While ‘kink’ refers to all socially deemed ‘unorthodox’ sexual practices that a person takes part in or is into, ‘fetish’ describes the focus of their sexual fantasies (whether living beings or inanimate objects). When considering both definitions, either is often regarded as taboo, in terms of social norms.

Fortunately, our world is becoming ever more sex-positive and, as a result, many fetishes and kinks have been ‘normalized.’ However, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood; this might be partly due to the varying subcultures that may branch from a fetish or kink. Consequently, those who do not experience it can feel uncertain about what it entails.

Today, we’re discussing the topic of hematolagnia (the bleeding paraphilia), to help you better understand the topic. We hope it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish and what folks who enjoy it are into.

What is a blood fetish (hematolagnia)?

With hematolagnia, a fetishist will experience sexual arousal at the sight or thought of blood, particularly when it is on the body of their sexual partner (including when the body is naked). While images of blood and blood-like things can certainly come into play, in forms of BDSM, a person may become aroused by the thought of releasing a partner’s blood from their body or by actually carrying this out.

Common misconceptions

While the following list isn’t exhaustive, here are some misperceptions folks may have about a blood fetish:

Not every fetishist is turned on by menstruation and having period sex with folks with vaginas
Knife play (and other instruments with a sharp edge) may be used as a part of bloodletting, but are not always necessary
The release of blood isn’t generally about causing painful sex, but rather, about the experience of the blood itself
Some folks experience the thrill of bloodletting on themselves, in addition to or instead of on others

How to talk about it with your partner

When talking to your partner about your kinks and fetishes, it’s best to be open and honest to ensure you have full consent before moving forward with any sexual activity. Not only is it critical to be clear on what you are hoping for and would expect from your sexual partner during play, but it’s also important to know with absolute certainty how far they are willing to go (and what their non-negotiables are).

Things to try

First-timers may choose to start by looking at videos or photos of blood solo or as a couple. Eventually, when everyone involved feels comfortable, one might opt to incorporate fake blood or period blood (if one or both partners menstruate) before working up to cutting, if that is what either wants to explore, eventually.

Remember, this can lead to some pretty messy sex. We recommend having the Liberator Velvish/Sateen Fascinator Throw or the Liberator Black Label PVC Sheets in place to make clean-up easier (get them for 15% off by using the code BETWEENOURTHIGHS at checkout)!

Are there risks to consider?

When it comes to blood, it’s important to remember that certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted via bodily fluids; thus, considering how to prevent STIs beyond ‘typical’ methods like internal or external condoms becomes crucial. Of course, when bloodletting through knife play, biting, or other forms of bloodletting take place, having a safeword in place is a must. Should anyone feel uncomfortable and want to stop at a given moment, the safeword can be spoken, and all sexual play should stop immediately.

How can I learn more?

Not only are many of the best sex blogs on the internet a fantastic place to find examples of how you can incorporate blood and fully embrace your hematolagnia, but watching ethical pornography can help, too. Here, you can find niche performances that aid in generating ideas for things you may want to try out yourself, or to arouse fetishists who may not currently have a consenting sex partner.

We hope you now understand what it means to have a bleeding paraphilia (hematolagnia), including what is involved in the fetish and why it can lead to such intense arousal for some people. Should the topic come up down the road, we anticipate that you will feel more open to speaking about it candidly from a place of knowledge. Whether you feel open to further understanding the fetish from someone who partakes in it first-hand or educating someone who may be apprehensive about it, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.

Do you experience hematolagnia? Do you find any aspects of bleeding paraphilia attractive? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Fetish Friday: Blood (Hematolagnia)