Autoeroticism also known as autoerotism or self-gratification [ 1 ] [ 2 ] is sexual activity involving only one participant. As an extension of masturbation , it usually means one of several activities done by oneself to fulfill their own sexual desire.
Masturbation has a similar meaning, but is not synonymous; masturbation is only physical stimulation of the genitals by oneself [ 4 ] while autoeroticism encompasses all stimulation by oneself masturbation or sexual thoughts , as well as involuntary experiences wet dreams or spontaneous sexual arousal. The term was popularized toward the end of the 19th century by British sexologist Havelock Ellis , who defined autoeroticism as "the phenomenon of spontaneous sexual emotion generated in the absence of an external stimulus proceeding, directly or indirectly, from another person".
Autosexuality is a similar term, which is a sexuality for oneself, and is usually accompanied by autoerotic activities such as masturbation or sexually fantasizing about oneself. The mere act of autoeroticism does not mean a person is autosexual. It can be directed at oneself, but can also be used to sleep, relieve stress, or release sexual tension when a partner is either unavailable or does not consent to sex.
However, masturbation or other autoerotic practices might be a factor in deciding one's sexuality. For example, while sexual fantasy about the same sex might be a sign of being gay , [ 8 ] it is not uncommon for heterosexual people to have homosexual fantasies.
As previously stated, the term autoeroticism is a physical or emotional act done to satisfy one's own sexual desires "self-gratification".
