It is often seen as a taboo subject.

But one scientist is finally lifting the lid on our deepest – and darkest – sexual fantasies.

Professor Mark Griffiths, an expert in behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University, has revealed the most unusual ‘paraphilias’ he has come across.

“Paraphilias are unusual types of sexual expression often described as sexual deviations, sexual perversions, or sexual preference disorders,” he explained in an article for conversation.

“They are usually accompanied by intense sexual arousal to unconventional or non-sexual stimuli, such as enemas (klismaphilia), statues (agalmatophilia), teeth (odontophilia) and vomiting (emetophilia).’

While paraphilias seem strange or socially unacceptable to most people, Professor Griffiths argues they should be studied by scientists.

“Paraphilias may be laughed at, dismissed or leave some people disgusted, but there is a pressing need for more research into unusual sexual behavior given the knowledge,” he added.

Here’s a look at five of the most unusual paraphilias Professor Griffiths has come across – including being woken up by farts.

Professor Mark Griffiths, an expert in behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University, has revealed the most unusual ‘paraphilias’ he has encountered – including being woken up by farts (stock image)

Professor Griffiths says being sexually aroused by cannibalism is very real (stock image)

1. Vorarephilia

Hollywood actor Armie Hammer made headlines in 2021 after allegedly sending messages detailing his own cannibalistic fetishes.

Although he has since laughed off the allegations, Professor Griffiths says being sexually aroused by cannibalism is very real.

“Vorarephilia – or ‘vore’ – refers to being sexually aroused by the idea of ​​being eaten, eating another person, or observing the process for sexual gratification,” he explained.

“Most vorephiles’ fantasies involve being the eaten ones.

“Devouring someone could be seen as the ultimate act of dominance by a predator and the ultimate act of submission by prey.”

Professor Griffiths highlights the case of Armin Meiwes, who was jailed for life after killing and eating a man.

After posting ads online, Meiwes received a response from Bern Jurgen Brandes, who agreed to be eaten.

Professor Griffiths highlights the case of Armin Meiwes, who was jailed for life after killing and eating a man

– They only met once. Meiwes bit Brandes’ penis, which the two of them cooked and ate,’ Professor Griffiths detailed.

“Brandes was filmed being stabbed to death by Meiwes in his bathroom. The body was then stored away for Meiwes to eat.

While Meiwes was convicted of murder, Professor Griffiths notes that “while some paraphilias are illegal, most do not cause psychological or behavioral problems when engaged in by consenting adults.”

2. Dacryphilia

Dacryphilia is triggered by seeing someone cry and comes in three main forms, according to Professor Griffiths.

“Compassionate dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the compassion of comforting a mourner,” he said.

“Dominant or submissive dacryphiles are sexually aroused, either by causing tears in a consenting submissive partner, or by being made to cry by a consenting dominant partner.”

“‘Curly-lipped’ dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the curving of the prominent lower lip during crying”.

Dacryphilia is triggered by seeing someone cry and comes in three main forms, according to Professor Griffiths (stock image)

3. Eproctophilia

While farts make most of us giggle, they can actually turn some people on sexually – known as eproctophilia.

Professor Griffith first encountered eproctophilia in 2013 when he met a 22-year-old single man from Illinois named Brad (not his real name).

At school, Brad developed a crush on a girl who fought in class, and this “sparked a strange interest” in him.

Then, in his mid-teens, Brad heard a friend pee and began to fixate on the sound.

“He made a bet with the bet for the right to face the loser for a week,” Professor Griffith said.

“He continued to lose bets like this every few weeks for about two years.”

4. Apotemnophilia

Apotemnophilia is sexual arousal caused by the fantasy or reality of being with an amputee.

“Some apotemnophiles may pretend to be amputees,” Professor Griffith said.

Apotemnophilia is sexual arousal caused by the fantasy or reality of being with an amputee (stock image)

Salirophilia is the sexual arousal from dirtying or messing up someone attractive. This could include tearing or damaging clothes, covering them with mud, or ruining hair or makeup, according to the expert (stock image)

“But for a minority, the behavior involves obsessive scheming to persuade a surgeon to perform a medically unnecessary amputation.

“To most people, this might seem like a type of masochism, but the case studies suggest that there is no eroticization of pain – only of the healed amputated stump.”

5. Salirophilia

Finally, Professor Griffith highlights salirophilia, which is the sexual arousal from dirtying or messing up someone attractive.

This could include tearing or damaging clothes, covering them with mud or ruining hair or make-up, according to the expert.

In 2019, Professor Griffith met Jeff (not his real name) – a 58-year-old man with salirophilia.

When he was young, Jeff said he wanted to mature in strange places, like sleeping under a closet in a dirty garage.

And although he had hoped to engage in salirophilic practices with women, finding like-minded women proved difficult.

“He was also a fan of the TV show Fear Factor, where contestants complete outrageous tasks for prize money, such as eating rotten food or being submerged in foul fluids,” Professor Griffith added.

“These were a source of sexual arousal for Jeff.

“He told me, ‘I find it erotic to defile the body of an attractive woman.’