BDSM is an umbrella term describing a range of sexual and relational practices involving bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism. It emphasizes consensual power dynamics where one partner may take on a dominant role and the other a submissive role, typically involving control, restraint, or sensation play, including pain or intense stimulation. BDSM can include activities such as bondage (physical restraints), discipline (rules and punishment), dominance and submission (power exchange), and sadism and masochism (pleasure from giving or receiving pain). Importantly, consent and communication are foundational principles in BDSM practices, distinguishing it from abuse or assault. These practices are common and can vary widely among individuals and couples, often serving as a way to explore trust, intimacy, and sexual fantasy in a safe and consensual way.
