Autoeroticism

Autoeroticism (also known as autoerotism or self-gratification)^[1][2] is sexual activity involving only one participant.^[3] It is the practice of sexually stimulating oneself.

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".^[5]

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.^[6]

The mere act of autoeroticism does not mean a person is autosexual.^[7] For example, masturbation is done nearly universally, regardless of someone's gender or sexuality. 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.