Erotic imagery is a central aspect of human sexuality and an indicator of psychological and physical wellbeing. In this study we intend to explore the nature of sexual fantasies in a sample of today male heterosexuals.

Fifty male heterosexual were interviewed through a self-administred and anonymous questionnaire. The sampleʼs average age is 29.89 (range 20-36) and the level of education is rather high. In this research we investigated the following aspects: number of real and imaginary partners, motivations for intercourse, situations that elicit to erotic fantasies, incidence of erotic fantasies outside sexual activity, during heterosexual activity and during masturbation. In addition, the content of erotic imagery were considered by listing the top five fantasies in order of frequency of occurrence.

Findings suggest that the number of imaginary partners is higher than real partners. Motivations for intercourse were associated to a psychological and physical desire. It also results that erotic fantasies in the heterosexuals are mainly triggered by visual stimuli.

The majority of participants showed to have erotic fantasies outside, during sexual activity and in particularly during masturbation.

It was found that the main kinds of categorisation for erotic imagery were: oral, extradyadic, impersonal, narcissistic and affective.

This study confirms the importance of imagination in menʼs sexuality. Data revealed that menʼs fantasies are focused on sexual acts and contain emotive aspects. The study emphasized that erotic fantasies are an integral part of masturbation.

Results obtained were discussed in light of previous and current literature.