Fetish Friday: Electrical Play
‘Fetish’ refers to the object of a person’s sexual fantasies (whether that’s a living being or an inanimate object), while ‘kink’ describes the ‘non-conventional’ practices that someone takes part in or has fantasies of. When looking at either definition, both are often regarded as diverging from mainstream social norms.
Fortunately, in recent years, we have seen the world become increasingly sex-positive. As a result, many fetishes and kinks are being considered more ‘conventional.’ Still, though, not every kink (or kinks) that a person has is understood by the general public. This may be because there are diverse subcultures often branching from a single fetish or kink, leaving outsiders unclear of what they entail.
Today, we’re diving into the topic of electrosex and electrical play in BDSM, hoping to eliminate misperceptions and uncertainties on the subject. We hope that it will give you a better understanding of what it’s like to experience this kink and what folks who participate in it could be into.
What is electrical play?
Also referred to as erotic electrostimulation or electrosex, electrical play involves using electricity to stimulate the body’s nerves and elicit a sexual response. Most often, these are nerves connected to the erogenous zones in the genitals or nipples. In BDSM, a Dominant will hook up the electrical device to their submissive and begin administering low frequency ‘zaps’ that can then be increased in intensity. It depends on what has been agreed upon and consented to!
Common misconceptions
When done correctly, using electricity during sexual play does not have to be dangerous (more on safe practices in a bit). Most people who enjoy erotic electrostimulation use safe equipment created explicitly to enjoy these electrical-induced sensations during sex and sexual play. As well, it does not have to be used as part of sadism, nor BDSM in general; plenty of folx use electric play to create sensory stimulation instead of fostering a power dynamic between the duo.
How to talk about it with your partner
If you’d like to have a go at electrical play with your partner — whether administering or receiving — it’s crucial to have an open conversation with them about your kink or desire to explore your sexual boundaries. Do your research on the topic together and address any concerns that either of you might have before jumping into trying it out first-hand.
Things to try
If you’re looking to incorporate electrical play into your sex routine, consider starting with ‘light’ electrical play, such as an at-home TENS machine on some regions of the body. If this is something you’re into and would like to explore further, you can purchase devices specifically made for electro sex, electric nipple clamps, or electrodes designed to be placed on dildos. The key is only to use devices designed to conduct electricity to the human body safely.
Are there risks to consider?
Because this is a form of sexual play that involves electricity, it’s essential to consider the health risks associated with erotic electrostimulation. Have a safeword ready, in case the zaps become too intense, or the receiving partner wants to stop immediately. As a preventative measure, don’t use homemade electrical devices (as they can fail to work correctly and cause harm) and don’t use high frequencies of electricity at any time. Avoid conducting electricity through or around the heart and chest, head, eyes, over the mouth, front of the neck, or upper back.
How can I learn more?
To learn more about including electricity in your sexual play, including how to do so safely, we recommend contacting a sex club or BDSM dungeon in your city to inquire about classes that they might offer on the topic. If they do not have any available, they will likely be able to point you in the right direction of someone in your local kink community who can answer your questions and concerns for you.
We hope you now have a fuller understanding of what it means to enjoy electrosex as part of BDSM. Whenever this topic arises in conversation down the road, we are confident that you will be encouraged to speak about it (whether it be to learn more about the kink from someone who practices it first-hand or to educate someone who may be closed off to the idea). With your help, we can help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Is electrical play something you’d like to try with your sex partner(s)? How do you think that electrosex can make someone’s sex life more fulfilling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
