Fetish Friday: Body Modification
While the word ‘kink’ refers to ‘unorthodox’ practices that a person takes part in or enjoys, ‘fetish’ defines the specific object of their sexual fantasies, whether living beings or inanimate objects. When looking at either classification, both are often regarded by general society as off-limits in terms of prescribed social norms.
Thankfully, the world is constantly becoming more sex-positive and, as a result, many fetishes and kinks have been ‘normalized.’ That said, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood. This is potentially due to the various subcultures that may branch from a single fetish or kink. Consequently, outsiders can be left feeling uncertain about what they entail.
Today, we’re looking at the subject of body alteration — including extreme body modification — to help eliminate any potential misperceptions and reservations on the topic that you might have. We hope it will give you a greater understanding of what it’s like to experience this fetish and what a person who takes part in it is into.
What is body modification?
Body modification (or body alteration) is the purposeful altering of the human body to change one's appearance and body image. While typically done for aesthetic reasons, it may also be for sexual enhancement, religious reasons (for example, circumcision), a rite of passage, and so forth.
In terms of fetishism, body modification refers to an attraction and sexual pull to folks who have (a) specific modification(s) on their body. This includes having these mods done to yourself.
Common misconceptions
There are quite a few misconceptions about folks who have or are attracted to others with body modifications. No, the desire for body mods does not mean someone is mentally ill. No, just because something is 'extreme' from one person's perspective does not mean that it is 'extreme' for someone else. No, it's not unheard of or 'weird.' No, deciding on getting certain modifications does not heighten or lessen a person's worth.
How to talk about it with your partner
Talking to your partner about your kinks and fetishes is vital to have a fulfilled sex life. If you're seeking to modify parts of your body and inform your partner about these desires, be open and honest. Remember that asking your partner to permanently change aspects of their body, regardless of how 'small' you think it may be, can be a significant request. If they do not consent to it, it isn't a matter that you should push further.
Things to try
Different body modifications can be excellent for various things. When it comes to simply aesthetics, anything goes (including tattoos and body piercings). However, some folks get mods with a purpose, including brands and scarification as part of BDSM slave and Master play, piercings for hook suspension, implants to appear animal-like, and even sharpening your teeth into fangs as part of vampire or monster role-playing.
Are there risks to consider?
First and foremost, never let yourself be forced into feeling as if you need to change your body image. If body alterations, including extreme body modification, is not something you want to do, then do not do it for the sake of another person.
That aside, some potential risks include permanent scarring, infection, nerve and tissue damage, and irreversible changes, depending on the body modification a person has decided to undergo.
How can I learn more?
Whether looking for advice on simple or extreme body modification, including how other people in the fetish community are enjoying themselves, the online world is a great place to start. We also recommend checking out your local sex club or BDSM dungeon for further information on the topic if you're looking for face-to-face interactions with like-minded folx.
With a more in-depth understanding on what body alteration (and extreme body modification) includes, we at Between Our Thighs hope that it has become clearer as to why and how this fetish may arouse certain folks. Should the topic arise in the future, we have confidence that you will feel more open to speaking about it from a place of knowledge while free from judgement. Whether it’s being open to further understand the fetish from someone who engages in it first-hand or educating people who may be closed off to it, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Do you find body alteration, whether discreet or extreme body modification, desirable in a sexual partner? Are these things that improve your own sense of body image? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
