Sexual masochism disorder is a paraphilic disorder. Individuals with sexual masochism are sexually aroused when they are beaten, bound, or tortured. Because of these sexual masochism behaviors they are significantly affected in important areas of life.
Everyone has their sexual preferences. For some, their sexual preferences extremely erotic practices like being tied up, handcuffed, or otherwise made to suffer.
There’s a fine line between having a sexual fetish and struggling with sexual fantasies and behaviors that cripple the life. When it reaches this point, the individual might be dealing with sexual masochism disorder. Those with sexual masochism disorder experience great difficulties in their life because of these sexual preferences.
Some people may have masochistic sexual interests. They experience these sexual desires and exhibit these behaviors. But do not suffer as a result of these. They do not experience distress—which may present itself as anxiety, shame, or guilt related to these interests.
Fortunately, there is treatment for those with sexual masochism. Both psychotherapy and medication are proved to be effective.
Based on sex medical research, the mean age of onset for this disorder is 19 years. There isn’t a clear cause for the development of sexual masochism disorder.
Factors like sexual impulsivity and hypersexuality change over time can play a significant role in the development of this disorder. Suppression of sexual desires, sexual fantasies may play a role.
A particular type of sexual masochism is called asphyxiophilia. It is an intentional restriction of oxygen to the brain for the purposes of heightening sexual arousal, sexual pleasure and orgasm. This masochistic practice – Autoerotic asphyxiation or asphyxiophilia or hypoxyphilia or breath control involves compression of the neck, or covering face with polybag.
Sexual asphyxias occur almost exclusively in men with only a few reports in the literature involving women.
When the act is done by a person to themselves it is called autoerotic asphyxiation. Colloquially, a person engaging in the activity is called a gasper. Erotic asphyxiation can lead to accidental death due to asphyxia.
In this the individual restricts / controls his or her breathing. By controlling breath they develop a state of oxygen deficiency which causes their sexual arousal.
Some people engage in this exercise with partners, while others prefer to control breathing when alone, which can result in accidental death.
Dr. Vijayakumar did his MBBS in Kilpauk Medical College and later went on to Madras Medical College for his Master courses in Clinical Pathology. He underwent masters in Psychology and Yoga. Underwent Fellowship training in Andrology and Clinical Embryology by Prof Ariff Bongso. Did his PhD in Hormones, Yoga and Sexual problems. He has been trained by the Council of Sex Education & Parenthood International (India). He was the first medical professional to start an exclusive clinic for the management of sexual problems in Salem,Tamil Nadu in the year 1988. He has put up more than thirty years experience. He has offered professional help to thousands of persons especially newly married. Besides treating sexual dysfunctions, he is also an expert in treating pre-marital counselling.
Trekking and offroad jeeping are his other passions.