Attraction and Desire
A
Acrotomophilia
Acrotomophilia refers to a paraphilia where individuals are sexually attracted to people who have been amputated or have physical disabilities resulting from amputation. This attraction can be towards individuals with various types of amputations, such as limb loss or other physical differences.
Agalmatophilia
Agalmatophilia refers to a paraphilia characterized by a strong sexual attraction to wax figures, mannequins, or other inanimate objects that resemble human beings. This fixation can manifest as a desire for intimacy with these objects, often accompanied by fantasies of bringing them to life or engaging in romantic and physical interactions with them.
Androsexual
Androsexual refers to individuals who are sexually attracted to men, males, and/or masculinity, regardless of their own gender identity. This term is often used by people who want to express their attraction without specifying their own gender or who don't identify with more traditional labels like gay or straight.
Arousal Non-Concordance
Arousal non-concordance refers to the common disconnect between physical signs of sexual arousal (like genital response) and subjective feelings of being turned on, where one's body may show signs of arousal even when not mentally aroused, or vice versa. This mismatch between physical and mental arousal is completely normal and occurs in people of all genders, though it's more commonly observed in women.
D
Demisexual
Demisexual is a sexual orientation on the asexual spectrum, describing individuals who only experience sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional bond with someone. Demisexual people may experience little to no sexual attraction to others initially, and their sexual desires typically only emerge within the context of a close, intimate relationship.
Demisexuality
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by the inability to experience sexual attraction to someone without first forming a strong emotional connection. Individuals who identify as demisexual typically do not experience primary attraction (based on immediately observable characteristics) but may develop secondary attraction (based on personality, experiences, and emotional connection) over time.
E
Erogenous Zones
Erogenous zones are areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation and can produce sexual arousal when touched or stimulated. These areas have a high concentration of nerve endings, making them more responsive to various types of touch, pressure, or temperature changes. Erogenous zones can be found all over the body and vary from person to person in terms of sensitivity and preference.
Erotic Plasticity
Erotic plasticity refers to the degree to which a person's sexual attitudes, behaviors, and desires can be shaped and changed by cultural, social, and situational factors. It suggests that sexuality is not entirely fixed but can be influenced and molded by external forces and personal experiences throughout one's lifetime.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is a form of non-verbal communication that involves two people looking directly into each other's eyes. In sexual and romantic contexts, eye contact can be a powerful tool for expressing interest, attraction, and intimacy. It can create a sense of connection and intensity between partners, often heightening sexual tension and emotional closeness.
G
Graysexual
Graysexual, also known as gray-asexual or gray-A, refers to a sexual orientation on the asexuality spectrum. Individuals who identify as graysexual typically experience sexual attraction rarely, with low intensity, or only under specific circumstances. This orientation falls between asexuality (experiencing no sexual attraction) and allosexuality (experiencing regular sexual attraction).
Gynesexual
Gynesexual, also known as gynosexual or gynephilic, refers to a sexual orientation characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to women, femininity, and/or female anatomy, regardless of whether the object of attraction was assigned female at birth. This term is used to describe the attraction itself, rather than the gender identity of the person experiencing the attraction.
H
Heteroflexible
Heteroflexible refers to a sexual orientation where a person is primarily attracted to the opposite sex but occasionally experiences attraction to or engages in sexual behavior with the same sex. This term describes individuals who generally identify as heterosexual but acknowledge some level of same-sex attraction or openness to same-sex experiences.
Homoflexible
Homoflexible is a term used to describe individuals who primarily experience same-sex attraction but occasionally feel attracted to or engage in sexual behavior with people of a different gender. This orientation falls on the spectrum between homosexuality and bisexuality, acknowledging that sexuality can be fluid and complex.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a sexual dysfunction characterized by a persistent or recurrent lack of sexual interest, thoughts, or fantasies, causing distress or interpersonal difficulties. It affects both men and women, though it's more commonly diagnosed in women. HSDD is not simply a low sex drive, but rather a condition where the absence of sexual desire causes significant personal distress or relationship problems.
M
Macrophilia
Macrophilia is a sexual interest or fetish characterized by attraction to giants or people of a much larger size than oneself. The term comes from the Greek "makros" (large) and "philia" (love). People with macrophilia, often called "macrophiles," experience sexual arousal from fantasies or depictions of giant people, typically many times larger than normal human size.
Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (MHSDD) is a sexual dysfunction characterized by a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sexual activity in men. This condition involves a significant decrease or absence of sexual thoughts, fantasies, and desire for sexual activity, which causes personal distress or interpersonal difficulties. MHSDD is not simply a temporary decrease in libido but a prolonged condition that affects a man's quality of life and relationships.
O
Olfactophilia
Olfactophilia, also known as osmolagnia, is a paraphilia characterized by sexual arousal from odors or scents. Individuals with this fetish experience heightened sexual excitement when exposed to specific smells, which can range from body odors to particular fragrances or environmental scents.
Omnisexual
Omnisexual refers to individuals who are attracted to people of all genders and sexual orientations. The term comes from the Latin prefix "omni-" meaning "all" or "every." Omnisexual people experience sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to people regardless of their gender identity or expression. Unlike pansexuality, which often implies gender-blindness, omnisexuality recognizes and can be influenced by gender, but it doesn't limit attraction.
P
Pheromones
Pheromones are chemical substances produced and released by animals, including humans, that can trigger specific behavioral or physiological responses in other members of the same species. In the context of human sexuality, pheromones are often associated with sexual attraction and arousal, although their role in human sexual behavior is still a subject of ongoing scientific research and debate.
Polysexual
Polysexual refers to individuals who are attracted to multiple, but not necessarily all, genders. This sexual orientation falls under the multisexual umbrella, which includes orientations attracted to more than one gender. Polysexual people may experience attraction to various gender identities, but unlike pansexuals, they may not be attracted to all genders.
Pygophilia
Pygophilia is a sexual attraction or fetish specifically focused on buttocks. Individuals with pygophilia experience heightened arousal and sexual interest in the appearance, shape, or feel of the buttocks. This attraction can be directed towards any gender and may involve various activities such as viewing, touching, or interacting with the buttocks in sexual contexts.
R
Responsive Desire
Responsive desire is a type of sexual desire that emerges in response to sexual stimuli or arousal, rather than occurring spontaneously. It's characterized by a person becoming interested in sex only after being exposed to erotic cues or physical intimacy. This pattern of desire is common and completely normal, often misunderstood as a lack of libido.
Romantic Attraction
Romantic attraction refers to an emotional response that typically involves a desire for a romantic relationship with a specific person. It's characterized by feelings of emotional intimacy, affection, and often a longing for a deeper connection beyond friendship or sexual desire. Romantic attraction can occur with or without sexual attraction and can vary in intensity and expression among individuals.
Romantic Orientation
Romantic orientation refers to the pattern of romantic attraction an individual experiences towards others, regardless of sexual attraction. It describes the gender(s) or gender identities a person is romantically attracted to, which may or may not align with their sexual orientation. Romantic attraction often involves the desire for emotional intimacy, partnership, and romantic gestures, but doesn't necessarily include sexual desire.
S
Sapiosexual
Sapiosexual refers to a person who finds intelligence to be the most sexually attractive feature in others. This orientation emphasizes mental stimulation as a primary source of attraction, often prioritizing intellectual connection over physical appearance or other attributes. Sapiosexuals may experience sexual desire and arousal primarily through engaging in deep, thought-provoking conversations or witnessing displays of knowledge and wit.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation refers to an individual's enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, both genders, multiple genders, or no genders. It's an inherent aspect of a person's identity and is generally considered to be on a spectrum rather than strictly defined categories.
Spontaneous Desire
Spontaneous desire refers to a type of sexual desire that occurs seemingly out of nowhere, without any obvious external stimuli or conscious effort. It's characterized by sudden feelings of sexual interest or arousal that arise independently of sexual context or physical stimulation. This type of desire is often associated with the traditional model of sexual response, where desire precedes arousal.
Stigmatophilia
Stigmatophilia is a paraphilia characterized by sexual arousal or attraction to body modifications such as tattoos, piercings, or scarification. Individuals with stigmatophilia experience heightened sexual excitement when viewing, touching, or thinking about these body modifications on themselves or others. This attraction can range from a mild preference to a strong fetish.
Swipe Right/Left
"Swipe right/left" refers to a gesture used in many mobile dating applications to indicate interest or disinterest in potential matches. Swiping right on a person's profile typically expresses attraction or a desire to connect, while swiping left indicates a lack of interest. This action has become a ubiquitous part of modern dating culture and is often used as shorthand for making quick judgments about potential romantic or sexual partners.
Symphorophilia
Symphorophilia is a paraphilia in which sexual arousal and gratification are derived from staging, witnessing, or fantasizing about disasters or accidents. This rare fetish involves a person becoming sexually excited by the sight or thought of catastrophic events such as car crashes, fires, or other calamities, often without direct participation.
T
Thirst Trap
A thirst trap is a type of social media post designed to attract attention and elicit a response by appealing to viewers' sexual or romantic desires. It typically involves sharing provocative or sexually suggestive photos or videos of oneself, often with the intent of boosting one's ego, gaining followers, or inciting flirtatious interactions.
Trichophilia
Trichophilia, also known as hair fetishism, is a paraphilia characterized by a strong sexual attraction to or fixation on human hair. This attraction can be directed towards hair on any part of the body, including head hair, body hair, or pubic hair. Individuals with trichophilia may experience sexual arousal from seeing, touching, smelling, or interacting with hair in various ways.