Painslut
A painslut is a term for someone who enjoys masochistic behavior, including but not limited to impact play, hair pulling, biting, scratching, wax play, needle play, electroplay and more. For a painslut, pain and pleasure overlap, and pain can increase sexual desire for these people.
Painsluts are often submissive (but not in all cases) and really enjoy a lot of physical pain and/or humiliation (emotional pain.) A painslut is often considered to be someone who “just can't get enough” pain or torture, and are turned on by it.
While the term “slut” tends to have negative connotations in vanilla culture, in kink spaces it has largely been reclaimed with a sense of pride. A painslut may also be referred to as a pain whore.
Why People Are Into It
Pain isn’t something most people immediately associate with pleasure, but painsluts and others who are into pain play feel differently. From a scientific perspective, pain and pleasure actually activate overlapping regions in the brain. Just like when you eat your favorite food (or have an orgasm!), certain areas of the brain release chemicals like dopamine that make you feel good. Experiencing pain in a safe and consensual way, such as during a BDSM scene, can activate the very same chemicals. In other words, the brain’s wiring allows pain to be reinterpreted as pleasure in specific contexts. And, for some people, having their butt spanked or their nipples pinched by a great Dom is definitely one of those contexts.
Because pain is so all-encompassing, it can also have positive effects on a submissive’s mental state. When something hurts, it shuts off that internal dialogue. It closes down anxiety. It makes you feel present. And within that, many people experience a state of flow or even euphoria. In the submissive, these may be referred to as subspace.
Ways to Play
Painsluts like to get their dose of pain (and endorphins) in a lot of different ways. Here are some options but … you’re really only limited by your creativity (and maybe your pain tolerance!)
- Impact Play: Using canes, belts, and floggers.
- Clothespin Play: Applying a clothespin to sensitive areas, such as the clitoris, and adding pressure as a form of punishment.
- Sensory Deprivation: Incorporating blindfolds or restraints to heighten other senses and intensify the experience.
- Temperature Play: Using hot wax or ice cubes to stimulate nerve endings and create contrasting sensations.
- Teasing and Denial: Engaging in activities that build anticipation, such as edging, to enhance the overall experience.
Safety & Consent
Pain play comes with some risks. These can be mitigated by obtaining clear consent, negotiating activities and boundaries carefully, and adhering to appropriate safety protocols for the activities you choose. Below are a few things to consider when playing with pain:
- Start with Familiar Tools: Choosing familiar tools allows you to slowly push your limits without going too far beyond them. For example, if you know you like impact play, test the waters with tools you’re familiar with before moving on to more painful implements.
- Introduce New Elements Cautiously: When trying new things, start slowly. For example, Doms can gauge their partners’ reactions and build up if things are going well.
- Get Educated: Pain play includes many different types of activities. Seek out resources or educators who can help you learn more about the ways you want to play - and how to do it in a way that’ll help ensure everyone has a good time.
- UseSafe Words: Pain can go too far very quickly, so always have a clear way for a submissive to instantly stop play.
- Don’t Forget Aftercare: Aftercare is essential after pain play, often for both the submissive and Dom. This helps bring everyone back to a reasonable baseline before getting on with their lives.
Arousal can cause increased pain tolerance. Make sure your top/torturer is cognizant of how your body responds to pain, and is mindful of your limits. There should always be a previous discussion about marks, how far to go, and there needs to be a medical plan in place for aftercare depending on the level of pain doled out. - FetLife member
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