Fetishism

The term "fetishism" was coined in the late 1800s. It originates from the Portuguese word feitico, which means "obsessive fascination". There is a degree of fetishistic arousal in most normal individuals who find particular bodily features attractive. However, fetishistic arousal is generally considered a problem when it interferes with normal sexual or social functioning and where sexual arousal is impossible without the fetish object.

Fetishism is characterized as a disorder when there is a pathological assignment of sexual fixation, fantasies or behaviors toward an inanimate object -- frequently an item of clothing -- such as underclothing or a high-heeled shoe -- or to nongenital body parts -- such as the foot. Only through use of this object can the individual obtain sexual gratification. The fetishist usually holds, rubs or smells the fetish object for sexual gratification or asks their partner to wear the object during sexual encounters. Fetishism is a more common occurrence in males, and the causes are not clearly known. Fetishism falls under the general category of paraphilias, abnormal or unnatural sexual attractions.

Inanimate object fetishes can be categorized into two types: form fetishes and media fetishes. In a form fetish, the object and its shape are important, such as high-heeled shoes. In a media fetish, the material of the object is important, such as silk or leather. Inanimate object fetishists often collect the object of their favor. In some cases, the fetishism is severe enough to inspire the fetishist to acquire objects of his desire through theft or assault. Fetishists smell, rub or handle these objects while masturbating or ask their sex partners to wear the objects; male fetishists may be unable to get erections without the presence of the objects. Nearly all fetishists are male, though some women also exhibit fetishism.

Aside from those listed above, other common objects used by fetishists are panties, bras, slips, stockings, other intimate apparel, footwear and gloves. Common materials other than those listed above also include rubber and fur. For some, merely a picture of the fetish object may arise the fetishists, though most prefer or require the actual object. It is not about the person who has worn the object, rather it is about the object itself. Examples of animate fetish objects include hair, legs and buttocks. Fetishism excludes cross-dressing and objects specially designed for sexual use such as vibrators and dildos.

The sexual acts of fetishists are characteristically depersonalized and objectified, with the focus being exclusively on the fetish. Non-fetishists may at various times become aroused by a particular body part or an object and make it a part of their sexual interaction with another person, but they do not fixate on it. In general, the fetishist can only become sexually aroused and orgasmic when the fetish is being used. In other instances, a response may occur without the fetish, but at a diminished level. When the fetish object is not present, the fetishist fantasizes about it.

The diagnostic criteria for fetishism includes:

• Repeatedly for a period of at least six months, the patient has recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges or behaviors involving nonliving objects (such as female undergarments and shoes).
• The fantasies, sexual urges or behaviors cause significant distress or impair social, occupational or personal functioning.
• The fetish objects are not articles of clothing used in cross-dressing as in transvestite fetishism and are not designed for tactile genital stimulation such as a vibrator.  Other features of fetishism include:
• Employment or volunteer work to enable fetish behavior, for example, a job in a shoe shop in the case of a shoe fetish

Some disorders such as mental retardation and dementia have similar or even the same symptoms. The clinician, therefore, in her diagnostic attempt needs to rule out other potential disorders to establish a precise diagnosis.

Common types of fetishism

The cause of fetishistic behavior as a pattern of sexual gratification cannot be explained easily.

Some theorists believe that fetishism develops from early childhood experiences, in which an object was associated with a particularly powerful form of sexual arousal or gratification. Other learning theorists focus on later childhood and adolescence and the conditioning associated with masturbation activity.

One of the first books I ever read was "A Spell for Chameleon" by Piers Anthony. I was ... maybe 6 years old? He gets kinda weird and pervy at times. I'm not surprised he had a panty obsession.

“I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.” - Yves Saint Laurent

" I love a man who puts up a good front and a woman with a fine arse."

- Oscar Wilde

"Young women often think smoking is sexy and glamorous. However, the consequences — such as stained fingers and teeth, tooth loss, gum disease, bad breath — are anything but sexy and glamorous. Smoking also hastens the aging process most likely because of its adverse effect on estrogen. It can cause early menopause, facial wrinkling, and permanent voice lowering and urinary incontinence." - Shane Julian

" My 40DD breasts play a huge role in my playtime with men, acting as appetizer, entree and dessert in a lot of ways. I become wildly aroused with my partners, but my clitoris lies dormant, unmoved by begging and even prolonged visits from expert tongues. I have still never orgasmed by the stimulation of a partner. When I'm alone, however, I indulge in fantasies about huge breasts and big nipples. Though in actual experimentation with women's chests, I've found myself completely unaroused. Confusing, I know. " - Author Virgie Tovar

"I've tried several contortions for sex. The conventional position makes me claustrophobic and the others give me a stiff neck or lockjaw."  - Tallulah Bankhead

" I know it doe's not so sexy to many, but there are a lot of us hairy armpit lovers out there, and if the legs and bush are hairy, that's even better! " - Michael Rollins

Director Adrian Lyne directed films like Fatal Attraction. Several foot scenes in that, also directed Lolita, and Flashdance with two foot in the crotch scenes. Sorry, Mr. Lyne, looks like you have been busted.

" I like the way the lines runs up the back of her stockings." - David Lee Roth

"The closer the bone...the sweeter the meat."

" I loves me a nice voluptuous woman. Yeah, I know that is sexist but I can't help it . I really appreciate a woman with curves. Wants to sleep on a mattress not the springs! "

" I'm all for bringing back the birch, but only between consenting adults."

~ Gore Vidal

" It is always by way of pain one arrives at pleasure."

 - Marquis de Sade

" You can talk about movies all you want, but I have this porcelain fetish. I've had it since I was a kid, because there were so many kids in my family, the only place I had any solace was in the bathroom."  - Linda Fiorentino
 

" He had a special (and slightly disturbing) relationship with my shoes, especially right after I had taken them off. " - Marlene Dietrich

"I happen to be with someone who finds pregnancy very sexy. So that makes me feel very sexy." - Brad Pitt

" Where the rubber meets the road! "