SEXUAL CHOKING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRYING IT
Let’s talk about choking. Not the kind that happens when you accidentally inhale your gum, but the kind that shows up in song lyrics, porn, and yes, real-life bedrooms. Breath play, or sexual choking, has gone mainstream. But popularity does not equal safety, and it definitely does not mean people understand what is really happening to the body and brain.
Most people use the term “choking,” but medically, that is not accurate. What is actually happening is strangulation, external pressure applied to the neck that restricts airflow or blood flow. That pressure can come from hands, a forearm, a belt, or another object. The neck houses critical structures, and even light pressure in the wrong place can have serious consequences.
So why do people do it? For some, it is the head rush. Others are drawn to the psychological edge, the play with dominance and submission, or the belief that it intensifies orgasm. Breath play can release feel-good chemicals in the brain, giving a temporary high. But like most highs, the more often it happens, the less powerful it feels. This can lead people to take bigger risks over time.
In BDSM and kink communities, breath play is approached with planning, negotiation, and care. Conversations around consent, safety, and aftercare are the norm. But outside those spaces, that level of communication is often missing. One study found that 21 percent of people who were choked during sex were never asked beforehand. That is not just unsafe, it is a violation of consent.
Physically, sexual choking can lead to immediate symptoms like dizziness, tearing up, trouble swallowing, and coughing. Some people may even lose consciousness or control of their bladder. Longer-term effects are more serious. Research shows repeated strangulation can lead to structural changes in the brain, slower cognitive processing, and even early signs of brain aging. Over time, this could increase the risk of dementia.
And this is not rare. A 2023 survey found that 75 percent of women, 61 percent of men, and 79 percent of trans and nonbinary individuals who had been choked during sex had experienced it more than five times. Nearly a quarter had been choked more than 25 times.
This is not about judging your preferences. It is about giving you the full picture so you can make informed decisions about your body, your brain, and your pleasure. If breath play is something you are into or curious about, you deserve clear, evidence-informed guidance.
In my latest video, I break it all down. You will learn what really happens in the body during breath play, what research is telling us about long-term health risks, how to talk to a partner about consent and safety, and why even “light choking” is not as harmless as people think.
The full video is available exclusively on Patreon.
Watch now at https://www.patreon.com/drsusieg
No shame. No fear. Just real talk about real risks so you can make safer choices that still feel good.
This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding treatment, medications/supplements, or any medical diagnoses. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way to substitute the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
