What is fetish sex, and is it a disorder? & bull; hello healthy

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Definition of a fetish

Fetish, or what is also known as sexual fetishism, is a condition when a person has a sexual attraction to an inanimate object, certain body part, or other object that is not commonly viewed as sexual in nature.

Fetishes can also be certain actions or things that make a person excited, and they often do it every time they make love to their partner.

For example, some men may be more excited to see their wives wearing high heels when making love, while others are more satisfied to see their partner wearing lingerie than a regular nightgown.

Another thing that is also considered a fetish is when a person feels aroused by looking at their partner's feet, hands, or other parts of their partner's body that do not generally trigger sexual stimulation in most people.

This condition is usually owned by a person to fulfill their love desires and achieve satisfaction. Generally, people fantasize when having sexual relations with their partner, while masturbating, or even when they are not having sexual activity.

There are those who consider a fetish to be a person's psychological disorder related to their abnormal sexual desire. However, there are also those who consider this normal as long as your sex partner can be invited to cooperate in bed and not hurt your partner.

Fetish is a condition that can be considered deviant if it interferes with daily activities, is difficult to suppress, and forces or hurts other people.

How common is this condition?

According to an article from the journal Psychiatry, a fetish is a condition related to compulsive sexual behavior, namely sexual disorders that can affect a person's physical and psychological health conditions.

Compulsive sexual behavior itself can be divided into 2, namely paraphilia and nonparafilia. Paraphilia is a sexual behavior that is not commonly practiced or owned by the general public.

Paraphilia disorder itself consists of several conditions, ranging from exhibitionist (sexual urge to show off the genitals in public), pedophilia (sexual attraction to minors), to fetishism.

It is estimated that as many as 5% of the general population have signs of compulsive sexual behavior. However, there are no studies that specify how many populations in the world have fetish abnormalities.

In addition, most people with fetishes are male. Reporting from the Psychology Today website, fetishism disorder is a condition that is much more common in men than women.

Fetish signs and symptoms

A sign that can be seen from someone with a fetish is a high sexual attraction to inanimate objects or certain body parts.

In addition, this condition can be classified as a sexual disorder if:

• Fetishes last for more than 6 months and occur continuously
• Sexual drive is not only in the mind, it is practiced
• Sexual drive is difficult to control
• Sexual urges or behaviors interfere with everyday life

Fetish is a condition that can start from puberty. However, their appearance may vary from person to person.

Once a person has had a fetish, this condition can last in the long term, but it can also disappear and reappear over time.

When should I see a doctor?

Fetishes are sexual disorders that are considered normal if you can control them.

However, if you feel the symptoms above and they are detrimental to your daily life, you should consult your doctor or psychiatrist for this matter.

Causes of the fetish

Both fetishes, paraphilia, and sexual compulsive behavior are disorders where it is not certain what causes them.

However, some experts believe the disorder arises due to several factors, including neurobiological, interpersonal, and cognitive factors.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, here are some of the possible causes behind sexual compulsive disorder, including fetishism:

• Chemical imbalance in the brain
  An article from StatPearls examined the activity of hormones in the human body who have paraphilia disorders. As a result, it is possible that the hormone dopamine plays a major role in the formation of sexual stimulation in people with this disorder.
  In addition, there was also an increase in the amount of the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine in urine samples of people diagnosed with paraphilia disorders, which are also related to fetishes.
  Unfortunately, further research is still needed on what triggers an increase in the amount of this hormone when a person is aroused by inanimate objects or certain body parts.

• Changes in the nervous system of the brain
  Sexual compulsive behavior can be a condition that results in dependence, causing changes in the nervous system of the brain.

• Health conditions that affect the brain
  Certain health problems, such as epilepsy and dementia, also run the risk of damaging certain parts of the brain that affect sexual behavior.

Fetish risk factors

Fetish is a condition that can occur in both men and women. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for this condition, such as:

• Male gender
• Easy access to information from the internet
• Experiencing alcohol or drug dependence problems
• Suffer from certain mental problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders

Having one or more of the risk factors above does not mean you have a fetish. Risk factors are simply conditions that can increase a person's chances of developing certain health conditions.

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Before seeking medical help, you may be wondering how to distinguish between normal and non-sexual fantasies. The reason is, there are also many people who have unique sexual fantasies.

Pay close attention to what you are going through and how you are coping. Here are some questions you can try asking yourself:

• Are you in control of your fetish?
• Are your sexual behaviors starting to weigh on your mind?
• Has your sexual behavior affected your relationships with other people, affected your job, and harmed yourself?
• Are you trying to hide your sexual behavior?

If fetish disorders become difficult to control and you have a tendency to hurt or coerce other people into fulfilling your sexual fantasies, it's best to seek professional help as soon as possible.

How do doctors diagnose a deviated fetish condition?

The diagnosis of deviant sexual behavior is still a matter of debate among psychiatrists.

The reason is, fetishism that is included in the condition paraphilia can have the same symptoms as other mental problems, such as impulse control disorders or addictive behavior.

How to deal with an unhealthy fetish?

For cases of fetishes that are already classified as severe and detrimental, you need therapy such as psychotherapy, medication, and joining a support group of people with similar conditions.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you deal with deviant sexual behavior. Common types of psychotherapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Drugs

If necessary, fetish disorders can also be treated with drugs to help treat chemical disorders in the brain.

Some examples of drugs that can be used are antidepressants, sedatives, and anti-androgen drugs for male patients.

Make sure you don't get any of the above medicines without a doctor's prescription. The reason is, these drugs can only be used according to the dosage and recommendation set by your doctor.

Prevention

Almost everyone has their own sexual fantasies. However, not everyone is aware from the start that there is a tendency in him to harm himself and others.

This is because neglecting deviant sexual behavior can have a major impact on various aspects of your life, as well as increase your risk of developing other, more serious mental problems.

Therefore, if you belong to a certain fetish, follow the tips below to keep your behavior under control and not risk disrupting your daily life:

• Recognize the symptoms of deviant sexual behavior
• Talk about your problems with those closest to you who can be trusted, such as your spouse or family members
• Seek professional help immediately if you also have other mental problems, such as depression and anxiety disorders
• Seek help if you also have an alcohol dependence or substance abuse problem

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.