“Edgeplay” is a term from BDSM, which literally means “edge play”. It refers to practices that involve some risk to physical health or the psyche. This term thus encompasses experiences and activities that take place at the edges of what is acceptable. They could be described as games at the edge.
It is important to note that edgeplay carries significant risks. Including potential short- or long-term harm and, in extreme cases, even danger to life. These risks can include scarring, infection, transmission of disease or nerve damage and associated sensory disturbances. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly consider the planned practices in order to minimise the risks as much as possible. Although, they can never be completely eliminated. In addition, it should be noted that edgeplay can also involve legal aspects and possible legal consequences.
Why is edgeplay practised?
Exploring boundaries can be incredibly exciting. The exhilarating adrenaline and dopamine triggered by the feeling of fear and danger makes us feel like we are flying. Edgeplay requires a high level of trust in the dominant partner. For many subs, this is precisely the special attraction .To put their physical integrity or even their lives in the hands of the Dom. In the realm of BDSM and in relationships with a power imbalance, edgeplay is considered particularly intense. However, it is important to note that not all edgeplay is equally dangerous. As with many aspects of BDSM, perception is very subjective.
Types of edgeplay
There are a variety of practices that fall under the term edgeplay, in different shapes and forms. Here is a selection to illustrate the broad spectrum of these practices:
- Breath play: This includes strangulation, suffocation or the closing of the airways.
- Fearplay: This involves the inclusion of personal fears in the game, which may pose a potential risk to mental health.
- Knife Play: Playing with a knife, where slipping or misjudgement, can lead to serious injury.
- Blood Play: Anything that causes the partner to bleed carries a risk of infection, deep wounds, scarring and injury to arteries.
- Cutting: This involves drawing patterns by cutting out skin, which carries a risk of injury due to incorrect incisions, lack of anatomical knowledge or infection.
- Needle Play: Needle play and games with skin staplers are to be considered similar to cutting games, knife games and blood games.
- Wax play: This involves playing with candles or heated wax, which can lead to burns.
- Barebacking: Consciously abstaining from safe sex significantly increases the risk of a sexually transmitted infection.
- Branding: A lot can go wrong when drawing patterns on the skin through burns, such as incorrect handling of the equipment, too high temperatures and a risk of infection in the days afterwards.
- Urinary tube stretching: Using dilators or other less appropriate equipment can put the urinary tube at risk of injury and serious infection.
- Waterboarding: There is a risk of drowning and trauma
- Rapeplay: Games that fall under the category of CNC (Consensual Non-Consent) have a great potential to cause trauma.
It is important to note that not always certain practices are considered edgeplay. But also seemingly more harmless practices such as spanking or in shibari can reach one’s limits with higher intensity.
What are the important things to consider
Edgeplay often involves factors that are difficult or not fully controllable. The usual SSC guiding philosophy (safety, responsibility, agreement), where all possible risks are known and minimised, can therefore not be applied to edgeplay. Instead, the concept of RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink) applies, where one is aware of the risks and consequences and willing to accept them.
The psychological component of edgeplay should not be underestimated. When playing with boundaries, one should be aware of the potentially stressful effect on the psyche. Fear is a strong emotion, so it needs to be handled with extra care. Although it can be exciting and rewarding, there are obvious risks such as the possibility of trauma, as well as the risk of an emotional drop after the session.
If you are going to play with such dangers, it is your first duty to be well-informed. You should be prepared for all possible eventualities, know how to minimise the risks and what measures to take if the game gets out of control. Responsibility and honesty are essential. It is also advisable to have specific emergency numbers to hand and to have 112 pre-dialled in the phone.
Practices in this area are rarely explored at the beginning of a play relationship, as they are based on deep and established trust. A shared understanding of the practice and the willingness and comfort to put up with hurt, marks and scars are essential. Without this awareness, consent cannot be fully given. Limits may be inadvertently crossed, as no one can guarantee whether a burn, for example, will heal completely or leave a scar.
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