Acrotomophilia & Apotemnophilia fetishes are more common than you think.

Acrotomophilia refers to a sexual attraction to individuals who have undergone amputations. The term itself is derived from Greek, with akron meaning “extremity,” tomein meaning “to cut,” and philein meaning “to love.” Another term sometimes used to describe this attraction is amelotatism.

In contrast, apotemnophilia is the counterpart to acrotomophilia, describing the sexual arousal some individuals experience from being amputees themselves. Both of these fetishes are part of a broader spectrum of desires linked to body modification and the complex ways people relate to their own and others’ bodies.

Acrotomophilia In the past…

Acrotomophilia originally referred to the attraction or arousal specifically linked to amputee stumps. Over time, however, this fetish has expanded to encompass a broader range of interests, including attraction to paralysis, spasticity (a muscle disorder), as well as crutches, wheelchairs, and artificial limbs. Research and statistics show that acrotomophilia is most commonly found among men, with the majority of those who identify with this fetish being male. While it’s not uncommon for women to have this attraction, the prevalence remains significantly higher among men.

Acrotomophiles often connect with others who share their interests through online communities and forums. However, many struggle to openly discuss their attraction due to the fear of judgment and rejection. This fear keeps many acrotomophiles from speaking openly about their fetish, contributing to the general lack of understanding surrounding it. As a result, many individuals with this attraction remain secretive about their sexual preferences, keeping their desires hidden to avoid potential stigma.

The exact sexual activities with this fetish vary…

The fantasies associated with acrotomophilia are most often centered around masturbation and self-pleasure. Many acrotomophiles are drawn to a person’s amputated limb, focusing on the disability itself, while others enjoy role-playing scenarios where a partner has an amputation. Some acrotomophiles even seek out relationships with amputees. According to a scholarly study, in relationships where one partner is an amputee, the amputee often shows little interest in the sexual focus placed on their limb. For these individuals, the attention on the amputated limb alone doesn’t align with their sexual preferences.

As mentioned earlier, apotemnophilia serves as the counterpart to acrotomophilia. Often classified under body integrity identity disorder (BIID), apotemnophilia involves a deep feeling of incompleteness, where individuals believe they are not “whole” without an amputation. Unlike acrotomophiles, apotemnophiles desire to become amputees themselves. Despite the taboo nature of this desire, some individuals pursue amputation, although most medical professionals and surgeons refuse to perform elective amputations due to ethical concerns.

Those that do not or can not have the limb removed, will often roleplay out the fantasy to satisfy the sexual fantasy. For some, this fetish is so severe they will attempt to self-amputate (Don’t EVER do this.) While there isn’t much information out there about this fetish, it still very much exists!