Hmm, good question, mari.

For my husband and I, BDSM without the sexual component just wouldn't be any fun. Sex is always a part of our play. The D/s component is something we've begun slowly introducing into our everyday life, but that is even sexual in that I seem to stay ready for sex most of the time, just by thinking about serving him in everyday life. For example, when I take care of a need of his without being asked or told, I get wet. Just the act of thinking of his needs above my own is a turn-on. As a result, we have lots more sex, both BDSM oriented and vanilla. Here's the contrast: before BDSM, sex once or twice a week. Now, sex 4-7 times a week. Big difference!