Autoeroticism

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
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 the variations together — rejecting both men and women, Echo and Ameinias respectively — were removed.

Autoeroticism
Autoeroticism is the practice of fulfilling one's own sexual needs without a partner. The most common form of autoeroticism is solitary masturbation. Many people use dildos, vibrators, anal beads, Sybian machines, and other sex toys while alone. Autofellatio, the act of sucking one's own penis, occurs in less than 1% of the male population. Autocunnilingus, the act of licking one's own vulva, is likely to be at least as rare. Both acts are very rare because performing them requires great physical flexibility. Autosexual behavior is considered to be a normal part of human development, beginning when children are able to sexually stimulate themselves.

Some people, for 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 dimensions of the sexual act and only gives one pleasure, and is therefore an offence against chastity.

A few autoerotic practices are considered unsafe. 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.