USA – Content warning: This article discusses BDSM.\u00a0<\/em>Sex is all about preferences \u2014 and, for some, it can include some kinks. One of the most popular kinks is BDSM (bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism), which can include the act of\u00a0choking during intercourse<\/a>. But what is sexual choking? Is it really that popular? And, if so, what should\u00a0you\u00a0<\/em>know about it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Choking, also known as breath play, is when external pressure is applied to the neck. When this is done, it cuts off the flow of blood or air passages, which results in blood congestion in the brain, which creates lightheadedness due to a drop in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Sexual choking is popular among college students, too. A 2021 survey of 4,989 college students<\/a>, conducted by the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, showed that 64% of college-aged women, and 63% of trans and nonbinary college students have been choked with their consent during sexual intercourse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With breath play becoming more and more popular amongst college students, it\u2019s important to understand the risks associated with the kink \u2014 but also, how to do breath play safely. I spoke to Aliyah Moore<\/a>, a certified sex therapist with a Ph.D. in Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Ola Miedzynska<\/a>, a seasoned sexual wellness expert and the Co-Founder of Erobella, to learn more about choking during sex \u2014 including the risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While breath play can be an interesting way to spice things up in the bedroom, it\u2019s essential to remember that choking is<\/em> a form of strangulation, even though it is not always viewed that way. \u201cChoking can be extremely dangerous,\u201d Moore says. \u201cIf airways are clogged for an extended period of time, it can produce hypoxia<\/a>, which can result in brain damage or death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unsafe choking can cause serious physical harm, including damage to the trachea, vocal cords, and carotid artery \u2014 but that\u2019s not the only danger that comes along with practicing breath play. \u201cAside from physical injuries, there are psychological hazards, such as reliving prior traumas or creating intense terror that can occur during sexual choking,\u201d Moore says. These dangers highlight the crucial significance of comprehensive knowledge and consensual communication when participating in such activities.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you choose to participate in choking, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of harm. Communicate with your partner beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication is essential when it comes to any kink. Before having sex, discuss limits, boundaries, safe words, and safe gestures with your partner(s). It\u2019s important to have safe gestures as well as safe words, because you may not be able to speak while being choked. Make everything<\/em> very clear. \u201cYoung people should recognize that choking during sex should be consensual at all times,\u201d Miedzynska says. \u201cTaking time to do repeated check-ins, even if it ruins \u2018the mood,\u2019 will keep both partners safe.\u201d Learn how to choke correctly. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n With breath play, it\u2019s best to start slow and work up to more pressure<\/a>. \u201cStart softly and then increase pressure as the partner being choked wants,\u201d says Miedzynska. \u201cSometimes, partners find that just \u2018holding on\u2019 to the neck is just as much a turn-on as choking, and it\u2019s much safer. Start there and see how you feel.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, knowing the \u201ccorrect\u201d way to perform sexual choking is extremely important, and can even prevent injuries during the act. \u201cApplying pressure to the sides of the neck, rather than the front, can lessen the chance of windpipe damage,\u201d Moore says. Don\u2019t be afraid to Say \u201cno.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t want to participate in choking, that doesn\u2019t mean you are boring or not adventurous enough. \u201cSince porn showcases a lot of rough sex, young people may think that the only way to have fun during sex is to have rough sex \u2014 this is not true,\u201d says Miedzynska. \u201cSlower, intimate sex can be just as fun, especially if you use toys and other methods to elevate the pleasure. There is a difference between fast sex and rough sex; it\u2019s just about drawing boundaries as to what\u2019s going to be done in a particular sex session.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do what feels right to you, and tell your partner what your expectations are during sex to avoid confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consent is essential, especially if you\u2019re dealing with kinks. \u201cIf you\u2019re choked without consent, you should stop the session immediately,\u201d Miedzynska says. \u201cSexual boundaries are crucial, and since choking can end in [injury] if it\u2019s not done safely, it should never be a spontaneous activity. You\u2019ll need to have a conversation with your partner if that\u2019s something you want to explore, and lay out expectations beforehand, not during sex.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having your boundaries ignored, over-stepped, or even disrespected can be triggering, so it is important to seek support after the incident. <\/a>\u201cSeek support from trusted friends, family, or professional services, such as a counselor or a sexual assault helpline,\u201d Moore says. \u201cIt is also important to report the incident to authorities if you feel comfortable doing so, as non-consensual choking is a form of assault.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are ways to make choking a safer part of your sexual experiences, but it\u2019s essential to know the risks involved. It\u2019s also important to keep continuous communication with your partner, and if you ever want to stop choking, don\u2019t feel scared or ashamed. Remember: You always have the right to stop any act, even if you agree to it initially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bdsm-news.de-kooi-bdsm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-09-21-Experts-abour-choking.jpg\")
<\/a>Is choking during sex dangerous? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What do I do if my boundaries are over-stepped during sex? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n