Sexual pleasures for some people can be heightened by restraining their partners with the use of bondage gear/equipment. Inclusion of elements of bondage in sexual activities or BDSM is exciting for some couples, and it is usually regarded as a form of foreplay. Bondage in the bedroom is typically mild, with a voluntary partner being hog tied, handcuffed, spread-eagled, or tied up using bondage gear/equipment, who then will be stimulated by the other partner through oral sex, masturbation, or intercourse. Other than foreplay, sexual teasing or erotic tickling can be achieved by restraining your partner.
The satisfaction of the restrained partner can be indicated by struggling, vocalization, or writhing and arousal can be attained by the “helpless" position in the hands of the other partner. The partner in control may get erotic pleasures by being in a dominating situation. Generally, bondage games are acted out to carry out sexual fantasies of couples, and most couples who do these activities experience a more affirming relationship. They gain a higher level of trust with each other.
Sexual fantasy scenarios like those seen in erotic pornography may take several forms like an enactment of a rape scene and usually involve women being in a vulnerable captive situation rather than men being held captive. Role playing with partners dressing in costumes are also part of bondage games. The dominant partner typically wears attire that would indicate control, extreme discipline, or power like that of a police, prison warden, or military uniforms. On the other hand, the submissive partner's get-up is somewhat depictive of sexual innocence or passivity like that of nun and schoolgirl uniform.
Several bondage kits are available for BDSM, that may include straps, harness or ropes used for holding the hands or legs together; x-frames or spreader bars used to part the limbs. The body or some body parts can be tied to an object like stocks or chairs, or can be suspended using other bondage gear/equipment to limit movements. Examples of objects that can be used are pony harness, handcuffs, or hobble skirts. Bondage games can also involve the wrapping of the entire body using cling film, saran wrap, or sleepsack.
Bondage gear/equipment commonly preferred is the rope because of its flexibility. Other bondage gear/equipment may require rigging, which often needs a considerable amount of skill to safely carry out. Other restraining objects can include chains or belly chains, thumb cuffs, bondage tables and hooks. Some people even like to use straitjackets whenever applicable in their role plays.
In a typical bondage game, couples usually make use of sex toys to further enhance sexual arousal. Common toys used with bondage gear/equipment include dildos, vibrators, male masturbators, butt plugs, cock and ball toys, suction and pumping gears, and other objects used to stimulate the anus, nipples, and other sensitive parts of the body. Using sex toys can bring heightened sexual pleasures to another level.
Safety must be ensured when carrying out bondage games, especially with the use of extreme bondage gear/equipment that may require skills before being used. Some workshops are available where couples can actually practice restraining each other under the supervision of an experienced instructor.