Sexual masochism

What is sexual masochism?

Sexual masochism is a paraphilia. According to the DSM 5, there is sexual masochism disorder, when there have been "over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent and intense sexual arousal from the act of being humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise made to suffer, as manifested by fantasies, urges, or behaviors." "The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning."

Verbal masochism and physical masochism

There are two kinds of sexual masochism: it can be limited to verbal humiliation or it can include being physically hurt, beaten, or injured.

Alone or with a partner

Some people with sexual masochism disorder act out fantasies on themselves with acts such as cutting or burning themselves. Others try to find a partner who enjoys inflicting pain on others.

List of paraphilic disorders

Here is a non-exhaustive list of paraphilic disorders: fetishism, transvestism, sadism, masochism, zoophilia, voyeurism, exhibitionism, frotteurism, pedophilia, necrophilia, urophilia.