Introduction
Autoerotic asphyxiation is now diagnosed as asphyxiophilia. It is a masochistic sexual behavior (deriving sexual pleasure from pain) as per DSM-5 (the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders- fifth edition). It is a dangerous and possibly deadly form of sexual masochism involving sexual arousal by solitary or assisted suffocation. This article aims to give information on autoerotic asphyxiation in the context of understanding and preventing this destructive behavior.
What Is Autoerotic Asphyxiation?
A person suffocates themselves to achieve a decrease in the level of oxygen to the brain, which induces a state of euphoria and dizziness and lowers self-consciousness. This cut of oxygen supply to the brain is called asphyxia which is to instigate a more thrilling sexual experience and intense orgasm. The strong element of mortal danger may be the reason for increased sexual pleasure. It has been reported that autoerotic asphyxiation is more prevalent in males than females, and the ratio is 50:1. The mortality rate of autoerotic asphyxiation in the United States ranges from 250 to 1000 deaths per year.
What Is the Methodology of Autoerotic Asphyxiation?
Autoerotic asphyxia is one of the most dangerous practices for achieving the oxygen depletion required to enhance sexual arousal. It may be self-induced or assisted by a partner. This state is achieved via some self-hazardous exercises, such as:
-
Hanging.
-
Drowning.
-
Smothering.
-
Self-strangulation, such as looping a belt around the neck.
-
Suffocation with a plastic bag over the head.
-
Chest compression through tight body suits.
-
Inhaling anesthetic gas such as chloroform and nitrogen oxides via a gas mask.
-
Chemical volatile solvents such as isopropyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, or a combination of these.
-
Use of chemical substances such as narcotics.
Usually, this anoxia is done in conjunction with some sexual activity or during masturbation. Participants in this practice also often set up some sort of rescue system as a safety measure in case they are about to lose consciousness. Self-hanging is reported to be the most common and fatal method to achieve erotic asphyxia.
Why Are Autoerotic Asphyxiation Cases Increasing?
Word-of-mouth spread remains the most common way youngsters learn about autoerotic asphyxiation. Pornographic and non-pornographic movies, books, and television shows may be the source of sexual misinformation or information. The increased popularity of the internet leads to readily available materials useful in learning and inducing asphyxiation. Increasing online sexual community to discuss their sexual practices as a result faster spread of such practices accurate or not is more likely to occur.
Are People Practicing Autoerotic Asphyxiation Suicidal?
No, their main goal is to gain pleasure, not death. They are doing this hazardous practice to intensify their sexual stimulation and achieve a euphoric, floaty feeling, which is life-threatening. But they do not have been found to suffer from depression or of having suicidal idea. The deaths due to autoerotic asphyxiation result from the failure of their safety mechanisms to be set up or from incorrectly measuring their restricted oxygen amount, which may lead to unconsciousness and subsequent brain injury or death.
What Are the Different Safety Measures People Use in Autoerotic Asphyxiation?
-
They have partners in the room watching over them to ensure safety.
-
Some reported they have partners who can perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or are willing to call the emergency number of respected countries in case of an emergency for the participant's best interest.
-
Some utilize scissors or other cutting instruments to disband strangulation.
-
Some use timed sessions.
-
Verble check on their partner.
-
Tactile communication is tapping out or holding a hand up in the air.
-
Use of breathing obstruction that falls away if the participant loses consciousness.
-
Use their own hands or hold their breath rather than using some apparatus for suffocation during masturbation sessions.
-
Placing the soft object like a pillow in their path of possible fall in case they fall off from hanging.
-
Loose bondage that can be easy to dismantle.
What Are the Characteristics of an Autoerotic Asphyxiation Practitioner?
-
They do not have suicidal tendencies.
-
The age ranges from young to older adults.
-
They almost always utilize safety measures during play.
-
They tend to tell their close people about these practices and seek supportive care.
How Is Autoerotic Asphyxiation Behavior Managed?
This behavior is somewhat equally concerning to that of suicidality. A patient who intentionally puts themselves in a harmful and potentially life-threatening situation to intensify sexual arousal poses great challenges and requires unique management approaches.
-
Non-pharmacological: Non-pharmacological strategies such as psychotherapy are the first choice of management.
-
Pharmacological:
-
Previous studies suggested use of Haloperidol and Sertraline can be helpful.
-
One case study establishes the successful use of Lithium in treating life-threatening autoerotic asphyxiation.
-
A healthcare provider can treat this behavior with depressive symptoms with Imipramine, Fluoxetine, or Lithium.
-
A counseling therapist can manage compulsive, impulsive sex behavior by prescribing a combination of topiramate and citalopram.
The main objective here is to create a durable plan that facilitates a safe patient return to assisted living.
What Are the Warning Signs of Autoerotic Asphyxiation for Parents and Guardians?
Parents and teachers or any other guardians should be aware and stay alert for any warning signs and symptoms of autoerotic expectation condition. One cardinal sign that must be considered and taken into account is ligature marks on the neck. The presence of any of the following signs in combination with related areas' behavior and symptoms warrants concern. The following given signs are included but are not limited to signs and symptoms of autoerotic asphyxiation:
-
Unexplained marks like radish for Pink bands, linear stripes, with or without superimposed abrasions such as the imprint of a folded cloth, and finger marks.
-
Not always, but often women's clothes and pornographic materials are hidden under the bed or closet.
-
Questionable ligature materials include neckties tied in doubtful odd nodes and short padded ropes.
-
Bloodshot in eyes.
-
Frequent complaints of headaches.
-
Suspicious locking of the bedroom door.
-
Repeated multiple hanging on the closet rod may leave rope abrasion marks on the rodes.
Conclusion
A person's sexual and reproductive health is important, but it should be done in a safe and responsible manner. Human sexual behavior is a complex phenomenon. However, in autoerotic asphyxiation, that is, to enhance the pleasure of masturbation, one uses strangulation and cuts their oxygen supply; this is without question the most disturbing and unthinkable cause of sub-intentional suicide. Early identification of this behavior can help prevent possible subsequent lethal accidents.
