Hematolagnia

Hematolagnia (American spelling; British Haematolagnia), is a macaronic neologism combining Latin and Greek roots, which can be translated as bloodlust and which is meant to carry the meaning of sexual attraction to blood.

Blood fetishists generally act out their paraphilia via blood drinking and/or bloodletting, usually through biting or cutting. This can either act as an erotic turn-on or, generally among members of the vampire subculture, an expression of intimacy or bonding.

This is considered a very dangerous fetish, due to the high risk of HIV transmission, and the possibility of permanent injuries and scarring.

Hematolagnia has a history of being referred to as "vampirism" in psychiatric literature and articles. However, not all blood fetishists are involved in the vampire subculture.

"Bloodsports" or "bloodplay" are general names for any sadomasochistic play involving blood.

Cultural References

• One episode of The X-Files.

External Links

• Blood Fetishism Links