AUTOEROTIC ASPHYXIAL DEATHS - ANALYSIS OF 19 FATALITIES IN ALBERTA, 1978 TO 1989

This paper presents an unusual form of sexual (masturbatory) activity and brings this unusual cause of death to wider medical attention and understanding. All 19 cases of autoerotic asphyxial death that occurre d between 1978 and 1989 in the province of Alberta, Canada were review ed. The fatal victim of autoerotic asphyxia is typically a single male aged 15 to 29 years. Autoerotic sexual activity is typically performe d in isolation; often there is evidence of repetitive practice. The ac cidental death usually results when the ''safety'' mechanism designed to alleviate neck compression fails. Often the first sign of the activ ity (usually a surprise to family and friends) is death itself. Physic ians who are alert to the practice may suggest counselling when patien ts present with sexual concerns, unusual marks around the neck or evid ence of abrasions to limbs suggesting bondage or other masochistic pra ctices.