What is Fetishism?

Fetishism is sexual behavior in which an object, most often inanimate, is a stimulus and satisfaction. The good news is, according to the definition in the International Classification of Diseases 11, fetishism has been removed from the list of mental disorders.

What Kinds of Fetishes Are There in the Modern World?

Fetishists may experience an attraction to clothing, shoes, body parts, and a characteristic difference in appearance and behavior, some may be distinguished by a particular material (rubber, plastic, leather). Anything can become a fetish.

Freedom of action with the object of fetish allows a person to surrender to the flight of imagination and illusions, so the identity of a partner does not play any role for a fetishist. There is no need to spend money physically and mentally, to tune in to a partner, or to an intimate wave.

Sexual Fetishism

By the way, elements of fetishism also accompany a normal sexual life, when fetish helps to increase the brightness of fantasies and dreams, to achieve maximal sexual arousal. For example, for men, it is some part of a woman's body or an object of a woman's toilet. Memories of them can be accompanied by masturbation and orgasm. 

Unhealthy Fetish

Fetishism as a disease is considered when people are unable to have intercourse without their fetish and suffer greatly from it. The need for a fetish can be so intense and compulsory that it becomes all-consuming and destructive in a person's life, brings considerable suffering, and interferes with their daily functioning. In this case, it is necessary to see a specialist (sexologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist).