Autosexuality or autoeroticism is the sexual stimulation of, or sexual desire toward, one's own body. The term was popularised toward the end of the 19th century by British sexologist Havelock Ellis, who defined autoeroticism as "the phenomena of spontaneous sexual emotion generated in the absence of an external stimulus proceeding, directly or indirectly, from another person." The most common autoerotic practice is masturbation.

As a sexual preference, autosexuality refers to people whose primary sexual interest is with themselves. It is rare for individuals to be sexually attracted only to themselves. It can be considered to be a paraphilia or as an exclusive preference to be a form of homosexuality.

Autosexuals

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In Greek Mythology Narcissus is sometimes considered an autosexual, although Pausanias' story points to him being incestuous. In Ovid's Metamorphoses poem he describes the Greek tale of Narcissus and the nymph Echo. Echo is in love with Narcissus but all Narcissus can see is his own 'beautiful' reflection in the water. Narcissus would be considered a self-preference autosexual (as opposed to one who is autosexual due to a phobia or psychological trauma) if you were take all the variations together - rejecting both men and women, Echo and Ameinias respectively.

Autoeroticism

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Autoeroticism is the practice of fulfilling one's own sexual needs without a partner. The most common form of autoeroticism is masturbation. Autofellatio, the act of sucking one's own penis, is less common, while autocunnilingus, oral stimulation of the female genitals, is even less common. Autosexual behavior is considered to be a normal part of human development, when children able to sexually stimulate themselves. It has been asserted by some that even fetuses engage in this activity, though the evidence is slight. Many people also use dildos, vibrators, anal beads, sybian machines, water running from a faucet or spigot, fleshlights, vegetables and other sex toys alone. Some people for particular religious or personal reasons believe autoeroticism to be wrong, for example, masturbation is considered wrong by the Roman Catholic Church (scroll to 2352) because it does away with the procreative and unitive aspects of the sexual act and only gives one pleasure, masturbation is considered as an offence against chastity.

Most autoerotic practices are relatively or entirely safe, but a few are considered not to be. These include autoerotic asphyxiation and self-bondage. The potential for injury or even death that exists while engaging in the partnered versions of these fetishes (the choking game and bondage, respectively) becomes drastically increased due to the isolation and lack of assistance in the event of a problem.

Masturbation | Sexual attraction | Sexual orientation and identity | Paraphilia | LGBT

Emrevelezh | autoseksualiteit