Who Knew It Had A Name...

In almost every dynamic that involves D/s, M/s, BDSM, TTWD, or whatever you want to call it, there seems to be some control concept that involves some level of pain.  Most of us, but not all, seem to use pain in one form or another to derive pleasure and/or instill submission. 

What I didn't know is that there is an actual name for enjoying pain.  It's called Algolagnia.  The definition of this is deriving sexual pleasure and stimulation from physical pain, often involving an erogenous zone.  This applies to both sides of the equation as well...those that receive the pain and those that deliver the pain.  Who knew we are all really Algolagniacs?!?!

A spanking or flogging for many may be what they enjoy.  This is the type pain they have come to love, and find themselves getting sexual aroused from that.  Maybe it's rough sex that you enjoy and the potential pain mixed with pleasure that really gets you going.  Conversely, a Dominant can get sexually excited from giving a spanking or flogging.  Being able to exert his power and Dominance can be very sexually arousing.  From some of my research, I also found that pain, and we will use that term loosely, doesn't have to be physical in nature.  It can be mental as well.  A couple of examples of this would be forms of humiliation and exhibitionism.  More commonly it would be referred to as a mindfuck. 

There are some in the medical community, psychologists and psychiatrists, that have tried to determine the causes and reasons behind the pleasure.pain connection.  Really though, there have not been many thorough studies to understand this.  Although, many see it as some type of psychosis.  Some say it's beahavioral, some say it is psychologically related, some say brain abnormalities, and some say it's genetic.  The real answer is that no one knows for sure.  There is a definite correlation, though, in that it is always related to sexual sadism and/or sexual masochism. 

And here I thought we were all just a bit kinky.  Turns out there is an actual term for our dark desires.  I'm not saying that any of us are sick, demented, or off our rocker.  We all enjoy what we do and need it as part of our lives.  And by all means, this part of us is done with a partner that is fully consensual to the acts being performed.  I'm sure there is a point where it may cross over into total psychosis, but that is on a completely different level than what I am discussing here.  I just thought it would be fun to show and explain that there is a name for the enjoyment of pain that is found to be sexually arousing.  Especially since this is what so many of us use in our play time. 

So keep marching on my fellow Algolagniacs!