Health Topics for Mental and Emotional Health

Department of Psychiatry

Masochism

Masochism is a sexual disorder. It involves humiliation, or being made to suffer. Sexual masochism is more common in males, but the incidence in females appears to be on the rise. Masochists often seek partners to tie them up, humiliate, blindfold, or hurt them. They may enjoy being whipped, beaten, shocked, cut, or pierced. Verbal abuse is common.

Some masochists require pain or humiliation in order to function sexually. They may act on their urges by hurting themselves or tying themselves up. Other masochists may engage in more typical sexual activities at some times and masochistic activities at other times.

Most masochists begin having fantasies about these activities in childhood or adolescence. They usually begin experimenting with partners by early adulthood. Some people may engage in masochistic acts without increasing the severity for many years. Others may need to increase the severity over time to acts that result in injury or even death.

Regardless of any other health or psychological concerns, people who engage in masochistic sex must be especially careful about diseases carried by body fluids, such as hepatitis and HIV.

If desired, people with sexual masochism can often have their sexual preferences changed to some extent through psychotherapy. You may wish to contact the State Board of Mental Health in your state for the name of a specialist in this area.

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Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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