Auto-masochism

Auto-masochism is a form of masochism in which a person inflicts pain on themselves in order to experience arousal or pleasure. This can happen for different reasons, for example because no second person is involved or because self-stimulation is experienced as part of one’s sexuality.

Even so, this practice is risky, especially when it involves choking or other forms of breathing or circulation restriction. Self-injuring sexual behaviour can become dangerous very quickly, and in an emergency help is often not available in time. If the term is used, it should always be clear: this is a risky form of self-stimulation, not a harmless alternative.