Atypical autoerotic deaths
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2026

Quantitative Autonomic Testing
Published on: July 19, 2011
1Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Abstract:
So-called "typical" autoerotic fatalities are the result of asphyxia due to mechanical compression of the neck, chest, or abdomen, whereas "atypical" autoeroticism involves sexual self-stimulation by other means. We present five atypical autoerotic fatalities that involved the use of dichlorodifluoromethane, nitrous oxide, isobutyl nitrite, cocaine, or compounds containing 1-1-1-trichloroethane. Mechanisms of death are discussed in each case and the pertinent literature is reviewed.
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