Are YOUR sexual fantasies normal? Scientist reveals the most bizarre fetishes he’s encountered, including being turned on by farts

It is often seen as a taboo subject.

But one scientist is finally lifting the lid on our deepest – and darkest – sexual fantasies.

Professor Mark Griffiths, an expert on behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University, has revealed the most unusual ‘paraphilias’ he has come across.

“Paraphilias are unusual forms of sexual expression that are often described as sexual deviations, sexual perversions, or sexual preference disorders,” he explained in an article for The conversation.

‘They are typically accompanied by intense sexual arousal to unconventional or non-sexual stimuli such as enemas (klismaphilia), images (agalmatophilia), teeth (odontophilia) and vomit (emetophilia).’

Although paraphilias may seem strange or socially unacceptable to most people, Professor Griffiths argues that they should be studied by scientists.

“Paraphilias may be laughed off, dismissed or disgusted by some people, but there is an urgent need for more research into unusual sexual behavior,” he added.

Here’s a look at five of the most unusual paraphilias Professor Griffiths has encountered, including being aroused by farts.

1. Vorarephilia

Hollywood actor Armie Hammer made headlines in 2021 after allegedly sending messages detailing his own cannibalistic fetishes.

Although he has since laughed off the allegations, Professor Griffiths says being sexually aroused by cannibalism is very real.

“Vorarephilia – or ‘vore’ – refers to being sexually aroused by the idea of ​​being eaten, eating someone else, or observing this process for sexual gratification,” he explained.

‘Most vorarephiliacs’ fantasies involve being eaten.

‘Devouring someone can be seen as the ultimate act of dominance by a predator and the ultimate act of submission by the prey.’

Professor Griffiths highlights the case of Armin Meiwes, who was sentenced to life in prison after killing and eating a man.

After posting advertisements online, Meiwes received a response from Bern Jurgen Brandes, who agreed to be eaten.

‘They only met once. Meiwes bit off Brandes’ penis, which they cooked and ate together,” Professor Griffiths explained.

‘Brandes was recorded on video being stabbed to death by Meiwes in his bath. The body was then preserved for Meiwes to eat.”

While Meiwes was convicted of murder, Professor Griffiths noted that ‘although some paraphilias are illegal, most do not cause psychological or behavioral problems when deployed by consenting adults.’

2. Dacryphilia

Dacryphilia is aroused when you see someone crying and, according to Professor Griffiths, comes in three main forms.

“Compassionate dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the compassion of comforting a crier,” he said.

‘Dominant or submissive dacryphiles are sexually aroused by causing tears in a consenting, submissive partner, or by being made to cry by a consenting dominant partner.’

‘Curled lip’ dacryphiles are sexually aroused by curling a protruding lower lip while crying.’

3. Eproctophilia

While farts make most of us giggle, they can even sexually arouse some people – known as eprotophilia.

Professor Griffith first encountered eprotophilia in 2013, when he met a 22-year-old single man from Illinois named Brad (not his real name).

At school, Brad had a crush on a girl who farted in class, and this “sparked a strange interest” in him.

Then, in his mid-teens, Brad heard a male friend fart and began fixating on the sound.

“He made a bet where the bet was the right to fart in the loser’s face for a week,” Professor Griffith said.

“He continued to lose such bets once every few weeks for about two years.”

4. Apotemnophilia

Apotemnophilia is the sexual arousal caused by the fantasy or reality of being with an amputee.

“Some apotemnophiles may pose as amputees,” said Professor Griffith.

‘But for a minority, it involves obsessive plans to convince a surgeon to perform a medically unnecessary amputation.

‘To most people this may seem like a form of masochism, but case studies suggest that there is no eroticisation of pain – only the healed amputated stump.’

5. Salirophilia

Finally, Professor Griffith highlights salirophilia, which is sexual arousal from soiling or messing up someone who is attractive.

According to the expert, this could include ripping or damaging their clothes, covering them in mud, or ruining their hair or makeup.

In 2019, Professor Griffith met Jeff (not his real name) – a 58-year-old man with salirophilia.

When he was young, Jeff said he wanted to ripen in strange places, like under a cupboard in a dirty garage.

And although he had hoped to engage in salirophile practices with women, finding like-minded women proved difficult.

‘He was also a fan of the television program Fear Factor in which contestants perform disgusting tasks for prize money, such as eating rotting food or being immersed in disgusting liquids,’ Professor Griffith added.

‘These were a source of sexual excitement for Jeff.

‘He said to me, ‘I just find the defilement of an attractive woman’s body erotic.’