Fetishism is use of an
inanimate object (the fetish) as the preferred method of producing sexual
excitement. However, in common parlance, the word is often used to describe
particular sexual interests, such as sexual role-playing, preference for
certain physical characteristics, and preferred sexual activities.
Common fetishes include aprons, shoes, leather or latex items, and women's
underclothing. The fetish may replace typical sexual activity with a partner
or may be integrated into sexual activity with a willing partner. Minor
fetishistic behavior as an adjunct to consensual sexual behavior is not
considered a disorder because distress, disability, and significant
dysfunction are absent. More intense, obligatory fetishistic arousal
patterns may cause problems in a relationship or become all-consuming and
destructive in a person's life.
Transvestic fetishism: Heterosexual males who dress in
women's clothing typically begin such behavior in late childhood. A more
common term for transvestite is cross-dresser. This behavior is associated,
at least initially, with sexual arousal.
Cross-dressing per se is not a disorder because this behavior does not always cause distress or impairment. Personality profiles of cross-dressing men are generally similar to age- and race-matched norms. When their partner is cooperative, these men have intercourse in partial or full feminine attire. When their partner is not cooperative, they may feel anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame associated with the desire to cross-dress.
No drugs are reliably effective; sex therapy and psychotherapy is aimed at self-acceptance and modulating risky behaviors.This website is best displayed in Firefox 3+,internet explorer 7+,Safari 3+,Opera 9+, Flock 2+, and Chrome 2+ versions