An Overview of Kinky Sex

“Kink” is loosely defined as anything outside normal sexual activity. What is considered “kinky” or unconventional is often subjective and informed by cultural norms, thus, there is no universal definition of kink. In this article, we will identify kinky sex based on cultural norms in the United States; however, we acknowledge that every individual has…

Paraphilia

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…

Phone Sex

Phone sex, which consists of describing sexual acts over the phone, might initially seem daunting or uncomfortable. However, phone sex can by a healthy part of a long-distance relationship, or an enjoyable tool for those who would like to spice up their sex life. Since communication is more important than physical contact for phone sex (especially when compared to conventional…

Necrophilia

Necrophilia describes a paraphilia in which an individual is aroused or attracted to fantasies of or potentially direct sexual contact with the dead. Contact between the necrophile and the corpse can take the form of penile-vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, oral sex, or masturbation in the presence of a corpse, but can also solely manifest as fantasy. Experts and lawmakers consider the explicit practice of necrophilia as…

BDSM (Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, Masochism)

The acronym BDSM includes various sexual practices that fall under the category of bondage and discipline (B-D), dominance and submission (D-S), and sadism and masochism (S-M).1 The practice of BDSM has recently gained more exposure than ever before, but its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations.2 Today, BDSM is considered a kink, with a fairly large…

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…

Swinging

Swinging is a polyamorous practice in which both singles and partners engage in sexual activities with other partners. Swinging is also referred to as comarital sex, wife swapping, husband swapping, and partner swapping. Although traditionally swinging has been used to refer to couples in committed relationships engaging in sexual activities with other couples, single people and non-committed…