MASOCHISM.

• Masochism can be defined as getting  or increasing sexual gratification by the suffering of pain (passive algolagnia)
• This term is derived from the name of Leopold von Sacher-masoch, an Austrian novelist.
• Being whipped by his wife used to be a stimulant for his literary work.

Picture of Leopold von Sacher-masoch (1836-1895).

• This condition is the opposite of Sadism.
• Masochists get pleasure from being beaten, abused, tortured, humiliated, enslaved, degraded or dominated by their sexual partner, and they tend to place themselves repeatedly in self-defeating situations.
• It is usually found in males but it may be found in females, who may willingly expose themselves to the risks of severe bodily injury or murder at the hands of brutal husbands or lovers.
• Sadism (Active algolagnia) and Masochism (Passive algolagnia) usually found as a combination with one type dominant over the other. The combining of these practices is called "BONDAGE".
• They are found in all age groups and in all socio-economic levels.