Whips are a large part of bondage, domination, and sado-masochistic play. The Dominant (Dom) will often whip the Submissive (sub) recipient in order for the sub to achieve arousal from the pain that is inflicted from the whipping device.

Whips come in a variety of styles and fabrics and while not used often directly for sexual stimulation are still considered a sex toy; some are constructed of soft synthetic fibers, for mild play, and stimulation of erogenous zones. Some that are of tougher leather, or even metal are made to inflict varying levels of pain on the sub.

Wooden planks are also a suitable device and popular for spanking the sub recipient typically across the buttocks. The use of flagellation (whips with many smaller ends for contact) can also be used to deliver damage across the back or chest of the submissive. This is usually, but not always, reserved for the SM category of BDSM as it allows the sub &- who may not necessarily have a higher pain threshold, but is wanting to experience pain as it is pleasing, sexually speaking for the participant.

Whips have long been a part of the BDSM scene, which originated from the Gay Leather Scene who were soldiers returning home from World War II. Whips, often in leather can considered a fetish themselves, as the touch and feel of the leather proves to be sexually arousing for participants of BDSM.

Fetishes play a large part of the BDSM scene as a great amount of the sensations received are based off of mental receptors to the physical stimulation. Thus, when the pain and pleasure receptors become mixed, recipients describe a feeling of sublime in terms of their current state of mind. Since most BDSM is a fantasy lived out, most subs are sexually aroused at the mere thought of the play involved in BDSM. Whips and whipping devices, are thus a preference to the submissive based off of discussions prior to play as to limits, and if necessary a safe word to stop actions should it go beyond the comfort levels of the submissive.