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Choking During Sex
What you need to know about the risks, the law, and the reality behind this harmful trend.
The Rise of Choking in Sex
Choking during sex, also known as “Asphyxiation”, is ‘the intentional restriction of oxygen to the brain for the purposes of sexual arousal.’ Falling under the umbrella of ‘breath play’, it involves choking yourself or someone else using hands or items that can be placed around your neck or as a barrier in front of the mouth and nose.
According to a 2020 survey of nearly 5,000 undergraduate students at a large U.S. university, 64 percent of women, 29 percent of men and 56 percent of gender diverse students reported ever being choked during sex. Comparatively, 28 percent of women, 59 percent of men and 58 percent of gender diverse students said they had choked a partner during sex
Studies show 35% of 16-34-year-olds report being choked by a partner during sex.
Experts warn pornography is normalizing strangulation, making it seem like a standard part of sex.
Many people experience choking without prior discussion or consent.
The Risks of Choking
Cuts off oxygen to the brain – can cause brain damage or death.
Increases carbon dioxide levels – leads to dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Can cause strokes, speech disorders, and PTSD.
Victims of Non-fatal Strangulation (NFS) are seven times more likely to be killed by their partner.
What the Law Says
Choking is illegal in England & Wales, even if done consensually.
Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is a criminal offense with a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.
If serious harm occurs, consent is NOT a defense. A person is unable to consent to the infliction of harm that results in actual bodily harm or other more serious injury or, by extension, to their own death, for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification.
“But We Saw It in Porn…”
Pornography does NOT show reality. Many assume choking is safe because it’s shown frequently in porn. Actors in porn are not medical experts—strangulation carries real, fatal risks. Watching it doesn’t mean it’s normal or risk-free in real life.
The Truth About “Safe Choking” – there is no safe way to strangle someone. Even light pressure can cause hidden injuries like internal bruising, nerve damage, or delayed strokes. Many people pass out within seconds without warning.