Health Topics for Mental and Emotional Health

Department of Psychiatry

Fetishism

Fetishism is one of the sexual disorders known as paraphilias. People who have fetishism are sexually aroused by sexual activity involving nonhuman objects, called fetishes.

Generally, a person with fetishism must have the fetish present in order to become sexually excited. They may masturbate while holding, rubbing, or smelling the fetish object. He or she may ask a partner to wear the fetish during sexual encounters. Common fetish objects include women's underclothes, stockings, shoes, and other wearing apparel. Many fetish objects are made of rubber or leather.

Fetishism generally begins in childhood or adolescence and is almost always found in males. Once established, fetishism tends to be life-long unless treated.

Many normal men are sexually aroused by women's undergarments, particularly items such as garter belts and stockings. A man may request that a partner keep these items on at times during sexual activity. This is not considered to be fetishism except in the case when the man cannot perform sexually unless the partner is wearing the items.

However, fetishism can be a part of an overall severe sexual disorder and treatment by a mental health provider is recommended.

Since this is somewhat of a specialty area, you may wish to contact the State Board of Mental Health in your state or your healthcare provider for a referral.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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