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Fetishism
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Fetishism is the use of an inanimate object (the fetish) as a preferred method of inducing sexual arousal. However, in common parlance, the word is used to describe specific sexual interests, such as sexual role-playing, preference for certain physical characteristics, and preferred sexual activity.
Fetishes typically involve clothing, footwear, leather or latex products, and lingerie. A fetish may replace normal sexual activity with a partner or may be integrated into sexual behavior with a consenting partner. Minor fetishistic behaviors in addition to normal sexual behavior are not considered a disorder because they are not associated with distress or significant dysfunction. More severe, persistent fetishistic patterns of arousal may cause relationship problems.
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Fetishistic transvestism
Heterosexual men who cross-dress usually begin doing so in late childhood (see also Gender Identity Disorder and Transsexualism above). The behavior is, at least initially, associated with sexual arousal.
Cross-dressing in itself is not a disorder. The personality profile of men prone to cross-dressing usually corresponds to the age and social norm. If their partners agree, such men have sexual intercourse partially or completely in women's clothing. If their partner does not agree, they experience anxiety, depression, guilt and shame associated with the desire to cross-dress.
Most cross-dressers do not seek treatment. Those who do do so at the urging of dissatisfied spouses, by court order, or by self-management due to concerns about perceived negative social and professional consequences. Some cross-dressers seek treatment because of underlying dysphoria, substance abuse, or depression. Social support groups are often effective.