Autoerotic asphyxiation is a self-induced, purposeful restriction of oxygen flow to the brain, to enhance orgasm. It is a particularly dangerous form of erotic asphyxiation (also known as breath play, breath control play, asphyxiophilia, or hypoxyphilia) as it is practiced when the participant is alone. Since no one is there with them, people who experiment with autoerotic asphyxiation are at higher risk of accidental death than most typical masturbators.
A variety of methods are employed in autoerotic asphyxiation including hanging, use of a ligature, placing a plastic bag over one’s head, use of solvents or gasses, compression of the chest, or a combination of several of these methods. Additionally, some practitioners construct devices for this purpose.
It should be noted, there is no completely safe method of engaging in autoerotic asphyxiation. All of the methods listed above could easily kill the person employing them.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation vs. Erotic Asphyxiation
While the term “autoerotic asphyxiation” is colloquially used to generally refer to the practice of restricting oxygen to the brain during sexual activity in all forms (partnered or solo), technically speaking, the term autoerotic asphyxiation refers to engaging in the practice alone.
The correct term for the partnered practice is erotic asphyxiation.
Why do People Engage in Autoerotic Asphyxiation?
Like any sexual activity, people who engage in autoerotic asphyxiation derive pleasure from it. To understand that, we need to understand what happens in the body during the practice.
“When you reduce the amount of oxygen to the brain, people start to experience dizziness and lightheadedness,” says Brandon Simpson, AMFT, ASAT, an LGBTQ Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Novus Mindful Life. “Then, releasing applied pressure and allowing oxygen to ‘rush’ back into the brain results in a flood of serotonin and dopamine, your feel-good hormones.”
In a 2021 survey participants reported experiencing, among other things, “pleasurable sensations/euphora” and “a head rush” when engaging in erotic asphyxiation.
Death By Autoerotic Asphyxiation
Accidental deaths that happen when a person dies while using a prop, tool, device, apparatus, or other outside force to enhance sexual pleasure are called autoerotic fatalities. This term is not applied to sexual acts performed with partners, or to suicide. It is exclusively reserved for accidental death that happens as the result of solo sexual activity. Research puts the rate of auto erotic fatalities in Western countries at 0.5 death per million inhabitants each year.
Autoerotic asphyxia is the top cause of autoerotic fatalities. Between 10 and 30 percent of autoerotic asphyxiations are caused by use of chemicals or suffocation by plastic bags, while 70 to 80 percent are attributed to hanging.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation Safety
Apart from death, restricting the flow of oxygen to the brain carries several other safety risks.
“Autoerotic asphyxiation can lead to choking, disorientation, brain damage, or cardiac arrest or can exacerbate any current medical conditions," says Simpson.
If, with that in mind, you are still interested in breath play, Simpson has some more advice for approaching it safely: “Firstly, always play with a partner. When participating or acting out autoerotic asphyxiation, doing it alone increases the risk of death or severe injury. If you and any of your partners are considering incorporating autoerotic asphyxiation into your sexy time activities, create clear boundaries, communicate what should happen, and seek professional help if there are any concerns or hesitation.”
