Sexual fetishes
What are sexual fetishes:
A sexual fetish is where you become aroused by a part of the body or object, that’s not typically sexual, like shoes or feet. Sexual fetishes are more common in men than they are in women, but just because you may like seeing your partner in high heels, doesn’t necessarily mean you have a shoe fetish.
People with these fetishes have to fantasize about it or have the object in view, whether it’s alone or with a partner, to become sexually aroused, get an erection, or reach an orgasm. When a person has a fetish they will need to hold, smell, taste the object or even get their partner to wear it, whilst they masturbate or during sex.
Where do fetishes come from:
Sexual fetishes can go back to early childhood before a person even became aware of their sexuality. It can come from seeing inappropriate sexual behavior or even sexual abuse. There is nothing wrong with having a fetish, as long as it is controlled, it doesn’t become an issue and your partner is okay with it. Most of the time fetishes are pretty harmless, but if there is a need for concern then there is reason to see a therapist.
Most common sexual fetishes:
Feet: Feet is probably the most common as it lead to the leg, which then leads to the genitals.
Shoes: Shoes are a favorite, and mainly for men. The high-heeled shoes are a big turn-on for a lot of men. The idea of having sex with nothing more than just the shoes is very arousing to a man.
Ear: The soft kiss and brush of lips against the ear can be very arousing.
Color: Lots of people get aroused by certain colors.
Hair: Long flowing glossy hair is a huge attraction for a lot of men.
Underwear: This is a very common one, and can be classed as quite perverted. Some men go to the launderette in the hopes of finding underwear lying around for them to take and satisfy their fetishes. Some men like to wear women’s underwear as they get some sexual excitement from it, or even smell unwashed underwear.
Naval fetishism: This part of the body becomes the primary location of sexual desire, mainly for the man.
Body piercings: This is where some people can find pain in ecstasy, so body piercings can be a part of that, although a lot more common for the younger generation.
Tattoos: This is a bit similar to piercing. A lot of people can find tattoos sexually appealing.
Different types of sexual fetishes:
People get turned on many different things. There is an endless list of strange fetishes that people like to experiment with and do.
Cuckolding: This is where a person gets turned on by sitting and watching their partner have sex with another person.
Pregnancy: This is where a person gets aroused by seeing a pregnant woman. For them the bigger the belly, the more aroused they become.
Whips and chains: There are people out there who get pretty excited by the idea of whips and chains. Pain for them is a sexual pleasure. They love the idea of physical pain inflicted on them.
Sex in front of the mirror: This kind of fetish is where people get aroused by the idea of having sex in front of the mirror. They like to watch themselves masturbate in the mirror, or watch others do the same.
Electrostimulation: Feeling sexually pleasured whilst a small amount of an electric shock passes through their body. There are a few sex toys designed to do this, for people who enjoy this type of sexual fetish.
Can sexual fetishism be treated?
The fetishistic disorder may be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of talk therapy and drugs. A sex therapist with CBT training may use aversion therapy or guided imagery to reduce interest in fetishistic objects. A sex therapist can help you control and even understand your fetishes without feeling ashamed. They will offer you ways to manage your fetishistic desires effectively.
When does a fetish become a disorder?
It is estimated that around 1 in 6 people have some kind of fetish, and most can satisfy their desires in a healthy consensual way. This is why fetishes are not considered to be a problem or categorized as a disorder unless they clinically create disruption or anxiety and could cause harm to oneself or a partner. If it starts to disrupt everyday life, then it is classed as becoming a disorder. Fetishistic disorder is mainly found in men, but women can also develop this disorder. An unhealthy fetish can be detected quite early, as far back as teenage years, puberty, or when they become sexually active.
Common signs:
: Becoming sexually aroused stemming from a part of a body that is something other than genitals. or an object.
: Urges. fantasies, or mental images that keep reoccurring and where the fetish is lasting longer than 6 months.
: When a persons desires for that fetish bring on shame, anxiety, and confusion.
: When a persons every day life starts to become disrupted by that fetish, making relationships, work and things at home complicated.
: Without treatment Fetishes can bring on negative outcomes, mental health issues and cause problems in a persons sex life.
