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Q:What's a fetish, and how does someone develop one?
A:A fetish is a condition in which someone is sexually fixated on an inanimate object, such as high heels or lingerie, or a nongenital body part, and has to touch, rub, smell, or see the object in order to become aroused and climax. Though no one is certain what causes a fetish, it's believed to affect mostly men and likely begins when sexual excitement is inadvertently linked to the object.

Of course, lots of men — and women — are turned on by various parts of the body and things like sexy underwear. But, they don't need them to become aroused, which is what separates an attraction from a fetish.

As long as a person with a fetish (called a fetishist) is still interested in having intimate relations, and he has an understanding and willing partner, the object of desire can be incorporated into their sexual repertoire.