Strangulation sex
Definition
Strangulation sex refers to sexual or BDSM acts in which the breathing of the submissiveis deliberately restricted by pressure on the throat or neck. The goal is often to evoke intensity, excitement, or control, but it carries extremely high and unpredictable risks.
Explanation of strangulation sex
Strangulation sex occurs in fantasy scenarios, pornography, and in some D/s dynamics in which the sub desires total surrender and loss of control. The Dominant then uses their hand, arm, or an object to apply pressure to the neck.
Although many people find the idea erotic, the reality is that the neck is full of vital structures that are not designed to withstand pressure. Even slight pressure can compress blood vessels, cutting off oxygen to the brain. This can lead to loss of consciousness, permanent damage, or even fatal consequences within seconds. This makes strangulation sex – unlike the mild form of controlled breath play via air restriction without pressure on the neck – one of the most dangerous and misunderstood “forms of play” in the BDSM world.
The risk is independent of experience: no Dominant can feel what is happening inside the body. The line between “exciting” and “life-threatening” is razor thin.
Safety and points of attention
It is important to state this clearly: strangulation sex by applying pressure to the throat is never safe. The risks cannot be controlled, trained, or compensated for with safewords. Important reasons:
- The carotid arteries can be compressed without the sub feeling any pain.
- Within seconds, a sub can lose consciousness, sometimes without warning.
- The risk of stroke, vascular damage, and brain damage is significant.
- Hands that slip can damage the windpipe; this is irreversible and acutely life-threatening.
- Adrenaline and excitement make it more difficult for the sub to feel or indicate boundaries.
- Safewords do not work when someone loses consciousness.
People sometimes think that gentler variants – a light hand around the neck, symbolic pressure, “pinching but not really pinching” – are safe. This is not the case. The neck is extremely sensitive and blood flow is difficult to control.
Within a D/s dynamic, it is essential that Dominants know that real control has nothing to do with danger. And that subs may desire surrender, but never have to sacrifice their health to be “good enough.”
Related terms strangulation sex
Breath reduction
Carotid sinus reflex
Choking
CSR
Edgeplay
Hand over mouth
HOM
Waterboarding
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