Part 1: What is scat?
Note: Our team have had support with writing this content from a queer, kink-affirming doctor who wishes to be anonymous.
An introduction to Scat
When we think 'fetish', chances are, we could probably create an endless list: feet, watersports, leather, bondage and so on… But typically, the most taboo fetish on our list is scat.
But what is scat? Scat (short for scatophiliac) refers to a sexual fetish that incorporates feces into sexual play, such as defecation on a partner, smearing and/or consuming.
The Scat Spectrum
Like most fetishes, scat play is a diverse fetish with multiple variations and is often intertwined with other sexual pleasures. In some cases, scat play can be used as a tool for domination, submission and humiliation. Additionally, scat is sometimes used in conjunction with water sports or bondage. All ranging from simple smearing to consumption.
Why are some people into it?
Scat play is similar to other forms of humiliation and submission play - humiliation can be a turn-on because the receiver has to completely relinquish control, which can be a great release. It’s also thought that humiliation could be the single most intense human emotion, and that it stimulates the same parts of the brain as physical pain. Experiencing extreme feelings, including pain, can help people to "lose themselves" in the moment and let go of whatever day-to-day worries might be on their mind during sex.
For other people with a scat fetish, the taboo of playing with poop taps into childhood lessons about sex and hygiene, or even deeper religious messages about sex, virginity, and purity. Some people who are into this will be inverting messages that were taught to them in childhood about sex somehow sullying you or making you unworthy. Doing this thing that’s thought of as ‘dirty’, or disgusting, but seeing that your partners still desire you in that state, can actually be very powerful and fulfilling for some people.
How common is it?
Due to the taboo and highly stigmatized nature of scat play, we often think of this form of kink as niche and uncommon, however, it is more common that we all think. Many people who engage or are interested in scat play tend to keep it a secret due to fear of judgment or rejection from others.
Kink vs Fetish
Got any kinks? .... What about fetishes?
- Kinks are anything sexual that falls outside of what society defines as ‘normal’ sexual practices, such as: BDSM, Role play, cuckholding, outdoors.
- Fetish refers to a special object, body part, or behavior that must be present during sexual activity to achieve one's sexual arousal or enjoyment – such as Scat, bondage, underwear.
Historical and cultural links
Arousal and fascination with poop has shown up in various cultures over centuries. In Ancient Egyptian culture, human faeces can be seen in historical artwork and artifacts. Some ancient medicines dated over 1,700 years ago included poop to effectively treat diseases.
Ancient Kama Sutra texts on sexuality featured sections which discussed the use of faeces in sex. In more modern times, poo has been seen in contemporary art, such as Paul McCarthy's inflatable pile of faeces sculptures.
The rise of technology and porn sites have allowed access for people to view and enjoy scat sex online. However, despite the long history of poop and scat sex, this topic remains a taboo subject due to its shock value and societies behavioral connotations towards it.
Disclaimer: Under the film, videos and Publications Classifications act in New Zealand Scat porn is considered ‘objectionable material’. Fines can range from $10,000 to 14 years imprisonment for procession or publication of scat porn.
Why is it important to talk about?
Chances are, you have a kink or fetish that someone else isn’t into, and that’s ok. But how exciting is it when you find someone who shares your kink or fetish!
By discussing taboo or niche sexual practices like scat we can help foster an understanding to ultimately reduce any stigma and shame associated to one’s fetish, so that individuals can explore their sexual self-discovery in a healthy and proud way.
Like all sexual interactions, it’s important to understand any potential health risks and to ensure all involved have expressed consent and discussed boundaries.
Health risks and considerations
It’s important for you and any of your sexual partners to consider the health risks that are associated with scat play, before getting down to it. We spoke with a queer, kink-affirming doctor based in Tāmaki Makaurau Aotearoa to find out just what those health risks are.
The big question – is scat safe?
There are some health risks when it comes to scat. But whether it’s safe or not – that depends on a few different factors:
- The bowel function of the person/s involved (are your bowel movements healthy?)
- The general health of the person/s involved
- The way you’re performing scat (e.g Insertion? Consumption? Just touching it?)
What specific health risks are associated with scat?
The main thing is the risk of transmission of faecal-oral pathogens. For example, salmonella, shigella, campylobacter. This usually happens when food or water is contaminated with faeces - usually diarrhoea is a symptom of this.
Some of the other health risks include:
- Bacterial infections like E. coli. These are generally not too bad, but some strains make you very sick. Your bowel can became inflamed and pump out mucus as it tries to protect itself, you will likely get diarrhoea and blood and mucus can also appear in your stool. You may also get a fever.
- Parasites like giardia are also common, particularly among MSM (men who have sex with men), who like to eat ass. I sometimes see that in patients – the symptoms can look like diarrhoea, loose bowel movements, and crampy, gassy or greasy bowel motions.
- There are viruses like hepatitis A which can be spread faecally or orally. It’s not as common in Aotearoa, but you can get it overseas, which is why it’s recommended to get vaccinated before travelling to certain parts of the world. There was also a recent outbreak caused by imported frozen berries from overseas, which infected a few people here in New Zealand after they bought them from local supermarkets.
- Overseas, there have been outbreaks of gastro bugs among gay men who eat ass – so even if you’re not necessarily engaging in scat play – it's wise to avoid rimming or being rimmed if you’re sick or feeling unwell.
If a patient asked you for your professional medical advice on practicing scat play safely, what would you tell them?
I would advise that they proceed with caution, know the risks involved, and communicate with their partner. I'd check with them that they or their partner/s have not recently had gastro bugs, diarrhoea or any illnesses.
I’d also recommend that they limit the amount of exposure the poo gets to their mouth, genitals, mucous and inner linings. Skin is a good barrier – you won’t necessarily catch anything by smearing poo on your skin, for example, but there’s always a risk of infection when you get it into a cut or a tear.
The most important thing though – don’t do scat play if you or your partner/s are sick.
🧠 A big thank you to our doctor, who wished to stay anonymous, for their contribution to this article.
"Colostitute”
A colostomy is a surgery that can help people who experience digestive issues, or are unable to pass stool through their bowel, where a new opening is created in the abdomen which helps waste get removed from the body.
A ‘colostitute’ is a colloquial term for a person who gets a colostomy done, and then uses this new stoma (the hole that is created) as another orifice for sexual pleasure (although, it’s worth noting that the nerve supply to the colon in a stoma is not the same as the skin around the anus, so the physical pleasure from this wouldn’t necessarily be comparative to anal sex).
The risk involved in this practice is similar to anal sex, as the stoma is designed to excrete faeces. And, as many people who get this procedure done will agree - colostomy bags (an external bag attached to the stoma to collect the waste) can be notoriously difficult to keep healthy and avoid any tears, as they are quite delicate, so it’s not a good idea to mess around with it.