ABSTRACT
Autoerotic deaths are defined as accidental deaths that occur during solitary sexual activities in which a device, substance, or prop used to enhance sexual stimulation caused the unintentional death in some way. Common typical autoerotic practices include asphyxiation by strangulation/hanging, plastic bagging and gas inhalation. Atypical methods (insertion of a foreign object, electrical stimulation, or compression of the breast) account for approximately 10% of all autoerotic deaths. Predominantly, men between 20 and 40 years of age are affected, whereas autoerotic deaths in women are rarities. The death scene is often bizarre. Victims are usually found alone in hidden places or places protected from public view. The genitals are often exposed. Fetish clothing is sometimes worn. An examination of the death scene, a forensic external post-mortem examination, and the autopsy are therefore of immense importance in determining the circumstances of death. The involvement of a forensic pathologist on the part of the police can already help to clarify the situation at the death scene. For the diagnosis of autoerotic death, suicide, homicide, and death from internal causes must be ruled out. Since intoxication can also occur during autoerotic acts, toxicological examinations and blood alcohol concentration determinations should be undertaken.
