voyeurism

Last reviewed 01/2018

Voyeurism is a paraphilia characterised by recurrent, intense sexual urges or sexually arousing fantasies involving watching unsuspecting people who are naked, disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity.

It is a normal reaction for an individual to become excited when observing others engaged in sexual intercourse. However in voyeurism an individual prefers repeatedly watching others involved in sexual activity as a means of sexual arousal. The voyeur may also watch women undressing or without clothes himself but will not attempt any sexual activity with them. The act of observation, or following observation, is usually accompanied by masturbation.

This is a disorder of heterosexual men, whose sexual activities are usually inadequate.