The topic of sexual fetishism is one of those things that was initially considered taboo, however, those sentiments no longer hold true. In the right environment, and under the right encouragement very few people will hesitate to share their intimate thoughts, fantasies, and fetishes.

Often, the origin of an individual fetish may not be readily known or identified as a fetish until he or she matures. A lot of fetishes are developed before the individual becomes conscious of them, making it difficult to accurately pinpoint its origin. Surprisingly, some powerful experiences may have taken place prior to the child learning to talk, in which case there is no way they can be remembered in words. Some abuses experienced during childhood may be acted upon during adulthood without the individual being psychologically conscious of why he or she has developed the specific fetish. The physical feeling of sexual arousal and other intense feelings may be connected on a level of “body memory” to an experience that cannot be verbalized. A true fetishist cannot have a satisfying sexual experience without it, and it's a problem, often interfering with real intimacy and sometimes resulting in destructive behavior.

Fortunately, most fetishes are pretty harmless, as they typically do not interfere with or limit daily functioning. Fetishes usually do not take on a primary role in the fetish holders life, but a secondary, or even tertiary role. There are literally countless fetishes out there, more and more being discovered all the time. Almost everyone has the “thing” they are into, or a personal vice.

Realistically anything can be turned into a fetish; it just depends on a person’s desires and preferences. Fetishes, just like people can be both individual, unique, and specific to the individual. Some Fetishes can build upon the intimacy level and intensity in a relationship. However, depending on the fetish type, some may be a real obstacle to developing any real intimacy with another person. Although, understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of sexual fetishes are increasing, society still places a huge stigma on a lot of fetishes, regardless of more acceptance of individual preferences. Most people are embarrassed about their fetish and don’t necessarily discuss it outside of a specific circle that may be dedicated to it such as a club or group they belong to.

Most Common Fetish Types:

Acrotomophilia: Sexual arousal in response to amputees

Agalmatophilia: Sexual arousal to a statue, doll, mannequin or other similar figurative object

Anasteemaphilia: Sexual arousal or intense attraction to a person of extreme stature, either giant or small

Apotemnophilia: A neurological disorder characterized by the intense and long-standing desire for the amputation of a specific limb, or a desire to become paralyzed, blind, or deaf. Most often the individual has a sexual arousal to oneself as an amputee

Autoplushophilia: Sexual arousal to oneself dressed as a giant cartoon-like stuffed animal “furry”.

Coprophilia: Sexual arousal experienced when the fetish holder comes into contact with feces. Fetish holders may become sexually aroused at the smell, or feel of feces.

Exhibitionism: Sexual arousal received from displaying one’s sexual organs in public

Formicophilia: Sexual arousal/interest in being crawled upon or nibbled on by insects such as ants (or other small insects)

Frotteurism: Sexual arousal received from touching a stranger surreptitiously in a crowded place

Masochism: Sexual arousal received from experiencing physical and psychological pain

Partialism: Arousal to a body part other than the reproductive organs, e.g., calves

Podophilia: Sexual arousal received at the sight of, smelling, or touching feet

Pubephilia: Sexual arousal at the sight of or touch of pubic hair

Pygophilia: Sexual arousal received from seeing, touching, or fondling the buttocks of another person

Sadism: Sexual arousal received from causing physical and psychological pain to another person

Swinging: Swinging refers to the act of a committed, usually married couple indulging in sex with another couple or individual with the full consent of both partners.

Titillagnia: Sexual pleasure received from tickling or being tickled

Urophilia: Sexual arousal/pleasure received from urinating or urinating on others

Voyeurism: Sexual arousal and pleasure received from spying on others for sexual gratification

Typically, having a fetish or something you’re “into”, as long as you are happy, it does not interfere with daily functioning, then having a fetish is typically a non-issue. Fetishes do not have to be associated with things once perceived as negative as long as no one is being forced to take part. However, if your fetish is causing distress, fear, or interrupts daily functioning then it may be time to seek professional counseling.

Fetishes, like a lot of other things can become a disorder if the individual feels powerless to control his/her behaviors and impulses. That being said, if the fetish brings pleasure and not harm, then it is safe to explore and indulge.

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