You may have thought that hearing a partner pass gas is an immediate romance killer.
But not for everyone. For many, the opposite is true, new data shows.
The stinky habit is now the Second most popular sexual fetish worldwide, according to a global report.
Researchers at kink and fetish platform Clips4Sale analyzed search and sales data related to popular fetishes.
They found that while slavery reigned throughout the world, searches for gases spiked by 430 percent last year alone, and sales of related paraphernalia increased by 40 percent.
Getting excited about farting is a sign of olfactophilia or sexual arousal from odors coming from the body. The subset specifically interested in farting is called eproctophilia.
Researchers found that while slavery was rampant around the world, searches for passing gases skyrocketed by 430 percent last year alone, and sales increased by 40 percent.
In the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, the fetish remains second to bondage, although farting took first place in Brazil and Portugal.
Although it has gained popularity recently, scientists estimate that the sound and smell of flatulence have been arousing for decades.
Avery Martin, spokesperson for Clips4Sale, said the disgusting habit began gaining traction in February 2020 and increased steadily afterward.
“Maybe it was the shutdown, or maybe the loss of smell that many experienced with early Covid,” Martin said. ‘You can’t deny its power!’
That year, sales increased 50 percent.
Getting excited about farting is a sign of olfactophilia or sexual arousal from odors coming from the body. The subset specifically interested in farting is called eproctophilia.
It is not clear exactly how many people have experienced eproctophilia, although a few select case studies have been published on the topic.
A 2013 report published in PsicNet APA detailed the case of Brad (not his real name), a 22-year-old single, bisexual man living in Illinois. His parents divorced when he was six years old, although he had a relatively normal childhood.
However, when he was around 16 or 17, a friend farted in front of him. “The sound was quite attractive and I found myself obsessed with it,” Brad told British psychologist Dr. Mark Griffiths.
“At first, I didn’t want to admit that I liked his farts, but I finally decided to experiment.”
“I made a bet at some point and intentionally lost, the bet being the right to fart in the loser’s face for a week.”
“I kept losing those bets once every few weeks for about two years.” Brad also noted that he enjoyed “everything,” although what attracted him most was the “pungent sulfur” smell.
Additionally, Jason (not his real name), a 22-year-old heterosexual man, told him Vice in 2018 that his first fart fantasies began around age six.
“I remember not being allowed to use the word ‘fart’ when I was little, so that probably made it seem more taboo or forbidden to me,” he said.
And Fabio (not his real name), a 37-year-old straight Brazilian man, told Vice that while he is straight, he is exclusively attracted to men’s farts.
When he was five years old, Fabio’s cousin jokingly blew gas in his face.
“He didn’t know I was close to his buttocks to appreciate them, and his fart made my dreams come true,” Fabio said.
According to Sarah Berry, a sex and relationship therapist, the fetish often develops when someone is exposed to this type of gas in an elevated environment.
“Farts are generally considered funny, gross, and/or embarrassing,” he told Vice.
“Any experience that exacerbates any of these reactions could lead to farting as a sexual preference.”
According to Clips4Sale research, the top perversion remains bondage, which involves tying up or restraining a sexual partner.
Other popular fetishes include masochism (pleasure from pain or humiliation), face sitting, and foot fetishes.