The term paraphilia is approximately 100 years old, but its meaning and definition vary.¹ The word itself can be broken down into two parts; the first part of the word ‘para-’ means beyond, abnormal, or irregular and the second part ‘-philia’ means love. The term itself acts as a clinical and scientific umbrella term that…
Tag: abnormal
The Pap Smear
A Pap smear, also known as a Papanicolaou test or Pap test, is a procedure that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix.1 It is named after George Papanicolaou, M.D., who is credited for developing the Pap smear.2 The Pap smear drastically transformed how early cervical cancer can be detected in females.2 The cervix is…
Autoerotic Asphyxiophilia
Erotic asphyxiophilia, also known as “choking” and “breath control play,” is the intentional and consensual restriction of oxygen to the brain for the purpose of sexual arousal. Autoerotic asphyxiophilia is when an individual does this form of sexual act onto themselves. Some people find that reducing or severing air flow via strangulation or suffocation can heighten…
Male Masturbation
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals with a hand, sex toy, vibrator, or other object for sexual pleasure. Masturbation can be done alone (solo masturbation) or at the same time as a partner (mutual masturbation). Masturbation is a common and healthy activity that most individuals with penises do regularly throughout their lifetimes. A 2017…