What comes to mind when you hear the word fetish? If you are considering buying a sex doll for the first time, you may be wondering if this means you have a sex doll fetish. It may be that you are wondering if this is something normal or something that indicates that you are not normal. We get it! But the truth is that there are all sorts of interests, quirks, turn ons and turn offs when it comes to what everyone thinks is sexy, kinky or weird, for the simple reason that we all find different things hot. Don't believe us? Read on.

What does the research say about fetishes?

The word fetish is no longer a taboo word. What once might have been hidden behind doors is now being talked about openly in homes and offices, made into TV shows, best-selling books, Hollywood movies and more generally accepted in popular culture.

When you finally get around to buying the sex doll of your dreams, it's natural to find yourself worrying about what your partner, friends, colleagues or relatives will think when they hear about your new toy. One of the main concerns you may have is whether they will think you have some kind of sex doll obsession. A key point to remember if you are navigating this area for the first time is that many of us not only have our own fetishes, but are very open about them and don't feel shame or embarrassment.

If you are worried about having a fetish (be it a sex doll fetish or otherwise), there is no need to feel singled out or implied. To share the normal fetish, we have delved into the ocean. We thought you might find it comforting to know that billions of people around the world are busy enjoying many of their own kinks and fetishes, and it's clear that enjoying fetishes is much more common than you might think.

Here's what we found.

According to research conducted by a British sex toy retailer, the most popular fetishes in the UK range from more benign ones such as recording sexual encounters and indulging in role play in the bedroom, to things such as Urolagnia (those aroused by urine), swinging or group sex and exhibitionism (almost six in ten Brits say they've had sex in their backyard). This doesn't even take into account things like BDSM, spanking, rubber, latex, leather and foot worship.

Across the Atlantic, a wide range of behaviours and interests are categorised as fetishes. Researcher Dr Justin Lehmiller delved into bedrooms across the country to speak to couples and individuals about their fascination with his book, 'Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life'.

As with the British study, Lehmiller found that Americans often fantasised or indulged in a variety of fetishes. The most common were BDSM and biting (the most popular according to Lehmiller), foot fetishes (1 in 7 adults have fantasised about them) and bodily fluids (including saliva, breast milk and faeces). There is also cuckolding, exhibitionism and dressing up as an animal for sex (called furry).

The list goes on when it comes to fetishes. It covers practically the entire alphabet. We're talking age play, electrical stimulation, humiliation, klismaphilia (less exotic, also known as enema arousal), pregnancy, quirofilia (attraction to hands or fingers), spectrophilia (arousal or sexual relations with ghosts) and wax play.

But what about sexual doll fetishes? Before we get started, let's quickly review what a fetish is. According to Marriam Webster, the dictionary definition of a fetish is "an object or body part whose real or imaginary presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification."

The plain English version of this definition is that it is simply something that turns you on. So it could be a part of the body, a particular type of behaviour such as spanking or being watched, but it could also be an object in the form of a particular toy that can really turn you on - like a sex doll.

If you think about it, everyone on the planet has some kind of fetish because we all have something that really turns us on. We all have our own personal measure of what we accept or consider 'weird'. For example, the fact that your next-door neighbour lives in their backyard may seem strange to you, but the fact that they enjoy spanking, water play or bondage in their bedroom is fine.

Similarly, other people's views on your sexuality reflect more on their own personal tastes than yours. As with anything in life, no two people are exactly alike. Not all of us have copied tastes or opinions, and not all of us have the same interests.

If you think sex dolls are sexy, why should the fact that other people prefer to dress up as stuffed animals for sex stop you from indulging in something that gives you pleasure? The answer, of course, is that it shouldn't.

Is it normal to have a sex doll fetish?

Technically speaking, sexual doll fetishism can be classified as object sex. As we have talked about before, fetishism is mainstream in today's media-driven 24/7 internet accessible society. However, it is undeniable that far fewer people openly share that they own sex dolls than admit to owning a vibrator. This may make you wonder if owning a sex doll fetish is normal. We're here to tell you that it totally is. However, you don't have to take our word for it.

Glamour magazine claims that not only is objective sexuality completely normal, but the high-tech nature of today's sex toys means that more and more people will find themselves enjoying the presence of sex dolls. Contributor Angie Jones says: "...... In an age of rapidly advancing sex doll technology, we may soon be somewhat involved in objective sex. This perspective is crucial because it helps us understand and empathise with people who have feelings for more 'out there' objects, because kink shaming sucks."

Is it healthy to have a sex doll fetish?

As we have seen from numerous studies on the subject, it is perfectly normal to have a fetish. According to Health.com, some psychiatrists actually say that fetishes don't even exist, as fetishes are really just a sexual interest. Others, such as couples therapist Dr Barry McCarthy, say that fetishes are "perfectly normal changes in sexual behaviour". In short, you don't need to worry about a sex doll fetish!

But does having a fetish make you unhealthy? Of course, each person's interpretation of what is normal for them and healthy for the individual will vary. Dr McCarthy warns that he describes fetishes as a healthy and normal part of life "as long as they don't involve the use of force, children, public sexuality or self-destructive behaviour".

If you are concerned that you may be falling into an unhealthy pattern of behaviour, it is worth asking yourself some honest questions. As with any type of unhealthy behaviour, a fetish can become destructive if it becomes an obsession or starts to negatively affect other areas of your life. An example of this is if you start to feel isolated. Have you noticed that you now choose to stay at home when you may have previously had more social activities? Do you find it more challenging to perform everyday tasks that you may have previously enjoyed, such as finding time to pursue a hobby?

If you notice that a certain behaviour is affecting your personal relationships with friends, family or colleagues, or if it is negatively affecting your ability to work or study, this is also a warning sign that you may be coming too close to unhealthy behaviour.

Should you be worried about a sex doll fetish?

As we've covered, having sex toys that turn you on is a perfectly normal adult trait. Buy (and enjoy!) Sex dolls are just another piece of the jigsaw that makes up your sexual persona, and another form of exploration and experimentation. Some people choose to try playing with water, others choose to wear handcuffs. Choosing to enjoy sex dolls is no different. Now that we've cleared that out, let's find your doll! They can be anime sex dolls, large breast sex dolls, mini sex dolls, curvy sex dolls