Asphyxophilia - what is it and what is it about, controversy and threats

Asphyxophilia is the practice of suffocating yourself and your partner during intercourse. Its purpose is to enhance erotic sensations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes asphyxophilia as a paraphilia, i.e. sexual preference disorder. However, not everyone agrees with this position. What is worth knowing about it?

1. What is asphyxophilia?

Asphyxophilia is a feeling of sexual satisfaction from the fact that stewed choke your partner during an act of love. This is one of the types of paraphilia, i.e. a disorder of sexual preference, as a result of which the achievement of satisfaction depends on the occurrence of specific circumstances. From a psychiatric point of view, paraphilias are mental disorders of a perverse nature.

One of the most dangerous sexual perversions is obtaining sexual satisfaction through strangulation. Has a high mortality rate. In the United States alone, several hundred people die every year as a result of this practice.

The term asphyxiophilia comes from the Greek words "asphyxis", meaning apnea, and "philia", understood as a passion for something that perfectly explains the essence of the phenomenon. Strangulation is part of BDSM sexual practices.

2. Methods of strangulation

There are different the way suffocation. The most common is to squeeze one or both hands around your lover's neck. Some people use plastic bags that stick to their nose or mouth, or put them over their heads. It is also practiced to wrap the neck with a belt, cord, tie or shawl, which allows you to adjust the tightening force depending on the moment of the act or preferences.

Another variant of asphyxophilia autoerotic asphyxiationwho suffocates while masturbating. Asphyxophilia is classified as autoerotic (AA) when the practitioner controls the oxygen supply themselves.

3. What is suffocation?

The essence of asphyxiophilia is suffocation. To get sexual arousal or orgasm, she strangles her partner or herself. What is it about getting sexually aroused by restricting oxygen supply?

Choking leads to hypoxiawhich aims to stimulate and escalate sexual experiences. This causes the brain to store carbon dioxide, which can have hallucinogenic and euphoric effects. It is accompanied by a high concentration of endorphins and dopamine associated with sexual arousal. As a result, suffocation causes sensations similar to drug intoxication. The end result is a condition known as hallucinogen-like. In addition, cutting off oxygen causes a rush of adrenaline, which makes the sensations stronger.

However, it should be remembered that strangulation is not only risky, but also deadly. This is an extremely dangerous practice, even if done with care. The breathless lover often fails to give the signal to stop dangerous practices.

4. Asphyxiophilia Controversy

Opinion is divided about asphyxiophilia, and it is the subject of controversy at various levels. Suffocation is not a savory addition to communication for everyone and the promise of exceptional erotic sensations. So is it a preference, a norm, or a disorder?

WHO (World Health Organization) recognizes asphyxiophilia as a sexual preference disorder. Physicians are of the same opinion. Some psychiatrists consider this preference to be a mental disorder. Sexologists discuss this in terms of the sexual norm.

If we assume that erotic practices exist within the norm, accompanied by mutual acceptance of partners, social and legal norms are not violated, actions do not cause suffering to third parties and concern mature and conscious people, then asphyxiophilia is not a disorder, but sexual preferences.

5. The dangers of asphyxophilia

One thing is for sure: asphyxophilia is risky and dangerous to life and health. Due to the high risk brain damage during hypoxia - one of the most dangerous sexual perversions. Loss of consciousness can occur unexpectedly if oxygen is limited. Hypercapnia and hypoxia can cause irreversible brain damage and even death.

Does asphyxiophilia need treatment? People who enjoy being strangled are not considered mentally ill. When choking becomes a preferred form of sexual satisfaction or an addiction, it requires treatment.

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