Fetishism is a type of paraphilia that occurs when a person is sexually aroused by an object or body part that is not usually considered sexually exciting. (The object itself is called a fetish.) Some of the most common fetishes include:

• Clothing, such as shoes, gloves, underwear
• Materials, such as leather and rubber
• Body parts, like feet and hair
• Bodily features, like tattoos and piercings

Fetishes are more common in men than in women. Experts aren’t certain what causes them.

Having a fetish doesn’t necessarily mean a person has a disorder. In fact, fetishes may not be a problem at all. Many people incorporate fetishes into their sexual routines. For example, a person with a fetish might ask a partner to wear leather clothing. Or, they might hold a silk stocking while masturbating. Incorporating the fetish adds some spice to the encounter.

However, fetishism becomes a problem when a person needs the object in order to be sexually aroused and feels distress over the situation. In some cases, fetishes interfere with a person’s daily life.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5), a person with a fetishistic disorder may have the following behaviors:

• They cannot become sexually aroused or reach orgasm without the object or body part.
• They are not sexually aroused by other types of sexual stimulation.
• They feel distressed and embarrassed about the fetish.
• They are unable to maintain their arousal or participate in relationships.
• They feel unable to control their need for the fetish.

Fetishistic disorder may be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of talk therapy and drugs. Some healthcare providers prescribe antidepressants to patients with fetishistic disorder.

Resources

• International Society for Sexual Medicine - “What are paraphilias?”
  https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-are-paraphilias/

• Merck Manual (Consumer Version) - “Fetishism”
  Brown, George R., MD
  (Last modified: August 2019)
  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/sexuality-and-sexual-disorders/fetishism#

• Psychology Today - “Fetishistic Disorder”
  (Last reviewed: February 23, 2019)
  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/fetishistic-disorder

• WebMD - “What Is a Sexual Fetish?”
  Collins, Sonya
  (January 27, 2015)
  https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/sexual-fetish#1