What really gets a person’s motor running may qualify as a sexual fetish. Technically, fetishists are people whose sexual arousal is dependent on a particular object, body part or situation - they can’t get off without it. This type of fetish can be problematic, since it may interfere with relationships and social functioning. However, it’s fairly common for people to be particularly turned on by something without requiring it for sexual gratification. For most, the subject of a fetish supplements the sex act rather than being necessary for it. Along with practicing appropriate penis care, an active sex life is important for the health of the member. Learn about seven common sexual fetishes below and some tips for indulging in them, making sexy time even more exciting.

Piercings

Some men and women can’t get enough of metal in flesh. This could be for many reasons - the rebellious nature of piercings, the feeling of metal against soft skin, the extra sensation of a tongue piercing during oral sex, etc. People may enjoy fondling a partner’s piercing in his or her hand during sex, sucking on it or rubbing it up against his or her body.

Biting

People with a biting fetish enjoy being bitten by and/or biting their partners. It’s important to know what partners are comfortable with. Some may be okay with getting bitten only if it’s not hard enough to leave a mark; others may actually want blood drawn; still others fall somewhere in between. Always respect a partner’s boundaries.

A well-timed, well-placed bite has the potential to drive both partners wild. It’s an obvious component of foreplay, but can also be banked on at a moment close to climax or during an orgasm to heighten the sensation. Erogenous zones, such as the neck, are great spots for a nibble. Partners can play around with sex positions that provide easiest access to preferred biting locations.

Partialism

Partialists fetishize a particular body part. Common ones are the feet and buttocks. Foot fetishists come in about as many shapes and sizes as the feet they lust after. Some may prefer to look at feet while masturbating or having sex, while others want to be touched by the feet. Some are very particular about what types of feet they like, while others become aroused by nearly any foot. Still others may only be turned on by a specific person’s feet.

Buttocks fetishists also vary widely in tastes. Partners can wear rear-accentuating garments and assume sex positions, such as doggie style and reverse cowgirl, to showcase their assets for maximum fetish indulgence.

Shoe

People often associate women with the love of shoes, but most shoe fetishists are men who get off on looking at and/or being intimate with a woman wearing a particular type of shoe. Often, the shoe of choice is the high heel. Men vary considerably in what type of high heel - boot or strappy, knee-high or low-cut, thick or thin heel, etc. - arouses them. Sex positions in which a woman’s heeled feet are visible to a man - on her back with her legs in the air in front of him, or any position in front of a mirror - can be very gratifying for the shoe fetishist.

BDSM

The "BD" above stands for "bondage" and "discipline"; the "SM" stands for "sadism" and "masochism." Some people are only into certain components of this acronym, while others want them all. People on the dominant side may like to restrain partners and be in control of the sex act; pain administration may or may not be a component. Those on the submissive side of this fetish derive pleasure from being controlled and, sometimes, having pain inflicted upon them.

The absolute most important part of indulging in this fetish is establishing very clear boundaries about what both partners want and are comfortable with. A plan should be in place to stop the sex act if either party feels uncomfortable at any point. Pursuing BDSM, or any individual component thereof, is best done with someone a person trusts and respects.

Leather

Fabric fetishists can’t get enough of looking at and/or feeling a particular material, and leather is perhaps the most common. Leather may symbolize toughness, rebellion and/or power. Some people may simply get off on the texture. Fetishists may like to wear leather themselves, or they may prefer that a partner wears it. People can experiment with different leather objects - whips, corsets, boots, cuffs, underwear, masks, etc.

Exhibitionism/Voyeurism

For some, nothing is a greater turn-on than either being watched or watching others engage in sexual activity. There’s obviously a danger of doing something immoral and/or illegal with this fetish, but individuals and couples can take steps to pursue it safely, morally and legally.

Voyeurists may enjoy watching live sex shows online or going to a club where such a thing is offered. They may also find another couple that consents to being watched in person.

Exhibitionists may like to record themselves (keeping faces out of the video is generally a good idea). They can also ask others to watch them perform the dirty deed.

Along with exploring and indulging in sexual fetishes to improve his sex life, a man should take steps to keep his busy member in top shape, both in terms of form and function. Proper hygiene combined with a daily application of a quality penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help achieve this. The best cream will contain vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that promote everything from smooth skin to proper nerve function.