the Taboo: Why It's Time to Talk About Male Masturbators

    Sex toys, whether you use one or not, are items we’re all curious about to some level. While women are more likely to bring up their latest purchase in a...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Sex toys, whether you use one or not, are items we’re all curious about to some level. While women are more likely to bring up their latest purchase in a...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • women on sex swing

    Imagine having sex in positions that are not missionary. Imagine being able to get into different positions without feeling like your bones will crack or your muscles will hurt later. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Imagine having sex in positions that are not missionary. Imagine being able to get into different positions without feeling like your bones will crack or your muscles will hurt later. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • women holding two heart signs

    Pheromones are chemical signals your body sends to another and signals you in turn receive from another to show interest. It’s the natural, surface-level yet unique fragrance of another person...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Pheromones are chemical signals your body sends to another and signals you in turn receive from another to show interest. It’s the natural, surface-level yet unique fragrance of another person...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • The Ultimate Guide to Adam & Eve Canada: Top Picks for 2024

    Adam & Eve is a brand with its roots in the US and mail-order sex toy delivery. But over its 50 years of existence, the brand has made a name...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Adam & Eve is a brand with its roots in the US and mail-order sex toy delivery. But over its 50 years of existence, the brand has made a name...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • person holding fleshlight

    In the next decade or so, the male sex toy market is expected to grow into a $44 million industry. With the rise of online stores like XOXTOYS and a...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    In the next decade or so, the male sex toy market is expected to grow into a $44 million industry. With the rise of online stores like XOXTOYS and a...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women feeling orgasm

    Ask anyone what their first orgasm felt like and they would describe it as a life-altering moment where their soul left their body for a while. But the potential of...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Ask anyone what their first orgasm felt like and they would describe it as a life-altering moment where their soul left their body for a while. But the potential of...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  •  We-Vibe Products in Canada for Couples and Solo Play

    When it comes to We-vibe, the first thing people think of is innovative couples vibrators. Indeed, the brand is famous for its sole focus on vibrators with creative designs, ranging...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    When it comes to We-vibe, the first thing people think of is innovative couples vibrators. Indeed, the brand is famous for its sole focus on vibrators with creative designs, ranging...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Couple on bed

    Pegging is a sexual act where a cis woman uses a strap-on dildo to penetrate a man’s anus. It allows for a specific form of power and role reversal in...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Pegging is a sexual act where a cis woman uses a strap-on dildo to penetrate a man’s anus. It allows for a specific form of power and role reversal in...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Ball Gag

    If the cuffs and floggers look too intimidating for the start of your BDSM journey, we have just the device for you. Ball gags are your little pocket-friendly toys you...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    If the cuffs and floggers look too intimidating for the start of your BDSM journey, we have just the device for you. Ball gags are your little pocket-friendly toys you...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Sex Dolls

    The concept of sex dolls has fascinated humans for some time. For some reason, our immediate response to any kind of loneliness is to find replacements for it in artificial...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    The concept of sex dolls has fascinated humans for some time. For some reason, our immediate response to any kind of loneliness is to find replacements for it in artificial...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women Holding Small Vibrator

    The year is 2024 and looking at the extremely phallic-shaped, obvious vibrator makes you want to rip your hair out. What were you thinking when you bought it? When you...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    The year is 2024 and looking at the extremely phallic-shaped, obvious vibrator makes you want to rip your hair out. What were you thinking when you bought it? When you...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women Fingers Demonstrating Squirting

    Some sexual activities feel like they’re solely a porn category until you or someone you know experiences it. Squirting definitely falls into this group.  Some don’t believe squirting is real....

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Some sexual activities feel like they’re solely a porn category until you or someone you know experiences it. Squirting definitely falls into this group.  Some don’t believe squirting is real....

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Couple on bed crafting

    Every human experience is different. But when it comes to sex, we can agree on one thing, it needs to be the best instead of good or great.  It’s like...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Every human experience is different. But when it comes to sex, we can agree on one thing, it needs to be the best instead of good or great.  It’s like...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Man Enjoying Tenga Masturbators

    Male masturbators are a drop in the ocean of female masturbators. Anyone who is familiar with adult toys could probably name 6 types of vibrators off the top of their...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Male masturbators are a drop in the ocean of female masturbators. Anyone who is familiar with adult toys could probably name 6 types of vibrators off the top of their...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women teaching BDSM Basics

    BDSM, either due to the name itself or due to portrayal in popular media,  has the unfortunate mantle of being only pain play. In reality, BDSM is a wide collection...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    BDSM, either due to the name itself or due to portrayal in popular media,  has the unfortunate mantle of being only pain play. In reality, BDSM is a wide collection...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Cock Rings

    Unlike most male toys, cock rings complement partnered play more than solo use. It’s not to say men don’t love it for their alone time. They can’t get enough of...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Unlike most male toys, cock rings complement partnered play more than solo use. It’s not to say men don’t love it for their alone time. They can’t get enough of...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women Feeling Finger Vibrator

    Almost all sensual exploration starts with your fingers. Whether you’re going solo or with a partner, your fingers are never idle during sex. They explore, press, and circle.  Your fingers...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Almost all sensual exploration starts with your fingers. Whether you’re going solo or with a partner, your fingers are never idle during sex. They explore, press, and circle.  Your fingers...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women holding dildo and thinking

    For centuries, women’s pleasure has been put on the back burner. Of course, this started changing sometime around the 1960s, when the feminist movement made people more open about masturbation...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    For centuries, women’s pleasure has been put on the back burner. Of course, this started changing sometime around the 1960s, when the feminist movement made people more open about masturbation...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • double dildo in dark

    If you’ve been using vibrators for a while, your collection probably has a bullet vibe, a wand, a clitoral vibrator, and a G-spot vibrator. If you like a bit of...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    If you’ve been using vibrators for a while, your collection probably has a bullet vibe, a wand, a clitoral vibrator, and a G-spot vibrator. If you like a bit of...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • woman holding Black Dildo

    Black dildos appeal to people for two reasons. The solid dark color is visually stimulating, as your eyes zero in on it when it’s going inside of you or when...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Black dildos appeal to people for two reasons. The solid dark color is visually stimulating, as your eyes zero in on it when it’s going inside of you or when...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • 3 tenga eggs

    When it comes to sex toys for women, the overload of choices is the issue. Meanwhile, male masturbators often have little variety, with often basic designs.  The stigma attached to...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    When it comes to sex toys for women, the overload of choices is the issue. Meanwhile, male masturbators often have little variety, with often basic designs.  The stigma attached to...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Couple with sex toys in the Background

    Routine is comfort and safety. It’s also incredibly boring.  For long-time couples, it’s not unusual to fall into a routine in their sex life. You know the person so well,...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Routine is comfort and safety. It’s also incredibly boring.  For long-time couples, it’s not unusual to fall into a routine in their sex life. You know the person so well,...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • small to big dildos

    Let’s be real. If you use dildos, you’re curious about what a giant dildo will feel like.  Is it something you can take? Would the stretch feel good to you?...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Let’s be real. If you use dildos, you’re curious about what a giant dildo will feel like.  Is it something you can take? Would the stretch feel good to you?...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • woman holding glass dildo

    Glass dildos were the undergods of dildos for a while. The thought of inserting glass into their body terrifies them. There is the fear it will break.  But glass is...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Glass dildos were the undergods of dildos for a while. The thought of inserting glass into their body terrifies them. There is the fear it will break.  But glass is...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Woman in dark background

    Nipples are one of the most sensitive areas in your body. It's a certified erogenous zone, no matter the gender. When it comes to foreplay, it’s not unusual for lovers...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Nipples are one of the most sensitive areas in your body. It's a certified erogenous zone, no matter the gender. When it comes to foreplay, it’s not unusual for lovers...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • a Lube bottle and Dildo floating on water

    Do you miss the desperate intensity of the first few months of your relationship? Is the spark long gone? Do you not like them anymore? Unlikely.  What you’re experiencing is...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Do you miss the desperate intensity of the first few months of your relationship? Is the spark long gone? Do you not like them anymore? Unlikely.  What you’re experiencing is...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • a Lube bottle and Dildo floating on water

    Do you miss the desperate intensity of the first few months of your relationship? Is the spark long gone? Do you not like them anymore? Unlikely.  What you’re experiencing is...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Do you miss the desperate intensity of the first few months of your relationship? Is the spark long gone? Do you not like them anymore? Unlikely.  What you’re experiencing is...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • women holding c ring

    If you’ve been feeling a bit underconfident about your sexual performance these days, but don’t want to necessarily use an obvious sex toy, you might want to consider C-rings.  While...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    If you’ve been feeling a bit underconfident about your sexual performance these days, but don’t want to necessarily use an obvious sex toy, you might want to consider C-rings.  While...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • women holding dildo in one hand

    Do you know what’s more embarrassing than being inside an adult toy store? Going inside the toy store, knowing full well everyone on the street can see you walk inside. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Do you know what’s more embarrassing than being inside an adult toy store? Going inside the toy store, knowing full well everyone on the street can see you walk inside. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • bunch of vibrators, dildos and butt plugs

    There’s a whole lot of mystery around sex toys and personal lubes. Because of societal conditioning, most people don’t feel comfortable asking questions except in the privacy of the internet. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    There’s a whole lot of mystery around sex toys and personal lubes. Because of societal conditioning, most people don’t feel comfortable asking questions except in the privacy of the internet. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • vibrators, dildos and butt plugs on bed

    1 in 2 people you know have a sex toy lying somewhere in their closet. If you’ve been meaning to try a sex toy for the first time in your...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    1 in 2 people you know have a sex toy lying somewhere in their closet. If you’ve been meaning to try a sex toy for the first time in your...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Woman holding pink dildo

    En el aventurero mundo del placer y el autodescubrimiento íntimo, pocas ayudas han atraído tanta atención como los juguetes para adultos y los lubricantes personales. Desde el dormitorio de un...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    En el aventurero mundo del placer y el autodescubrimiento íntimo, pocas ayudas han atraído tanta atención como los juguetes para adultos y los lubricantes personales. Desde el dormitorio de un...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Exploring Types of Personal Lubricants

    Navegar por el sofisticado y variado mundo de los lubricantes personales puede ser tan complejo como resbaladizo. Dado que el mercado cuenta con una verdadera mezcla heterogénea de opciones, no...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Navegar por el sofisticado y variado mundo de los lubricantes personales puede ser tan complejo como resbaladizo. Dado que el mercado cuenta con una verdadera mezcla heterogénea de opciones, no...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • sex toys with foam

    Ya sea que estés explorando por primera vez o te consideres un navegante experimentado, esta guía es tu invitación a elevar tus experiencias íntimas, equilibrando la emoción de la persecución...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Ya sea que estés explorando por primera vez o te consideres un navegante experimentado, esta guía es tu invitación a elevar tus experiencias íntimas, equilibrando la emoción de la persecución...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • We Vibe Toys

    Algo bastante mágico está sucediendo en las habitaciones y en los momentos íntimos de la vasta y hermosa extensión de Canadá. Desde la energía eléctrica de la vida urbana en...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Algo bastante mágico está sucediendo en las habitaciones y en los momentos íntimos de la vasta y hermosa extensión de Canadá. Desde la energía eléctrica de la vida urbana en...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Bag full of sex toys

    Nuestra guía, 'Consejos para comprar juguetes sexuales en línea de forma segura', es un esfuerzo para guiarlo a través de este complejo proceso. Le brindaremos consejos y precauciones a considerar...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Nuestra guía, 'Consejos para comprar juguetes sexuales en línea de forma segura', es un esfuerzo para guiarlo a través de este complejo proceso. Le brindaremos consejos y precauciones a considerar...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Deals on all types of sex toys

    Las tiendas locales te cobran el doble que las tiendas de juguetes sexuales online. Este es un secreto a voces. Y es comprensible. Tienen que pagar un alquiler y un...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Las tiendas locales te cobran el doble que las tiendas de juguetes sexuales online. Este es un secreto a voces. Y es comprensible. Tienen que pagar un alquiler y un...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • A woman on bed

    La exploración y la experimentación son facetas inherentes a la existencia humana y la sexualidad no es una excepción a esta regla. Profundizar en el amplio mundo del bienestar y...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    La exploración y la experimentación son facetas inherentes a la existencia humana y la sexualidad no es una excepción a esta regla. Profundizar en el amplio mundo del bienestar y...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women holding  G-Spot Vibrators

    ¡Hola buscadores de placer! Ya sea que haya comenzado su viaje de autodescubrimiento o haya estado explorando el tentador mundo de los electrodomésticos durante bastante tiempo, ha dado con la...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    ¡Hola buscadores de placer! Ya sea que haya comenzado su viaje de autodescubrimiento o haya estado explorando el tentador mundo de los electrodomésticos durante bastante tiempo, ha dado con la...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Solo Play Sex toys

    Si es la primera vez que buscas juguetes sexuales para jugar en solitario, deberías empezar con un vibrador de bala. Generalmente están hechos para uso externo. Es comprensible si no...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Si es la primera vez que buscas juguetes sexuales para jugar en solitario, deberías empezar con un vibrador de bala. Generalmente están hechos para uso externo. Es comprensible si no...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Women Fingers Demonstrating Squirting

    Some sexual activities feel like they’re solely a porn category until you or someone you know experiences it. Squirting definitely falls into this group.  Some don’t believe squirting is real....

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Some sexual activities feel like they’re solely a porn category until you or someone you know experiences it. Squirting definitely falls into this group.  Some don’t believe squirting is real....

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Couple on bed crafting

    Every human experience is different. But when it comes to sex, we can agree on one thing, it needs to be the best instead of good or great.  It’s like...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Every human experience is different. But when it comes to sex, we can agree on one thing, it needs to be the best instead of good or great.  It’s like...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • cleaning sex toys

    The thing about sex toys is, there is a world of difference between cleaning and sanitizing them. When you sanitize your sex toys, you aim to get rid of any...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    The thing about sex toys is, there is a world of difference between cleaning and sanitizing them. When you sanitize your sex toys, you aim to get rid of any...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • all types of butt plugs

    If there’s one body part we all have in common, no matter the sexual orientation, it’s our butt. Oddly, it’s one area where we have created the most ridiculous myths...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    If there’s one body part we all have in common, no matter the sexual orientation, it’s our butt. Oddly, it’s one area where we have created the most ridiculous myths...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Half naked Woman

    It’s normal for your breasts to change throughout your lifetime. Age, hormones, medicines, and undetected medical issues can change the shape, and cause lumps and fluid leakage.  While some changes...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    It’s normal for your breasts to change throughout your lifetime. Age, hormones, medicines, and undetected medical issues can change the shape, and cause lumps and fluid leakage.  While some changes...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Romantic Couple

    Is sex not another type of workout? No wonder some people do a better job of it than others.  Sex requires movement and concentration. The more you focus and practice,...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Is sex not another type of workout? No wonder some people do a better job of it than others.  Sex requires movement and concentration. The more you focus and practice,...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Romantic Couple

    Is sex not another type of workout? No wonder some people do a better job of it than others.  Sex requires movement and concentration. The more you focus and practice,...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Is sex not another type of workout? No wonder some people do a better job of it than others.  Sex requires movement and concentration. The more you focus and practice,...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • women holding dildo in one hand

    Do you know what’s more embarrassing than being inside an adult toy store? Going inside the toy store, knowing full well everyone on the street can see you walk inside. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Do you know what’s more embarrassing than being inside an adult toy store? Going inside the toy store, knowing full well everyone on the street can see you walk inside. ...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Woman on bed with sex toys

    Los juguetes sexuales pueden ser costosos. Cuando gastas $200 en un vibrador , la idea de reemplazarlo puede ponerte la piel de gallina. Pero saber cuándo reemplazar tus juguetes es...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Los juguetes sexuales pueden ser costosos. Cuando gastas $200 en un vibrador , la idea de reemplazarlo puede ponerte la piel de gallina. Pero saber cuándo reemplazar tus juguetes es...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • sex toys with foam

    Ya sea que estés explorando por primera vez o te consideres un navegante experimentado, esta guía es tu invitación a elevar tus experiencias íntimas, equilibrando la emoción de la persecución...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Ya sea que estés explorando por primera vez o te consideres un navegante experimentado, esta guía es tu invitación a elevar tus experiencias íntimas, equilibrando la emoción de la persecución...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • We Vibe Toys

    Algo bastante mágico está sucediendo en las habitaciones y en los momentos íntimos de la vasta y hermosa extensión de Canadá. Desde la energía eléctrica de la vida urbana en...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Algo bastante mágico está sucediendo en las habitaciones y en los momentos íntimos de la vasta y hermosa extensión de Canadá. Desde la energía eléctrica de la vida urbana en...

    Read More By XOXTOYS
  • Deals on all types of sex toys

    Las tiendas locales te cobran el doble que las tiendas de juguetes sexuales online. Este es un secreto a voces. Y es comprensible. Tienen que pagar un alquiler y un...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

    Las tiendas locales te cobran el doble que las tiendas de juguetes sexuales online. Este es un secreto a voces. Y es comprensible. Tienen que pagar un alquiler y un...

    Read More By XOXTOYS

BDSM, either due to the name itself or due to portrayal in popular media,  has the unfortunate mantle of being only pain play. In reality, BDSM is a wide collection of kinks. 


A lot of these kinks do not involve hurting the other person at all or enjoying pain. Most of it is mainly an exchange of control, submission, and trust. 


Let’s explore how you can enjoy your kinks without the hurt. This is your guide to understanding your kinks and learning the importance of explicit consent. 

Understanding Kink and BDSM


You can think of all BDSM activities as kinks. It’s almost an umbrella term for non-conventional sexual activities. For example, animal roleplaying can be a kink for some. 


In the case of BDSM, the initial stands for a couple of kinks, depending on who you ask. Overall, it covers bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism. 


People who engage in BDSM don’t always treat themselves to the full range of activities. In fact, unless your style of sensuality falls into the sadism and masochism category, there are plenty of activities and kinks without hurt. 


Even sadomasochism doesn’t always mean physical pain. Now, the term sadomasochism does mean deriving pleasure from inflicting pain onto yourself or others. The sadist is the one who inflicts pain, while the masochist is on the receiving end. 


But the nature of the pain doesn’t have to be physical. It can involve psychological pain, such as insults or humiliation. To give an example - and it depends entirely on the person- some people enjoy being told they’re useless, even if they’re highly competent individuals by every means. 


The key here is consent and experience. 


This is where the difference between hurt and harm is balanced. 

Hurt v/s Harm


According to members of the BDSM community, you can describe hurt as something that heals on its own. Harm is a kind of long-lasting pain. It can be physical or psychological, like a broken bone or dwindling self-worth from degradation. 


Harm requires professional help to heal. Harm can happen because of miscommunication, poor equipment, accidents, or because of doing a scene with the wrong person. 


In BDSM, harm happens when rules and limits set by the parties involved are breached. 


Some people enjoy cutting, branding, needle play, etc. These kinds of pain are a little more permanent. But if they are done with the expressed enthusiasm of both parties, it’s a type of hurt rather than harm. The person feels good in the aftermath. 


Even so, harm is usually off the table for BDSM practitioners. 


Now, if during knife play, one partner signals the other to stop or uses a safe word and the other doesn’t listen to them, it will be considered harm. The person asking to stop will end up leaving the scene with lasting damage.  


Sometimes, harm is more accidental. Maybe your scene partner didn’t know enough to carry out the scene and they ended up hurting you more than you both anticipated. 


This is why BDSM, whether pain is involved or not, requires a high level of trust and explicit consent. A scene done with the wrong person can quickly turn from hurt to harm. 

Why It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Exploring Pleasure in BDSM


BDSM has never been about pain. It’s an aspect of it and it can be a common part. But there is way more to it. 


A BDSM practitioner can also play with mental and physical control, sensory deprivation, restraint, etc. 


An explanation of some of the terms and kinks might help you better understand it. 

1. Bondage

Bondage involves limiting how much your partner can move. 


You might tie their hands with ropes, handcuffs, or some other form of restraints. Some go all out with ropes, preferring to tie their hands, legs, and even their entire body. 


58.9% of males and 54.4% of female BDSM practitioners consider bondage as one of their preferred activities. Studies show people enjoy bondage for a number of reasons, including a desire for total control, exchange of power, and even as a form of meditation. 


We can look at the psychology behind BDSM and bondage from a scientific perspective all we want, but when we ask BDSM practitioners, the answer is more simple. 


The one tied up is usually seeking to surrender control. They like they do not have to make any decisions anymore for the time being, both psychologically and physically. 


Bondage seems to appeal to people with social anxiety more than anything. For some hours, they do not have to worry about making the wrong decision, because they can’t literally make one while restrained. It’s relaxing and lets them enjoy the sensual experience without added worries. 


Even the sensation of rope on the skin, the dig and the tightness, and the slight burn when it’s pulled can be appealing. Some even like the way it pulls when they writhe too much, a reminder of how helpless they are at the moment.  


Meanwhile, the person in charge seems to like taking control and making their partner relax. They like making those decisions the other person chooses to surrender. They enjoy giving their full attention to their partner. 

2. Discipline and Dominance

Discipline and dominance almost go hand in hand. Dominance is one person handing over authority to the other person to make all the decisions.


They tell the submissive person what to do. At times, if the submissive fails to follow through, they might punish them, which is where discipline comes in. 


Of course, the one in the submissive position gives consent before any scene starts. They agree to the type of punishment acceptable beforehand. 


They can also withdraw consent while in the middle of a scene if they feel uncomfortable. BDSM practitioners keep safe words and other safety systems in place for this reason. 


One BDSM practitioner explains it as almost being like an artist. The submissive commissioned them for a work of art (sexual experience) and the dominant executed it by using their creativity. In return, they get the satisfaction of a job well done and feeling wanted. 


A dominant can use tricks like bondage, blindfolds, gags, and other forms of sensory deprivation and control to make the experience special. 

3. Submission

Submission is submitting to the wishes and actions of the dominant partner. Similar to bondage, the person gives up control. 


It’s an opportunity for them to essentially turn off their brain and not have to make decisions beyond the basics. It’s almost a form of stress relief. 


Some people enjoy being humiliated, degraded, and even objectified while in a submissive state. Others might prefer a more gentle version of submission, where they mostly follow orders from their dom. 


It’s an expressive show of choice and trust. 


For some submissives and dominants, the play might bleed out of the bedroom and into their public life. But it’s usually discussed beforehand and lines are drawn for when the play isn’t appropriate. 

4. Sadomasochism (Sadism and Masochism)

Sadomasochism is when BDSM practitioners take the submissive and dominant dynamic to a more extreme level. 


It’s the one kink where navigating it without hurt is sort of pointless. 


Sadism, by nature, dictates the person feels pleasure from inflicting pain on their partner. Masochism demands the person feels pleasure from receiving pain. Considering pain and pleasure are processed in the same region in the brain, the overlap of it for people during sexual activities makes perfect sense. 


Naturally, BDSM gears for sadomasochistic roleplay are a little more pain-oriented. The practitioners tend to go for crops and paddles, floggers, whips, nipple clamps, etc. 

BDSM Basics: The Importance of Consent and Communication


There is never a time when consent and communication shouldn’t be playing the starring role in your sexual activities. But the need is amplified when BDSM is involved, as the stakes are higher with the possibility of harm. 

1. Consent

BDSM is not something you can start with your partner without setting clear boundaries. Discuss every sex act you are going to engage in beforehand, along with the kind of roleplay you want to take part in. 


Don’t hesitate to communicate when you don’t like something. There is no messing about with consent when it comes to BDSM. 


BDSM itself requires a massive amount of trust from all parties involved. And you can’t form trust without being honest about your needs and wants. 


It’s a good idea to lay out your boundaries in the form of a contract, verbal or written. 

2. Safe Words

A BDSM basics is to come up with safe words for the safety of all parties involved. Because of the nature of BDSM, people can often fall into a headspace


Because their body is so overwhelmed by the rush of endorphins, enkephalins, and other hormones, they lose the ability to think properly, let alone form sentences. 


Yet, they might have started feeling uncomfortable with the sexual activity they’re doing or need a moment of breather. Safe words come in handy during those times. 


It’s easier to remember a couple of specific words when words escape you. 


A safe word puts a stop to the entire act or stops the sex entirely. Some may decide on a couple of safe words to indicate something. For example, “pumpkin” might mean to stop the act while “apple” means to stop the sex. 


“Vanilla” could mean it’s okay to keep going but the other person needs to be more careful or change something. 


Some people go for the classic traffic light system. Red is for stop, yellow is a signal to go slow because of discomfort but not stop, and green means everything is good. 


Safe words don’t have to be words either. If you’re gagged or tied up, using words can be difficult. So, to indicate you need to stop, you can tap, pinch, squeeze, or snap your fingers. 


Remember, safe words aren’t only for the submissive or the masochist. The dom or the sadist could feel overwhelmed too and they can exercise their rights to use the words as well. 

3. Aftercare

Aftercare is a series of physical and mental acts of care you do after a post-BDSM scene. 


You might cuddle, drink water, take a bath, or do other calming activities together. You can also discuss what both of you liked, what didn’t work, and how both of you are feeling. 


This prepares you for your next scene with better communication and helps stabilize the high of the scene. 

Tools and Techniques for Beginners


If you are dipping your toes into the BDSM waters and don’t know where to start, go for the light kinks. 


Stuff like hair pulling, blindfolds, scarf bondage, handcuffs, and role-play is light BDSM. It’s the safer kind of kink without hurt. Enough for plenty of people to practice some of them without even realizing they’re engaging in BDSM. 


Get a prior list of kinks from your partner. You can decide what you want to try first together and go through the list by level. 


For beginners, hair-pulling and blindfolds make the most sense. Instead of going for a tight blindfold, go for a mask type you can easily remove if required like the Calexotics Boundless Blackout Eyemask


Cuffs and rope are almost for the same purpose. Cuffs are only for your hands and legs while ropes can be used as full body restraint. 


You should start with cuffs because they’re easier to remove. Go for the Calexotics Boundless Hogtie Set. Once you feel more confident, you can switch to ropes. Blush Temptasia Red Bondage can do the job perfectly, requiring more adept hands at tying. 


You want to buy a pair of safety scissors if it’s your first time with ropes as well. 


Now, if you want to upgrade to pain play, try with less risky products like nipple clamps and suckers


If it turns out pain is something appealing to you or your partner, you can try light spanking with your hands. Eventually, you can upgrade it to crops and paddles.


Crops offer more pointed sensations like the Classic Riding Crop. The pain from the paddle is more widespread when it comes in contact with your body. You can try the Tantus Tawse Small Paddle for this. 


The whip is for the entire body. It also requires dexterous hands. You want to hold off on using one until you are confident in your abilities. Once you are, go for the Fetish Tentation Martinet Whip


With BDSM, it’s like making it through several levels. Most BDSM can be without pain. You never have to make it to the sadomasochistic layer if you don’t want to. 


You are not required to enjoy pain simply because your sexual choices aren’t exactly straightforward. 

Final Thoughts

Before you get into BDSM, you want to read up on it as much as possible. Start with books like The Loving Dominant by John Warren and The New Bottoming Book by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton. 


If you prefer a visual medium Rory's Brainworks has some gems on bondage. Evie Lupine greets you with tips, commentaries, and debūnking. 


You can join BDSM workshops to gain practical experience. It’s a way to safely explore BDSM without exposing yourself sexually. When you’re all informed, you can look through XOXTOYS’ massive BDSM collection.
Regresar al blog

Deja un comentario

Ten en cuenta que los comentarios deben aprobarse antes de que se publiquen.

gift box

Mystery Box

Step out of your comfort zone with exclusively curated erotic items from XOXTOYS. Give yourself permission to try a bit of everything- something tame, something kinky, and something safe. A Mystery Box from XOXTOYS makes for an exciting birthday present or a fun couple’s challenge.

GET YOURS NOW!