Aftercare (BDSM)

In the context of the sexual practice of BDSM, aftercare is the process of attending to a submissive after intense activities of a physical or psychological nature relating to BDSM activities. Aftercare goes above and beyond any possible necessity to treat or clean wounds (contusions, abrasions, punctures, lacerations, etc.) from bloodplay or other BDSM practices.

BDSM experiences can be exhausting, depleting the submissive's internal resources. As a result, frequently the submissive requires emotional support, comfort, reassurances, and/or physical tenderness. Along with this, he or she may experience everything from an exhilaration to traumatization. It also may include a review or “debriefing” of the activities from experiences of both the dominant and the submissive. How soon this occurs, after such a “session”, will vary.

Submissives may report needing to be left alone or other means of processing the experience. While the desire to be left alone could stem from just needing rest, it could also result from her/him no longer feeling safe in the current environment or situation.