This is usually characterised by a continuing conviction that the physical anatomy is incompatible with the true gender identity. However, entering the adopted social role is often much simpler for the ftm. Hormone prescription for mtf transsexuals is said to lower sexual appetite, while for ftm's the reverse is said to be the case. However, it does not seem likely that it will alter sexual interest. Transsexuals may be heterosexual or homosexual, like the rest of the population.
Sexual orientation is a variable, and some transsexuals are content to remain celibate.
Erotic fetishism is the dependence on particular objects, or parts of the body, to obtain sexual arousal. Clothing may come to be a fetish object for this purpose and may enhance sexual stimulation during solitary, or partnered, sex. Common fetish objects are female underwear, leather wear and rubber, but almost anything can be identified and come to be used as a fetish object. The problem seems recorded more frequently, and in more judgmental terms, for males than females. Using female underwear for fetishistic purposes is one reason for partial cross-dressing.