Editing Human sexual activity (section)

==BDSM ==
{{Main|BDSM}}
[[File:Le Rêve d'un flagellant by George Topfer.jpg|thumb|318x318px|A 1921 art depicting BDSM of [[Male dominance (BDSM)|male dominance]] and [[female submission]].]]
BDSM is a variety of [[Eroticism|erotic]] practices or [[Sexual roleplay|roleplaying]] involving [[bondage (BDSM)|bondage]], [[dominance and submission]], [[sadomasochism]], and other interpersonal dynamics.<ref name="MATF"/> Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves as practicing BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture usually being dependent on [[self-identification]] and shared experience.<ref name="ETFS">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nV_U7MOAqfUC&pg=PA138|title=Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues: A Social Work Perspective|isbn=978-1461439813|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|last=Loue|first=Sana|date=2012|pages=138–140}}</ref> BDSM communities generally welcome anyone with a non-normative streak who identifies with the community; this may include [[cross-dresser]]s, extreme [[body modification]] enthusiasts, [[animal roleplay|animal players]], latex or [[rubber fetishism|rubber aficionados]], and others.

B/D (bondage and discipline) is a part of BDSM. Bondage includes the restraint of the body or mind.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|title = Perks, problems, and the people who play: A qualitative exploration of dominant and submissive BDSM roles|journal = The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality|date = 1 January 2015|volume = 24|issue = 1|doi = 10.3138/cjhs.2467|first1 = Ali|last1 = Hébert|first2 = Angela|last2 = Weaver|pages=49–62|s2cid = 143570286}}</ref> D/s means "Dominant and submissive". A Dominant is one who takes control of a person who wishes to surrender control and a submissive is one who surrenders control to a person who wishes to take control.<ref name=":0" /> S/M (sadism and masochism) is the other part of BDSM. A sadist is an individual who takes pleasure in the pain or humiliation of others and a masochist is an individual who takes pleasure from their own pain or humiliation.<ref name=":0" />

Unlike the usual "power neutral" relationships and play styles commonly followed by couples, activities and relationships within a BDSM context are often characterized by the participants' taking on complementary, but unequal roles; thus, the idea of [[informed consent]] of both the partners becomes essential. Participants who exert dominance (sexual or otherwise) over their partners are known as Dominants or [[Top (BDSM)|Tops]], while participants who take the passive, receiving, or obedient role are known as submissives or [[bottom (BDSM)|bottoms]].

These terms are sometimes shortened so that a dominant person may be referred to as a "Dom" (a woman may choose to use the feminine "Domme") and a submissive may be referred to as a "sub". Individuals who can change between Top/Dominant and bottom/submissive roles – whether from relationship to relationship or within a given relationship – are known as ''switches''. The precise definition of roles and self-identification is a common subject of debate within the community.<ref name="Terms">{{cite web|last=Grau|first=Johnson|url=http://www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/ssbbfaqdefines.htm|title=What do B&D, S&M, D&S, "top", "bottom" mean|publisher=Leather Roses|date=1995|access-date=27 January 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080111223259/http://www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/ssbbfaqdefines.htm| archive-date= 11 January 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref>
In a 2013 study, researchers stated that BDSM is a sexual act where participants play role games, use restraint, use power exchange,
use suppression and pain is sometimes involved depending on individual(s).<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|title = Psychological Characteristics of BDSM Practitioners|journal = The Journal of Sexual Medicine|date = 1 January 2013|volume = 10|issue = 8|doi = 10.1111/jsm.12192|pmid = 23679066|first1 = Andreas A.J.|last1 = Wismeijer|first2 = Marcel A.L.M. van|last2 = Assen|pages=1943–1952|s2cid = 12148947}}</ref> The study serves to challenge the widespread notion that BDSM could be in some way linked to [[psychopathology]]. According to the findings, one who participates in BDSM may have greater strength socially and mentally as well as greater independence than those who do not practice BDSM.<ref name=":2" /> It suggests that people who participate in BDSM play have higher subjective well-being, and that this might be because BDSM play requires extensive communication. Before any act occurs, the partners must discuss their agreement of their relationship. They discuss how long the play will last, the intensity, their actions, what each participant needs or desires, and what, if any, sexual activities may be included. All acts must be consensual and pleasurable to both parties.<ref name=":2" />

In a 2015 study, interviewed BDSM participants have mentioned that the activities have helped to create higher levels of connection, intimacy, trust and communication between partners.<ref name=":0" /> The study suggests that Dominants and submissives exchange control for each other's pleasure and to satisfy a need. The participants have remarked that they enjoy pleasing their partner in any way they can and many surveyed have felt that this is one of the best things about BDSM. It gives a submissive pleasure to do things in general for their Dominant while a Dominant enjoys making their encounters all about their submissive and enjoy doing things that makes their submissive happy. The findings indicate that the surveyed submissives and Dominants found BDSM makes play more pleasurable and fun. The participants have also mentioned improvements in their personal growth, romantic relationships, sense of community and self, the dominant's confidence, and their coping with everyday things by giving them a psychological release.<ref name=":0" />