Autoerotic asphyxiation is famously in the news again as details of Kung Fu/Kill Bill star David Carradine's death are coming to light: "Actor David Carradine's death in June 2009 is believed to be the result of erotic asphyxiation [Ref]."
Erotic asphyxiation refers to intentionally cutting off oxygen to the brain for sexual arousal. It is also called asphyxiophilia, autoerotic asphyxia, scarfing, kotzwarraism, or breath control play.
Colloquially, a person engaging in the activity is sometimes called a "gasper." The erotic interest in asphyxiation is classified as a paraphilia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Psychiatrist Joseph Merlino stated that it meets the criteria for a disorder "because it has the potential for lethality or serious injury" [Ref].
What's the Story on Autoerotic Asphyxiation?
A Straight Dope Classic from Cecil Adam's Storehouse of Human Knowledge (10/28/88)
A Straight Dope Classic from Cecil Adam's Storehouse of Human Knowledge (10/28/88)
Dear Cecil: I heard about a strange sexual practice the other day that I hope you can tell me more about. It seems a boy was found dead with a rope around his neck, but he hadn't purposely killed himself. Apparently he was masturbating at the time of his death and hanged himself in order to heighten the sexual sensation. The radio announcer called it an autoerotic suicide and said it is not uncommon. I've never heard of it. Can you tell me more? — Desiree Blough, Santa Barbara, California
Dear Desiree: Time for a walk on the weird side, kids. Autoerotic asphyxiation -- "suicide" is a misnomer, since death is usually accidental -- is in fact fairly common. One researcher estimates there are at least 50 deaths annually nationwide. The victims are mostly young males; evidently if you live long enough to become an old male you start getting a partner to help you, although it's quite dangerous even so.
Autoerotic asphyxiation arose out of the observation that men executed by hanging often got an erection and sometimes ejaculated. It's described in detail in de Sade's Justine and is mentioned in Beckett's Waiting for Godot. Why it works is unclear. The simplest explanation is that lack of oxygen causes lightheadedness, reducing inhibitions and enhancing the sexual experience. Masochistic fantasies, castration anxiety, and other psychological factors no doubt also play a role.
The problem is that it's easy to go too far. As little as seven pounds of pressure will collapse the carotid artery, producing unconsciousness within seconds. Many victims are bondage freaks and their elaborate bindings make self-rescue difficult.
Dear Desiree: Time for a walk on the weird side, kids. Autoerotic asphyxiation -- "suicide" is a misnomer, since death is usually accidental -- is in fact fairly common. One researcher estimates there are at least 50 deaths annually nationwide. The victims are mostly young males; evidently if you live long enough to become an old male you start getting a partner to help you, although it's quite dangerous even so.
Autoerotic asphyxiation arose out of the observation that men executed by hanging often got an erection and sometimes ejaculated. It's described in detail in de Sade's Justine and is mentioned in Beckett's Waiting for Godot. Why it works is unclear. The simplest explanation is that lack of oxygen causes lightheadedness, reducing inhibitions and enhancing the sexual experience. Masochistic fantasies, castration anxiety, and other psychological factors no doubt also play a role.
The problem is that it's easy to go too far. As little as seven pounds of pressure will collapse the carotid artery, producing unconsciousness within seconds. Many victims are bondage freaks and their elaborate bindings make self-rescue difficult.
Needless to say, this is not something you should try at home. Judging from the photos...not only do you end up dead, you look real stupid when they find you. I mention this on the theory that if fear of death won't stop somebody, maybe fear of embarrassment will. More>>
Family wants the FBI to investigate death
BANGKOK (AP, 6/6/09) – The family of American actor David Carradine has asked the FBI to help investigate his death after his body was found in a hotel closet in Thailand's capital with a rope tied to his neck, wrist, and genitals.
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