What Is Autosexual?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributor, Donna Siegfried
Medically Reviewed by Raja Durai Sam Nishanth, MBBS, MD on December 17, 2025
5 min read

Autosexuality is a sexual orientation — just as heterosexuality and homosexuality are examples of sexual orientations. The prefix "homo" means "same." People with a homosexual orientation are attracted to others of the same gender. "Hetero" means "opposite." People who are heterosexual are attracted to people of the opposite sex. "Auto" means "self." The term autosexual describes people who are more attracted to themselves than to others. Read on to learn more about autosexuality.

 

People who are autosexual generally feel more sexually aroused by themselves than they do by others. They may prefer masturbation to sex with a partner, but it doesn't mean they will never have sexual relationships with other people. And it does not mean they have a mental illness.

While some people identify as autosexual, everyone has autosexual tendencies. Like other sexual orientations, autosexuality can exist on a continuum. Some may have sexual desire for themselves, enjoy self-stimulation, have sexual dreams about themselves, and fantasize about themselves to the exclusion of other relationships. Others may have these qualities but can also be romantically and sexually involved with one or more partners. 

If you are autosexual, you may have high confidence in your body. And that can make you appear more confident at work and in relationships.

Sexual orientations include not only sexual feelings but also romantic feelings. These do not always need to match. A person can identify as heterosexual while still being biromantic, or having romantic feelings for two genders. People may identify with more than one sexual or romantic orientation at different times.

Autoromantic vs. Autosexual

People who are autoromantic experience their personal relationship with themselves as being romantic, while people who are autosexual feel intense sexual attraction to themselves.

Autoromantic people consider their relationship with themselves as one where they both give and receive love. People who are autoromantic may be involved in other relationships but treat themselves like a lover, such as buying romantic gifts for themselves. 

Someone who is autosexual feels aroused by their own physical body and self. They may liken these feelings to being in love. While some people who identify as autosexual may have sexual relationships with a partner, others are fully satisfied with self-stimulation, finding it sexually and emotionally gratifying.

Autoeroticism vs. Autosexuality

Autoeroticism is the act of masturbation, which involves stimulating yourself sexually. It differs from autosexuality in that it is an action rather than a sexual orientation. Autoeroticism is nearly universal and is a natural, healthy expression of sexuality.

There are dangerous, less common forms of the practice, such as hypoxyphilia and asphyxiophilia, which use hanging, choking, or other forms of breathing restriction to achieve sexual pleasure. This is often referred to as erotic asphyxiation and is unsafe, as it may lead to serious injury or death.

Being autosexual could be your true sexual orientation if:

  • You fantasize about yourself more than others.
  • Thoughts of pleasuring yourself arouse you more than thoughts of a partner doing it.
  • You get more sexual pleasure from an encounter with yourself than with actual partners.

If you're not sure, seeing a sexual therapist may help you become more aware of your feelings. They may also help you understand whether your feelings relate to your sexual orientation or to any past trauma.

Talking to a therapist may also help if you feel isolated due to your autosexuality.

What to do if a partner is autosexual

If you are in a romantic relationship with someone who is autosexual, you may have a few challenges. For instance, your desire for sex with your romantic partner may not match their preference for masturbation. The sexual aspect of your relationship may feel "off."

To support an autosexual partner, communication is key. Talk openly about your feelings and needs, and let your autosexual partner talk openly about their feelings and needs. Assure your autosexual partner that their being autosexual is not shameful. It does not mean they are selfish or narcissistic. And it does not mean that they are asexual.

Autosexuality can be confusing to outsiders, especially because it isn't well-researched yet. Some do not consider it a proper sexual orientation and may mock it as narcissism, something unnatural, or even a mental illness. However, sexuality is complex, and everyone should be able to explore their own desires in the way that feels right to them.

Sometimes, it is assumed that autosexual people never have relationships with others (asexual), but this is not true. Some people who are autosexual may desire closeness with others. They may identify with one or more sexual orientations and simply prefer self-stimulation much of the time.

Some people may identify as autosexual after one or more failed relationships. They may see a relationship with themselves as the answer to love. Others say that their relationship with themselves is real, saying they are genuinely in love with themselves as they would be with someone else.

Each person has different experiences and desires, so autosexuality can mean different things for different people.

Autosexuality is a sexual orientation, like homosexuality or heterosexuality. Being autosexual goes beyond loving yourself in a way that inspires self-care. It means you're more sexually attracted to yourself than to others. But it doesn't mean you can't have romantic feelings toward others. Close romantic relationships are possible when you're autosexual, but open communication is necessary for both partners to understand what the other needs.

Is being autosexual narcissism?

Being autosexual is not the same as being narcissistic. Narcissism is a personality disorder, while autosexuality is not. Autosexuality is a sexual orientation.

Can autosexual people be in relationships?

Absolutely. Autosexual people are more turned on by themselves sexually, but they may desire emotional closeness with other people.

Is autosexual a part of LGBTQ?

Yes, autosexuality is part of the wide spectrum of sexual preferences included in the LGBTQ community.