Kristian Digby, well-known BBC presenter has been found dead in his London flat. It is suspected that he died accidentally during a sex game, presumably autoerotic asphyxiation.
This practice is also called masturbatory self-strangulation. What is it and why is it so dangerous?
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Asphyxiation means that the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off as a result of strangulation.
What is AEA?
Autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) is a sexual practice in which people strangulate themselves during masturbation. Decreased blood flow to the brain results in the release of endorphines. People become euphoric and experience a heightened sexual experience and more intense orgasms. For many, AEA gradually becomes the only way in which they can reach orgasm.
In most cases, people strangulate themselves by using a ligature such as a rope with which they have made a noose or slip-knot around the neck. Most people have built-in safety or rescue methods. In nearly all fatal cases, people did indeed have safety mechanisms, but these had failed.
AEA is an extremely dangerous practice and results in several deaths each year. It shouldn't be confused with suicide. People who practise AEA die unintentionally, usually because they lose consciousness during partial asphyxia, and therefore lose control over the means of strangulation. It is particularly dangerous if people combine self-strangulation with self-bondage. Those who practice AEA are typically impulsive thrill-seekers who have a death fantasy, as opposed to a death wish. They’re basically playing Russian Roulette.
It is more common than is generally thought, especially among adolescent or young adult males. It has claimed the lives of many famous people, including the lead singer of INXS Michael Hutchence and the British Conservative MP Stephen Milligan, and now presumably also that of actor David Carradine.
Warning signs of AEA behaviour
It is difficult to identify people who practice AEA. They are often happy, average, and well-adjusted who appear to have good relationships with family and friends.
If you are concerned that someone you know may be involved in AEA activities, look out for these signs:
I always feel so sorry for the families in situations such as these. - Belinda W
How embarrassing
2010/03/03 10:12:59 AM
I don't get this autoerotic asphyxiation business. If nothing else, the knowledge that you could be bust literally with your pants down would send me straight back to the kitchen for a sensible cup of tea. - Alex
Horrible
2010/03/03 10:24:18 AM
How awful to be remembered in this way by friends and family and the public. It seems to happen so often. I wonder how many unknowns die in this way, but are written off as suicides? - Christine
Is it a cultural thing?
2010/03/03 12:37:03 PM
Cos I have read that only Whites are practising this thing.I will rather choose to have 5 wifes than 1 and end up doing such a thing. - Majozi
Well done!
2010/03/03 02:17:04 PM
To you for telling our young children who have access to this forum, exactly how to do the above. Very well thought out article...NOT! - City Life
@Majozi
2010/03/03 03:04:37 PM
We are ALL tired of this racist stuff. - michael
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