What is olfactophilia?

Olfactophilia, also known as osmolagnia, is the paraphilia involving sexual arousal caused by odors.

• Definition: The term describes the attraction to specific smells, or smells in general, that trigger sexual excitement. These smells can be highly varied and subjective.

• Triggers: Common olfactory triggers may include:

  • Body odor
  • Perfume
  • Certain materials (e.g., leather, rubber)
  • Hygiene related odors
  • Environmental scents (e.g., gasoline)

• Subjectivity: The specific odors that arouse an individual with olfactophilia are highly personal. What one person finds sexually stimulating, another may find neutral or even repulsive.

• Harmlessness: Like other paraphilias, olfactophilia is generally considered harmless unless it causes distress to the individual or others, or if it involves non-consenting individuals.