Typically, pain is a signal to stop—a sharp reminder of injury or danger. It is your body telling you in the only way it knows how that something is wrong. Yet, for some people, pain can be a source of pleasure, where distressing experiences can become exhilarating.

So, why do some people enjoy the burn of spicy food and the soreness of intense workouts? On the more taboo side of things, why do some people like BDSM? 

Recent advances in neuroscience have revealed how the brain transforms painful experiences into pleasurable ones, particularly among those actively seeking them out. Scientists realized that the key behind this transformation is the brain’s ability to interpret pain under different contexts. 

In terms of brain anatomy, regions associated with pain processing such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, are involved in both the sensory and emotional aspects of pain. Research using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans shows that when masochists experience pain in contexts they find appealing, these two particular areas of the brain are activated in ways that emphasize sensation over distress. Instead of triggering the feeling of alarm, the pain is processed more like a neutral or positive sensation. As these regions are activated based on contexts and expectations, scientists believe that the brains of masochists might be reinterpreting pain in a rewarding context, reducing the usual emotional distress associated with pain. 

Apart from brain anatomy, masochism can also be explained through neurochemistry. Painful stimuli can prompt the release of endorphins and endogenous opioids—chemicals that not only alleviate discomfort but also produce feelings of euphoria. For athletes, the “runner’s high” is caused by the body’s natural painkillers, creating a “sense of well-being” despite the physical exertion. Similarly, sexual masochists experience this flood of neurochemicals that can induce an altered consciousness. Masochists who practice BDSM occasionally describe a sense of detachment and immersion during the moment. This state is likely triggered, at least in part, by the drastic changes in hormone concentrations like cortisol. 

To build upon the experience of masochistic activities, scientists believe that the psychological anticipation of pain can enhance masochistic pleasures. Studies on activities like consuming spicy foods or enduring challenging workouts suggest that looking forward to a discomforting experience significantly heightens the eventual pleasure. This anticipation primes the brain’s reward center for those who find pleasure in pain. When pain arrives, it is met not with trepidation, but with readiness and often satisfaction.

Finally, whether or not the masochist has control over the experience often plays a crucial factor. Just as anticipation can contribute to satisfaction, the same could be said when the pain is self-chosen. Research conducted using functional MRI demonstrated that when pain is chosen with a degree of agency, the brain’s reward pathways are more actively engaged, which reduces distress. This strongly aligns with psychological theories on the importance of well-established consent in masochistic scenarios, as trust can amplify positive responses. When considering how intimate these experiences can be, neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, associated with reward and social bonding, may deepen the sense of connection and pleasure. 

Masochism appears to be a paradox. Deriving pleasure from pain, whether through physical exercise or intimate activities, involves a complex cocktail of neurochemistry and anatomical pathways. Ultimately, pain is not just our body’s signal to stop, but also an experience that might be exciting, thrilling, and pleasurable.

W(ow) indeed!