Self-bondage

Self-bondage is the practice of sexual bondage without a partner; that is to say, tying or otherwise restraining oneself for the purpose of sexual pleasure. Because self-bondage is performed alone, it has several distinctive features not present in conventional bondage, including an increased element of risk; a need for reliable release mechanisms (after a delay); and special techniques for applying complex bondage to oneself even while movement becomes increasingly restricted. Self-bondage is also characterised by experimentation and ingenuity, and the opportunity to devise novel schemes and variations — in or out of fictional stories — is part of the appeal, and part of the increased danger.

Risks of self-bondage

Self-bondage is considered a higher risk activity than a number of other BDSM practices — particularly when combined with autoerotic asphyxia — and has led to many recorded deaths. It is estimated that there are 500 to 1,000 autoerotic fatalities each year in the United States, of which a substantial proportion include self-bondage as a factor. The death in 1994 of Stephen Milligan, the British Conservative MP for Eastleigh, was a case of auto-erotic asphyxiation combined with self-bondage, and rumours persist that it was also the cause of death of rock singer Michael Hutchence.

Related Topics:
BDSM - Autoerotic asphyxia - Autoerotic fatalities - 1994 - Stephen Milligan - Michael Hutchence

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Self-bondage has all the risks of physical restraint and sexual bondage, with the added factor that should anything go wrong, there is no-one to effect a rescue. For example, if blood circulation cuts off sensation in limbs, the planned escape mechanism may not be useable.

Related Topics:
Physical restraint - Blood circulation

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Despite this, many practitioners insist that self-bondage can be performed relatively safely if it is conducted with a view to minimising risk. Common safety advice includes measures such as:

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• Abstaining from "strict" self-bondage entirely.
• Avoiding anything that might restrict breathing, such as restraints on the chest or neck, or gags.
• Using multiple release mechanisms as a backup in case one fails.
• Ensuring that assistance can be called for if needed.
• Avoiding anything that can cause limbs to go numb or cut off circulation, such as metal handcuffs or overly tight ropes.
• Building up the complexity of the bondage slowly over several sessions, and only adding elements one at a time.
• Abstaining from substances that might impair judgment, such as alcohol