Transvestic Fetishism Sexual Disorder - Info on Transvestic Fetishism Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Transvestic Fetishism Information

Transvestic festishism begins in adolescence, usually around the onset of puberty. Most practitionners are male who are aroused by wearing, fondling, or seeing female clothing. Lingerie (bras, panties, girdles, corsets, slips), stockings, shoes or boots may all be the fetishistic object.

Men with transvestic fetishism are typically heterosexual, and many have been or are married. Transvestites tend to believe that they manifest both male and female personalities. Cross-dressing allows them to display their feminine personality but generally they dress and present themselves as males. Transvestites may or not have the desire to become transsexual, which involves living as a member of the opposite sex.

Causes of Transvestic Fetishism

A number of studies have been published examining psychosocial causes of transvestic fetishism but most have serious methodological flaws that limit drawing confident conclusions. Some such studies suggest that adolescents with transvestic fetishism tendencies may have a history of separation from and hostility towards their mothers.

Symptoms of Transvestic Fetishism

Symptoms of transvestic fetishism involve touching or wearing items of clothing that are considered typically feminine. This initial interest may progress to wearing undergarments or other items that can be hidden from the view of others while providing arousal to the wearer. Most practitioners are male, usually heterosexual, and usually married (or have been married.) In some cases, sexual partners are fully aware of the fetish. Many will often have children as well.

Treatment of Transvestic Fetishism

Treatment typically involves psychotherapy aimed at uncovering and working through the underlying cause of the behavior. As with most disorders in this category, other issues may arise as treatment progresses and should be addressed.