BDSM, which stands for bondage, discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism, is a form of sexual expression that has gained more visibility in recent years.
Despite this increased visibility, BDSM is often misunderstood and stigmatized. In this article, we will look at BDSM statistics to provide a more accurate picture of the prevalence of BDSM, the health and well-being of BDSM participants, and the diversity of BDSM activities and preferences.
Key BDSM Statistics and Facts
- 11% of the population has engaged in BDSM activities at some point in their lives.
- Women are more likely to engage in BDSM activities than men, with 19% of women having done so compared to 11% of men.
- 36% of BDSM participants identify as bisexual, while 30% identify as heterosexual and 29% as homosexual.
- The average age of first BDSM experience is 20.8 years old.
- BDSM participants are more likely to have a college education than the general population.
- 68% of BDSM participants report using safe words to establish boundaries during activities.
- 30% of BDSM participants reported engaging in “edge play” activities, such as breath play or knife play.
- 27% of BDSM participants report having experienced discrimination or harassment due to their BDSM activities.
- BDSM participants report higher levels of psychological well-being and relationship satisfaction than non-participants.
- 40% of BDSM participants report being in a committed relationship with a BDSM partner.
- BDSM participants are more likely to engage in non-monogamous relationships than non-participants.
- 34% of BDSM participants have a BDSM-related tattoo or piercing.
- 80% of BDSM participants report using consent as a key factor in their BDSM activities.
- BDSM participants are more likely to identify as feminist than the general population.
- 44% of BDSM participants have engaged in bondage activities.
- 37% of BDSM participants have engaged in discipline activities.
- 28% of BDSM participants have engaged in dominance activities.
- 23% of BDSM participants have engaged in submission activities.
- 18% of BDSM participants have engaged in sadism activities.
- 11% of BDSM participants have engaged in masochism activities.
- BDSM participants are more likely to use technology to connect with partners and find communities.
- BDSM activities are more common among younger people, with 18-24 year olds being the most likely to have engaged in such activities.
- BDSM participants report higher levels of sexual satisfaction than non-participants.
- BDSM participants are more likely to engage in consensual non-consent activities, also known as “rape play,” than non-participants.
- 70% of BDSM participants report using aftercare to recover after intense BDSM activities.
- BDSM participants are more likely to identify as queer than the general population.
- 54% of BDSM participants report using impact play activities, such as spanking or flogging.
- 40% of BDSM participants report using power exchange activities, such as master/slave relationships.
- BDSM participants are more likely to engage in role play activities than non-participants.
- 89% of BDSM participants report using communication as a key factor in their BDSM activities.
- A 2016 study found that BDSM practitioners scored significantly higher than non-practitioners on measures of extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness.
- BDSM participants have been found to have lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, during BDSM activities, indicating a possible stress-reducing effect.
- BDSM is not considered a mental disorder by the American Psychological Association, though it was previously listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Prevalence of BDSM
Health and Well-Being of BDSM Participants
BDSM Activities and Preferences
How Common is BDSM in the USA?
Misconceptions and Stigma Surrounding BDSM
BDSM Accidents, Injuries, and Deaths
In the BDSM community, are there more Dominants or Submissives?
Are there more men or women into BDSM?
Sources
Prevalence of BDSM
BDSM is more common than many people realize. Here are some statistics on the prevalence of BDSM:
- Approximately 11% of the population has engaged in BDSM activities at some point in their lives.
- Women are more likely to engage in BDSM activities than men, with 19% of women having done so compared to 11% of men.
- The average age of first BDSM experience is 20.8 years old.
- BDSM participants are more likely to have a college education than the general population.
- BDSM participants are more likely to identify as feminist than the general population.
Health and Well-Being of BDSM Participants
Contrary to negative stereotypes, research has found that BDSM participants have higher levels of psychological well-being and relationship satisfaction than non-participants. Here are some statistics on the health and well-being of BDSM participants:
- BDSM participants report higher levels of sexual satisfaction than non-participants.
- BDSM participants report higher levels of psychological well-being than non-participants.
- BDSM participants report higher levels of relationship satisfaction than non-participants.
- BDSM participants are more likely to engage in consensual non-consent activities, also known as “rape play,” than non-participants.
- 70% of BDSM participants report using aftercare to recover after intense BDSM activities.
BDSM Activities and Preferences
BDSM is a diverse and multifaceted community, with a wide range of preferences and practices. Here are some statistics on BDSM activities and preferences:
- Approximately 68% of BDSM participants report using safe words to establish boundaries during activities.
- Around 30% of BDSM participants reported engaging in “edge play” activities, such as breath play or knife play.
- Bondage is a common BDSM activity, with about 44% of participants having engaged in it.
- Discipline activities, such as spanking or caning, are also popular in BDSM, with around 37% of participants having engaged in them.
- BDSM involves power dynamics, and approximately 28% of participants have engaged in dominance activities, while 23% have engaged in submission activities.
- Sadism activities, such as inflicting pain or humiliation, are less common in BDSM, with approximately 18% of participants having engaged in them.
- Masochism activities, which involve receiving pain or humiliation, are engaged in by approximately 11% of BDSM participants.
- BDSM participants are more likely to engage in non-monogamous relationships than non-participants.
- Approximately 40% of BDSM participants report being in a committed relationship with a BDSM partner.
- A significant proportion of participants (34%) have a BDSM-related tattoo or piercing.
- Technology plays an important role in connecting BDSM participants with partners and finding communities.
- BDSM participants are more likely to identify as queer than the general population.
- Communication is a key factor in BDSM activities, with 89% of participants reporting that they use it regularly.
How common is BDSM in the USA?
BDSM prevalence varies by country and region. Here are some statistics on the prevalence of BDSM in the United States:
- The prevalence of BDSM in the United States is similar to that in other countries, with approximately 11% of the population having engaged in BDSM activities.
- BDSM prevalence varies by state, with some states having higher rates of BDSM activity than others.
- New York, California, and Texas have the highest number of BDSM-related businesses and events.
- BDSM is legal in the United States, but some states have laws that criminalize certain BDSM activities, such as consensual non-consent.
Misconceptions and Stigma Surrounding BDSM
BDSM is often misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to discrimination and harassment for BDSM participants. Here are some statistics on the misconceptions and stigma surrounding BDSM:
- 27% of BDSM participants report having experienced discrimination or harassment due to their BDSM activities.
- BDSM participants are often portrayed negatively in the media, with 50 Shades of Grey being a prime example.
- BDSM is often associated with violence, abuse, and mental illness, despite research indicating the opposite.
- The BDSM community has faced discrimination from healthcare providers, who may view BDSM as a mental disorder or refuse to provide care for BDSM-related injuries.
BDSM Accidents, Injuries, and Deaths
BDSM activities, like any form of sexual activity, carry a risk of accidents, injuries, and, in rare cases, deaths. Here are some statistics on BDSM-related accidents, injuries, and deaths:
- One study found that approximately 4% of BDSM participants reported experiencing injuries related to BDSM activities, such as bruises, burns, or cuts.
- In a survey of BDSM-related injuries in San Francisco, the most common types of injuries were bruises (58%), followed by cuts or lacerations (24%).
- The same survey found that the most common causes of BDSM-related injuries were flogging (43%), followed by rope bondage (22%).
- BDSM-related deaths are extremely rare. A review of the medical literature found only a few cases of death related to BDSM activities, with most of the deaths resulting from autoerotic asphyxiation.
- In a survey of BDSM participants, 70% reported using aftercare to recover from intense BDSM activities, which can help prevent injuries or accidents.
It’s important to note that while BDSM carries a risk of accidents and injuries, these risks can be mitigated through proper communication, education, and safety precautions. BDSM activities should always be consensual, and participants should use safe words, establish clear boundaries, and avoid activities that are beyond their physical or emotional limits.
Are there more men or women into BDSM?
BDSM is a diverse and complex set of activities, and the prevalence of BDSM may differ among different genders. Here are some statistics on the prevalence of BDSM among men and women:
- According to a national survey on the demographic and psychosocial features of BDSM participants in the United States, women are more likely to engage in BDSM activities than men.
- In this study, 19% of women reported having engaged in BDSM activities at some point in their lives, compared to 11% of men.
- Another study found that women who identified as bisexual or lesbian were more likely to engage in BDSM activities than women who identified as heterosexual.
- However, men who identified as gay or bisexual were not more likely to engage in BDSM activities than men who identified as heterosexual.
- The prevalence of BDSM among transgender individuals is not well-studied, but some research suggests that transgender individuals may be more likely to engage in BDSM activities due to the exploration of gender and power dynamics.
It’s worth noting that while these statistics suggest that women are more likely to engage in BDSM activities than men, the prevalence of BDSM may differ depending on the study sample and the definition of BDSM used. Additionally, these statistics may underestimate the true prevalence of BDSM, as some individuals may be reluctant to disclose their participation in these activities due to stigma or fear of discrimination.
In the BDSM community, are there more Dominants or Submissives?
- According to a national survey on the demographic and psychosocial features of BDSM participants in the United States, approximately 28% of participants reported engaging in dominance activities.
- In the same study, 23% of participants reported engaging in submission activities.
- These statistics suggest that there may be a slightly higher prevalence of Dominants than Submissives in the BDSM community.
- Not all individuals who engage in BDSM activities identify as Dominants or Submissives, as BDSM activities can involve a wide range of power dynamics and roles.
- Some individuals may identify as switches, meaning that they enjoy both Dominant and Submissive roles.
Conclusion
Understanding BDSM statistics is crucial for dispelling misconceptions and supporting the BDSM community. By recognizing the prevalence of BDSM, the health and well-being of BDSM participants, and the diversity of BDSM activities and preferences, we can work to promote a more accurate and positive understanding of BDSM. Furthermore, by addressing the discrimination and stigma facing BDSM participants, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society.
About Katherin Winnick
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