Fetishism

Fetishism is distinguished by sexual fantasies or arousal that primarily focus on objects. Common fetishes involve items of clothing such as undergarments or leg- and footwear. The tactile or olfactory qualities of the items are usually important, particularly with fetishes involving leather, rubber, or silky material. The items are used in masturbation or worn by the individual or partner during sexual activity. Many of the fetishes have some erotic qualities for individuals with conventional sexual interests. In fetishism, sexual arousal in the absence of the fetish items may be difficult, and the item, rather than the partner, is the focus for arousal. Fetishism is found in both men and women.

Cross-dressing in female clothing for sexual arousal is diagnosed as transvestic fetishism. The use of sex toys such as vibrators or vacuum pumps for genital stimulation is not considered fetishistic, because they are designed to be used for this purpose either individually or with a partner. They function primarily through direct physical stimulation of the genitalia rather than through imagery.

Fetishes may appear to be benign, although they can interfere with sexual relationships if the partner feels neglected in favor of the objects. However, in some noxious sex offenses involving sadism, serial rape, or lust murder, it is common for the perpetrator to have fetishistic interests.