Getting Started in the World of BDSM? The Basics You Need to Know

Getting Started in the World of BDSM? The Basics You Need to Know

So, you’re curious about getting into the fantastical scene of BDSM, are you? Well, welcome to the world of uninhibited bliss, new sensations and experiences, and all kinds of delicious fun. 

The possibilities and activities that encompass BDSM are so vast that there’s something for everyone to enjoy, in various types of realms and intensities. BDSM isn’t just hardcore whips and chains, as one may think. It also has an element of softness and sensuality that may just be perfect for you as a BDSM beginner.

Sit tight and let’s jump into the basics of BDSM.

The first thing to learn about BDSM is what it stands for. What do the acronyms BDSM mean?

  • B is for Bondage
  • D is for Disciple
  • S is for Sadism
  • M is for Masochism 

Bondage is the practice of consensually typing, binding, or restraining a partner for erotic, aesthetic, or somatosensory stimulation. 

Discipline is the practice of one person (often called a ‘dominant’) giving their partner (often called a ‘submissive’) a set of rules to obey. Punishment and rewards are given according to whether the submissive follows the rules of not.

Sadism is when someone has the sexual desire to inflict various forms of pain on another, and 

masochism is when a person derives sexual gratification from receiving pain or humiliation.

What is BDSM?

While we now know what BDSM stands for, it’s important to know that it is merely an umbrella term, and that there are so many ways these kinds of practices can be enjoyed. 

In the majority of BDSM relationships however, there is almost always one partner who is dominant and another that is submissive. Alternatively, one or both partners could be a switch, which is when they are both dominant and submissive, and take turns to take on the different roles. 

Some less intense examples of BDSM practices can include:

  • Hair pulling
  • Light spanking
  • Using scarves or soft items to tie up a partner
  • Using terms of authority such as “Sir” or “Madam”
  • Biting
  • Role Playing
  • Enjoying sensation play with blindfolds
  • Using candle wax 

More intense examples of BDSM practices can include:

  • Mummification which involves one being completely bound
  • Breast torture
  • Wearing chastity belts
  • Putting a collar on a submissive as a form of ownership
  • Cock and ball torture
  • Cuckholdry
  • Edge play, aka getting a partner close to climax then halting stimulation
  • Electrostimulation
  • Fire play
  • Flogging
  • Foot worship
  • Humiliation
  • Knife play 
  • Orgasm denial or torture
  • Sensory deprivation 
  • Suspension bondage

For beginners, we strongly advise researching and experimenting more with the less intense forms of BDSM with your partner to see how you like it. If it tickles your fancy, there’s a slew of more intense activities to explore.

What Kinds of Sex Toys are Used in BDSM?

The kinds of sex toys used in BDSM will depend on the kind of BDSM activities you’ll be enjoying. There are so many delicious, sensual, seductive, erotic, and extreme sex toys for BDSM that finding your favourite(s) is like going on your most intense and lust-worthy adventure.

Some sex toys that are used in BDSM can include:

  • Blindfolds, bondage hoods, isolation hoods
  • Collars and chokers
  • Ball gags
  • Mouth spreaders
  • Genital clamps
  • Feather ticklers
  • Floggers
  • Paddles
  • Canes
  • Whips
  • Rope
  • Handcuffs
  • Binders
  • Bondage tape
  • Shackles
  • Spreader bars
  • Chastity toys
  • Anal hooks
  • Electric stimulation toys
  • Strap-on didos

How Do You Know What Kind of Fetishes You're Into?

Well firstly, there’s actually a difference between a ‘kink’ and a ‘fetish’. A kink is something that an individual finds arousing but that is not usually considered the sexual normal. A fetish is a sexual act or object that one almost always needs in order to become aroused.

In this way, one would need to identify their kinks first, which could then develop into a fetish. Or, if someone feels that they’ve always been into or intrigued with BDSM, fetishes and kinks, they may have recognised that they have a fetish from the beginning, as opposed to a kink.

Do you already feel somewhat included or aroused by the idea of certain acts or objects? Perhaps you sometimes enjoy it when a partner spanks you during intimacy? Or maybe you love role playing when you’re in the mood? These acts are considered ‘kinks’. 

To explore your sexual side, we highly recommend you toy around with different kinds of play to find something that you can consider a ‘kink’. 

Some of the most common kinks and fetishes include:

  • Spanking
  • Role playing
  • Foot fetish 
  • Anal sex
  • Lingerie
  • Group sex
  • Orgasm control
  • Bondage
  • Psychological play, like ‘mind games’ or humiliation
  • Voyeurism 
  • Virtual Sex

How Do You Bring up BDSM with Your Partner?

If you (or your partner) are new to the world of BDSM, you would be considered ‘vanilla’ in the bedroom. This isn’t a bad thing at all, it’s simply a term for those who enjoy more conventional acts during play time. And because of that, it may seem daunting or difficult to bring up the topic of BDSM with your partner. How the conversation unfolds will also depend on the dynamic of your relationship. 

We suggest avoiding going all out and proclaiming all of your wildest and most enticing fantasies at first, as this could be overwhelming. Start slowly, and start communicating with your lover when the time is right (for example, when they’re relaxed and you can see that they’re in the right space to talk). 

Whilst discussing the idea of BDSM with your partner, try to understand how they may be feeling and their viewpoint. How they react will give you an indication of whether you can go into more detail or not. You may simply bring up the idea of being spanked during intimacy at first, and saving other ideas for a second or third conversation. Or you could start the conversation using an example of BDSM that you know they may be interested in. Their reaction is key. 

You also don’t want to put pressure on your partner. Communication, compromise, and flexibility is important in all relationships, so be gentle with each other. If your partner is opposed to the idea, it’s the perfect time to tell them that you understand and that you simply wanted them to know about your desires so as not to hide anything from them. Try to maintain a positive channel of communication throughout, and address the topic on one or more occasions by reading the energy in the room.

If both partners are on-board, you could begin by making a list of what you are and not comfortable with. This can lead to negotiation and a plan-of-action of some sorts. It’ll allow both to express their desires, likes and dislikes, so that there are no surprises or bad experiences. 

Additionally, a safe word is always a good idea, as it can bring all play to a halt when one or both partners feel unsafe or uncomfortable. BDSM is all about consent, respect, trust, open communication, and mutual satisfaction.

Our Recommended BDSM and Bondage Toys for Beginners

Fetish Fantasy Limited Edition Cumfy Cuffs

Try something daringly seductive with your lover by feeling the velvety-soft faux fur of the Fetish Fantasy Limited Edition Cumfy Cuffs against your skin. These restraints not only feel amazing, but look entirely sexy too for a very satisfying experience and aesthetic. And with its super-sturdy metal hardware and buckle closure, there’s a slim chance that the wearer will be escaping anytime soon!

Fetish Fantasy Limited Edition Bondage Rope

Rope bondage need not be intimidating. In fact, the Fetish Fantasy Limited Edition Bondage Rope is super soft, allowing partners to play at a level that makes them feel the most comfortable. And because of its long length, you could try something simple such as tying your lover’s hands and feet, or you could even try the infamous Shibari style rope bondage (although we don’t really recommend that for beginners). Either way, owning this bondage rope can be something to enjoy throughout all stages of your BDSM journey.  

Fetish Fantasy Alligator Nipple Clamps

Nipple stimulation, especially in women, can be entirely arousing. In fact, some women can orgasm from nipple stimulation alone. So why not spice things up with the Fetish Fantasy Alligator Nipple Clamps? They’re made with durable metal clips and covered in soft rubber liners, and are adjustable, allowing you to curate your most comfortable and pleasurable weight. The perfect nipple clamps for beginners? Quite possibly so.

Lovers Fantasy Kit

Get started in the world of BDSM with the Lovers Fantasy Kit from Fetish Fantasy. This cheeky kit comes with all the seductive tools to start your BDSM journey, including a leather cat o’ nine tails, metal handcuffs with key, and a satin love mask. It’s the perfect little play package for you and your partner to explore your kinky side, and to get acquainted with the BDSM lifestyle.

Thrill seekers, now is the perfect time to embrace your hidden desires. And with these BDSM beginner toys, you’ll be able to find a brand new level of erotic bliss. Go forth, and enjoy the ride!


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