Masochism in BDSM: Why Would Anyone Enjoy Pain?

Masochism is one of the easiest things to misunderstand and one of the hardest to explain to your doctor when they ask about those bruises. To be clear, though, masochists aren’t people who "enjoy suffering." They’re people who experience pleasure, satisfaction, or psychological release through pain, discomfort, or humiliation. It is very, very different.

So, What is Masochism?

At its core, masochism is the enjoyment of pain, discomfort, or humiliation, done consensually, of course.

The critical word here is enjoyment. If it’s not bringing some kind of fulfillment, it’s not masochism and should not be done.

Why Would Anyone Like This?

I know, truly, that most people can not comprehend why you would want any kind of discomfort brought upon yourself. Just ask my husband and his sweet, sensitive nips. You should see his face when I say I want my tits covered in bruises and my ass slapped so red I can’t sit. There is so much behind it that people experience, though, besides pain.

Biological Chemistry – Pain triggers endorphins, dopamine, and adrenaline. Essentially, masochists are hacking their own brains for a euphoric high. (No, this is not a substitute for therapy, go see someone)
Intensified Sensation – Some people’s brains wire pain and pleasure together, meaning a well-placed slap or a tight squeeze makes things better, not worse.
Psychological & Emotional Release – Have you ever wanted to cry but couldn't? A good scene might fix that. Masochism can be cathartic, especially for those who carry a lot of stress.
Power Exchange – Pain is a tool. Whether it’s to deepen submission or test limits, it’s not just about the sensation. It’s about who is in control of it.

Who Can Be a Masochist?

Literally anyone. Masochists come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. They aren’t always submissive (yes, tops and doms can be masochists, too), and they aren’t all broken, damaged, or in need of fixing. Some are high-powered professionals looking for stress relief, some just like the adrenaline rush, and some simply enjoy the aesthetics of bruises and scratches. If pain does something for you beyond just hurting, that’s all it takes to use the title.

The Different Flavors of Masochism

You don’t have to enjoy all kinds of pain and torture to be considered a masochist. There are many different types, and with everything in BDSM, it’s Al Carte. Pick which ones sound exciting, experiment safely with them, and ignore the ones that you know you don’t like. You can even list them as your limits if you know for sure you do not want that to ever happen to you.

Impact Masochism: The Human Punching Bags

These are the people who want to be hit. Not in a “cry for help” way. They crave the sensation of being spanked, flogged, paddled, punched, or caned. Some love the sharp, burning sting of a cane, and others prefer the deep, thudding impact of a heavy paddle. Some are in it for the pretty marks afterward. Regardless of preference, they all have one thing in common: they see a flogger and think, That looks fun!

Temperature Masochism:

If the idea of dripping hot wax onto bare skin or dragging an ice cube over exposed flesh sounds intriguing rather than horrifying, you might belong here. Temperature masochists get a kick out of extreme heat, intense cold, or the contrast between the two. Some go even further with things like fire play (yep, there’s a kink for everything), or using metal implements heated or chilled to precise temperatures.

Compression & Restraint Masochism:

Ever wondered what it’s like to be squeezed within an inch of your life? These folks already know. Compression masochists enjoy the sensation of being bound tightly with rope, strapped down, wrapped in plastic, or crushed under someone’s weight. Why you may wonder? The pressure can create a soothing, euphoric effect, or, just make them feel deliciously helpless.

Sharp & Precision Masochism:

Not everyone sees a knife and thinks, What if that was dragged across my skin? But some people do. Precision masochists enjoy the sharp, pinpoint pain of needles, knives, claws, wartenberg wheels, and anything else that leaves a nice, clean mark. Some even incorporate blood play (again, kink for everything). It’s about control, both in how the pain is administered and in the sheer intensity of sensation.

CBT & NT Masochism:

CBT (cock and ball torture) and NT (nipple torture) masochists willingly subject their most sensitive areas to pinching, slapping, squeezing, electrostimulation, and other forms of creative discomfort. For some, the mix of pain and pleasure in these areas is a shortcut to ecstasy. For others, it’s a test of endurance.

Humiliation & Emotional Masochism:

Some masochists don’t need whips or chains—just a sharp tongue and a cruel imagination. Emotional masochists get off on being insulted, degraded, embarrassed, or stripped of their dignity. Whether it’s being called names, made to beg, or subjected to public humiliation, the psychological sting is what fuels their arousal. Yes, some pay people to call them worthless, it adds an extra layer of humiliation.

Extreme Masochism:

These are the adrenaline junkies of the BDSM world. The ones who go beyond the usual impact play and into intense physical sensations. We’re talking branding, cutting, breath play, needle play, electrocution, and other activities that make the average person go. What the actual fuck? Do they enjoy suffering? No. They love the intensity, the rush, and the heavy emotional or physical impact of these activities.

Masochists don’t just deal with pain; they seek it out. Not because they’re broken, but because it brings them something they can’t get anywhere else. Whether it’s a rush of endorphins, an intense emotional release, or just the satisfaction of knowing they can take it, masochism is as complex as the people who practice it, and there is no shame in enjoying it.