How to Know If Your Partner Is Doing Auto-erotic Asphyxia

Auto-erotic asphyxia, also called sexual asphyxia or autoerotic strangulation, is the masochistic practice of reducing oxygen to the brain to heighten sexual pleasure. This is usually done with a rope around the neck or plastic bags over the head. Approximately 1000 people accidentally die every year in the USA while doing this, usually by hanging. It is speculated that the actor David Carradine died in this way. It usually comes as a shock to friends and family, because most people who practice auto-erotic asphyxia are outwardly normal and often involved in healthy relationships. However, there may be signs that your partner is a practioner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand that although men and women of all races and age can become involved in auto-erotic asphyxia (AEA), according the the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, the most common victims are white males under 55, and it is belived to be increasingly common with teenage males. These deaths are not suicides. Rather they are classified as accidental deaths resulting from a high risk behavior usually practiced in solitude.

2. Observe your partner or teenage child for red marks or bruising around his neck, frequent bloodshot eyes and unusual headaches. These are all common side effects of self-strangulation and oxygen deprivation.

3. Beware of solitary use of pornography and pornographic aids such as magazines, DVDs and internet porn. While the use of pornography is widespread and does not in itself indicate the practice, all those found dead of auto-erotic strangulation have owned and used pornography.

4. Look for ropes, ties and nylons knotted or hidden away in closets or basements.

5. Talk to your partner and keep an open mind. Often there are other paraphilias (abnormal sexual predilictions) present along with AEA. These may include cross-dressing, bondage, fetishes for certain parts of the body and the uses of drugs such as nitrous oxide to intensify orgasm. Sexual honesty in the relationship can minimize risky behavior.

6. Offer to participate, if all else fails. While AEA is almost always a solitary behavior, it can be practiced with a partner. With a partner present, the chances of accidental death by strangulation is eliminated.

Tips & Warnings

• Express your concerns in terms of worry for your partner's safety.
• Avoid acting angry or disgusted. This will only increase your partner's need for solitude.

Resources

• Auto-erotic asphyxia

[Ladybugblue]

on 8/9/2009 Thanks for the informative article on auto erotic asphyxia! 5*

[ashfeather]

on 6/23/2009 Wow. Interesting. Open mindedness and talking go a long way. without doing that, people ALWAYS have secret desires unleashed in damaging ways.

[zahzel]

on 6/9/2009 Very good article. Different. Z