As for sex, individual differences prevail, because each of us has different tastes and we get excited for different reasons . Sex is experienced from intimacy, in a private and personal way. In that intimacy we may be able to let ourselves be carried away by our erotic thoughts. In that moment, mind, body and emotions merge, leading us even to enjoy forbidden situations.

But some people take their fantasies and sexual desires further, sometimes materializing them into fetish objects , bizarre situations or strange maniases, what is known as fetishism , a kind of paraphilia . Fetish fantasies are common, but do not constitute a disorder unless they lead to rituals that are so unacceptable as to interfere with sexual intercourse and cause individual discomfort.

  • You may be interested in: “The main sexual and psychosexual disorders”

The strangest fetishes

There are more than 130 different categories, but in today’s article we will describe the 10 strangest fetishes .

1. Mechanoplasty

Mechanophilia is a paraphilia in which an individual is excited by machines (vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, etc.) or gadgets . But what attracts them is not having sex in the vehicle or outside it, but what excites them is the machine itself. Sex toys or devices, such as vibrators, have nothing to do with mechanophilia.

2.Partialism

People who suffer from bias are only aroused by a specific part of the body . The most common is podophilia, that is to say getting excited with the feet. But it can also be the hands or the feet with heels. Extreme cases only feel aroused by having sex with that part of the body.

3.Ursusagalamatophilia

This type of fetishism called ursusagalamatophilia refers to the excitement that some individuals feel towards people who project qualities and characteristics of animals . For example, a person who is very hairy because he considers him a teddy bear. Yes, just as it sounds.

4.Salirofilia

Saltrophiles get excited about the dirty . For them bathing and perfuming themselves before sex is not holy of their devotion, whereas most of us enjoy hygiene. This type of practice is often accompanied by fantasies of domination and submission, such as sadism or masochism.

5.Hybristophilia

Hybristophilia or excitement towards criminals is usually dominant in women. They like bullies and are attracted to criminals of all kinds, even those who have committed horrible crimes. It is common for this to happen when the criminal is good-looking and his case has received a lot of media attention. Proof of this is the legion of fans of the serial killer Charles Manson. This has nothing to do with women who are attracted to “bad guys”.

6.Formicophilia

It is the sexual excitement for having insects (ants, worms, etc.) especially in the genitals , but also all over the body. In some cases they are also excited by the possibility of being stung, for example by bees.

7.Hematophilia

Haematophilia is also known as vampire fetishism , as it involves the use of blood during sexual intercourse . Not only are they aroused by the blood-filled body, but the fetish also includes drinking it.

8.Kleptolagnia

Kleptomania is the sexual excitement derived from theft . They usually start by stealing from their partner, and then expand their range of action to others, including strangers. The objects stolen are of little importance, and they are usually small objects, which can be easily hidden, to be used later for sexual excitement. This fetish is common among serial killers, and some have even amputated parts of their victims’ bodies to take as trophies. Ed Gein kept a box of his victims’ noses under his bed.

9.Spectrophilia

This type of fetishism refers to the sexual excitement derived from mirrors felt by some individuals . The fetishist enjoys both masturbation and even orgies in front of mirrors. They usually place mirrors in every corner of the house to have sex in front of them. There have been reports of people being thrown out of “mirror houses” (a typical attraction at carnivals and fairs) for masturbating inside them. A fetish possibly associated with narcissism.

10.Self-Epiophilia

In this type of fetishism the person feels sexual excitement towards the diapers . It has a lot to do with the “role playing” of an adult playing a baby. It is different from paedophilia. Self-injurers can masturbate with a diaper on or enjoy watching the other person in a diaper.

Bibliographic references:

  • Castelo, C. (2004). Human sexuality: an integral approach. Madrid: Panamericana.
  • Morrison, J. (2008). DSM IV Clinical Diagnostic Manual. Mexico. Manual Moderno.