Definition - What does fetish & fetishism mean?

Don't know if you have, or maybe you think yours are unusual? It's time to talk about fetishes and sexual fetishism without the wall.

Originally, in the 15th century , the word "feitico" meant "false power, object, talisman" in Portugal. When the Portuguese explored West Africa and encountered native religions, they called any talisman (from amulets to totems) that the locals worshiped a "fetish."

The current definition tells us that sexual fetishism is a type of paraphilia (ie, sexual perversion) in which the object of affection is an inanimate object or part of one's body. Basically, a fetish is a sexual arousal in response to an object or part of the body that is not usually sexual, such as shoes, feet or others, about which we now talk at length.

Why do fetishes appear?

Whether we are talking about a mild manifestation of fetishism or a real disorder (psychological disorder), the causes still remain unclear. Some theorists believe that fetishes arise from early childhood experiences in which an object was associated with the shape of another object with strong sexual potential. Others believe that there were problems with masturbating activity in childhood or late adolescence.

Specialists suggest that a child who is a victim, or simply, just observes inappropriate sexual behaviors, learns over time to imitate and practice that type of behavior. In cases where men are involved, it is suggested that fetishes may arise as an effect of doubts about one's own masculinity, potency, or even fear of rejection and humiliation. Through fetishistic practices, the person defends himself and can compensate for the lack of belonging and understanding.

Who can have fetishes?

Although initial theories said that only men could have fetishes, this turned out to be untrue. The similarities and differences between female and male fetishism are still debated, with additional attention paid to the degree of perversity.

In the case of males, there is a possibility that men cannot get erections without the presence of objects or the satisfaction of the desire to see, feel, smell something specific.

The most common fetishes

People can have fantasies about almost anything. Over time, it has been noticed that these differ from person to person, but there are several broad categories of fetishes that we are now discovering together.

"Foot fetish" - Foot fetish

Defined as a pronounced sexual interest in feet, for a person with a "Foot fetish" points of attraction may include the shape and size of feet and toes. It is one of the most common male fetishes, and even much of Chinese literature talks about women's feet, worshiping them, or even masturbating with them.

Shoe fetish

Directly related to the foot fetish, shoes are a source of fantasies and desires for many men. Heels are usually the most popular because they give a woman a taller body and make her legs look longer. Chinese women struggled to wear shoes as small as possible to make them look as delicate as possible.

Piercing fetish

This fetish is more popular among young people between the ages of 18 and 35. Anything, be it a belly button, tongue, eyebrows, nipples, is not only interesting, but downright exciting.

Body part fetish

Men and women agree that many parts of their partner's body sexually fascinate them. From abs, to ear, fingers, hands, they differ according to everyone's preferences.

Color fetish

Maybe you prefer to see your partner dressed in that color, or maybe your sex toys all have to be the same color, if it's an obsession, we call it a fetish. The colors most commonly labeled as a fetish are: red, purple, pink, black.

Fetish for certain materials

There are many people who have fetishes for various materials from latex, leather, rubber to furs. Thus, they have an obsessive desire to dress or clothe their partner in something of that material or just to have an object of that material around.

Underwear fetish

Common especially in men, this fetish means for them an obsession with the underwear a woman wears. It can be something intriguing, attractive, or it can be something simple, irrelevant as a model.

Tattoo fetish

As with piercing fetishes, tattoo fetishes are more common among younger generations and refer to the absolute attraction to tattoos, sometimes even being a mandatory criterion for selecting a partner.

Food fetish

Food fetish means that the sexual desire is aroused by foods, often those used during a sexual act, such as: strawberries, cream, chocolate and others.

Other known fetishes

There are many other forms that people's fetishes take, including techniques used with a partner during sexual intercourse.

Domination & submission - BDSM

BDSM is the acronym for "bondage, domination and submission, sadomasochism" and describes specific sexual practices, with clearly defined rules, that lead partners to intense pleasure by causing physical pain. There is a wide range of sex products used to satisfy partners who prefer this type of sex.

Sexual roleplay

Some people prefer to use suits or uniforms from a certain field, medical for example, to spice up their moments in bed. The practice of role-play is not uncommon anymore and there are many people who appreciate this type of sex where everyone assumes a different role than in real life.

Primal fetish

Obtaining pleasure during sex through a primal, animal manifestation is one of the common fetishes today. The primal part of the brain is responsible for survival, so it is assumed that our basic instincts of finding food, self-protection and reproduction, once allowed to surface, can produce pleasure.

Furry fetish

What does "furry fetish" mean? Basically, those who have such a fetish are fans of anthropomorphic animals. These are animals with human characteristics, such as Mickey Mouse, Sonic the Hedgehog and many mascots for sports teams.

Plus size fetish

This type of fetish is a sexual attraction directed at overweight or obese people, primarily due to their weight and size. This becomes for people with "plus-size fetish" an important criterion for selecting partners.

Public places

For some people, as dangerous as it is to have sex in public places, they find it exciting. It can be about the adrenaline of the moment that gives addiction, or about the moment of actual sex.

Paraphilia vs. fetishism - What's the difference?

Paraphilia is abnormal sexual behavior, those impulses characterized by intense sexual fantasies and desires that recur frequently. These strong sex drives may involve the use of certain unusual objects, situations or activities that are not normally considered arousing by the vast majority of people

Fetishism is a sub-category of paraphilia, and as long as it is kept under control and no abusive behavior develops, it is not a problem.

How is a fetishistic disorder diagnosed?

People with a fetishistic disorder typically focus exclusively on the object or body part that triggers the desire, thus the source of the fetish. Non-fetishists may sometimes feel attracted to a particular body part or object and include this in their sexual interaction with another person, but do not become fixated on it.

The diagnosis of a fetishistic disorder is based on the following criteria:

• For a period of at least 6 months, the person has recurrent fantasies that generate urges, urges, or behaviors involving inanimate objects or a particular focus on body parts.

• The fantasies, sexual needs or behaviors cause significant stress or affect the individual socially, occupationally or personally.

Are fetishes safe?

If kept within a healthy limit, fetishes are not a problem for anyone. However, fetishes can easily take an obsessive form and turn into a mental disorder.

Is fetishism a disorder?

Fetishism and fantasies are common and should only be treated as a disorder when they cause a serious situation or affect a person's ability to function normally in everyday life.

The fetishistic condition tends to have an ongoing course that fluctuates in intensity and frequency of onsets or behavior throughout life. As a result, treatment is usually long-term.

How is a fetishistic disorder treated?

Treatment methods include various forms of therapy (traditional psychoanalysis, hypnosis, cognitive and behavioral therapy), as well as drug therapy (SSRIs, androgen deprivation therapy). Some prescribed medications help decrease the compulsive thinking associated with paraphilias. This allows you to focus on counseling with fewer distractions.

Complications - Untreated fetishistic disorder

If such a disorder is left untreated, fetishism can cause serious social and emotional problems. That's why treatment is essential. Complications that may occur include:

• Continuous sexual fantasies with objects

• Social problems caused by these fantasies or desires

• Interpersonal relationship problems

• Depersonalization of sexual actions or fantasies

• Uncontrollable sexual urges involving body parts or objects

If you feel that you have a problem or maybe someone in your life suffers from such a disorder, do not hesitate to ask for the help of a specialist doctor.

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