BDSM—which stands for bondage, domination and submission, and sadism and masochism, are more common than most people might imagine—both in the realms of fantasy and the real world. As reported in a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, around 22% of people have fantasized about BDSM, and around 47% have actually engaged in it at some point in their lives. Dr. Justin Lehmiller, author of the book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life, has found that the taboo surrounding BDSM could in part be attributed to psychologists and psychiatrists classifying it as unusual. In fact, many of these practices are actually common among adults. Think about the popularity of the novel, Fifty Shades of Gray, and this idea certainly falls into place.
