A Look Inside Some of the Dangerous Games People Play in the BDSM Community

Edge play is often viewed as foolhardy and dangerous, not only in general society, but in the BDSM community as well. Observers worry that the possibility of permanent harm to the submissive is not the only concern with these dangerous games.

"It's a hard enough world we choose to live in" Says *Mike, a 13 year veteran in the BDSM community and a Dominant "Edge players call attention to what we do, the worst kind of attention. They bring out the gawkers and the freak seekers. Not all of us want to look like a circus act." *Suzanne agrees adding, "There are too many things that can go wrong, the least of which can get you jailed for battery, or worse."

An examination of some of the various forms brings to light just how dangerous some of this play is. From piercing with needles and blood play, to induced hypoxia. There are proponents for both sides of the argument.

One of the highly criticized play methods examined involves limiting a person's ability to breathe, or receive blood flow to the brain. It is termed breath play when there are two participants and autoerotic asphyxia when one practices it alone.

It is the general understanding that anoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) produces intensity to a sexual situation making orgasms stronger and more enjoyable. Others conjecture that the sense of helplessness adds to the sexual gratification of the scene.

"It's just stupid behavior." argues *Dave Meltz, a Paramedic with 12 years experience. "The dizziness, tingling in your hands and arms, and blacking out are symptoms of the lack of oxygen. You aren't just making yourself faint. You can also cause PVC's, premature contractions of the ventricle. That can cause a heart attack and they don't just go away when you stop playing, they last up to 36 hours and you can have a heart attack at any time."

*Elle a long time fan of breath play argues that "PVC's can also be brought on by anxiety, too much exercise, asthma and caffeine. It seems to me that living is just as much an actuator as playing. You have to be educated and trust the person you are with. You are literally placing your life in their hands. That is what it's all about."