Lecture Notes

Autoerotic asphyxia is a form of sexual masochism disorder linking strangulation with masturbatory activities. Individuals seek to heighten their masturbatory arousal and orgasm by cutting off oxygen supplies to the brain. It is done alone or with a partner, and if death occurs it is usually accidental. There are a variety of techniques used for this act. Interference with the blood supply to the brain causes cerebral anoxia, or a lack of oxygen, and the individual experiences giddiness, lightheadedness, and exhilaration. The use of rope, cords, and chains with padding prevents bruising, and bags or blankets are used over heads. Sometimes corpses are found naked or partially clothed if individuals die during the act. Those who engage in such sexual practices rarely realize the potential consequences of their behavior. The key signs of individuals participating in these behaviors include unusual neck bruises, bloodshot eyes, disoriented behavior, and unexplained possession of or fascination with ropes or chains.

More than 1,000 deaths are attributed to autoerotic asphyxia in the United States each year with ages of victims ranging from 9 to 77 years. One of the most notable deaths due to this practice was the death of actor David Carradine. He was found in his hotel room in 2009 hanging by a rope naked in the closet. It was determined that he died of accidental asphyxiation. He was most known for playing martial arts roles. His last well-known movie was Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. Until there is education regarding the risks of engaging in autoerotic asphyxia, we will continue to see deaths due to this practice.

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Carradine#Death