I dabbled in edgeplay during my school years. The scars have since faded to nearly nothing.
Pain combined with sexual stimulation allows the individual incredible amounts of control. One simply balances the sensations of pleasure with pain mentally for the perfect experience.
As a submissive I have enjoyed pain as part of the sexual experience but have found it only works with a competent partner. My wife isn’t experienced and doesn’t posses the confidence that comes with it. I’ve let that aspect of sex go (at least for the time being).
She’s more than a decade my senior and shows signs that she is a prime candidate for submissive status herself. Even though I am capable of playing switch, topping (physically) isn’t a natural condition for me. I’ve had some success with very mild topping of her (holding limbs down, a hand lightly across the throat, clutching her jaw with my fingers in her mouth). Baby steps…
I’m vastly better at inflicting psychological pain (humiliation). I’ve employed this very gently and carefully with my externally powerful and assertive wife. Results have been positive but things are very slow going. Too much too soon would be disastrous.
Let’s just say that quality dominating is a lot of work.
It’s been years since I’ve been brought to trembling, weeping orgasm by a dominant woman that knows perfectly well what she’s doing. I’ll experience this again someday but I’m being extremely cautious and patient.