Sexual intercourse, in its biological sense, is the act in which the male reproductive organ (in humans and other higher animals) enters the female reproductive tract, called copulation or coitus in other reference. The penis (plural penises, penes The vagina (from Latin, literally " Sheath " or " Scabbard " is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the Uterus ^[1] The two entities may be of opposite sexes, or they may be hermaphroditic, as is the case with snails. An organism's sex is defined by the gametes it produces males produce male gametes (spermatozoa or Sperm) while females produce female gametes (ova or Egg cells; individual A hermaphrodite is an organism having both male and female reproductive organs The word snail is a Common name that can be used for almost all members of the Molluscan class Gastropoda which have coiled shells in the

Traditionally, intercourse has been viewed as the natural endpoint of all sexual contact between a man and a woman,^[2] and is commonly confined to this definition today. The meaning of the term, however, has been broadened in recent years, and now labels at least three different sex acts. These three types of intercourse are: vaginal intercourse, involving vaginal penetration by the penis; oral intercourse, involving oral caress of the sex organs (male or female); and anal intercourse, involving insertion of the male's penis into his partner's anus. Oral sex refers to sexual activities involving the use of the Mouth, and may include use of the Tongue, Teeth, and Throat, in order Anal sex most often refers to the sex act involving insertion of the Penis into the Rectum. ^[2]

Sex acts that involve digital (use of fingers or hands) intercourse or mutual masturbation are more often referred to as outercourse (with oral sex at times listed as an aspect),^[3][4][5][6] while the term sex, in the context of sexual intimacy, is often understood more widely to include any mutual genital stimulation. Fingering is the practice of using fingers to stimulate the Clitoris, Vagina or Anus. Non-penetrative sex (also known as outercourse and dry sex) is Sexual activity without Vaginal Anal, and Oral penetration A sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, as narrowly defined is any of the anatomical parts of the body which are involved in sexual reproduction and constitute ^[7]

For most non-human animals, sexual intercourse is used mainly for reproduction, at the point of estrus, the most fertile period of time in the female's reproductive cycle,^[8][9] through insemination and subsequent internal fertilization. Reproduction is the Biological process by which new individual Organisms are produced Oestrus is also the biological genus name of the gadfly. The estrous cycle (also oestrous cycle; derived from Latin Insemination is the introduction of sperm into the female Uterus of a Mammal or the Oviduct of an Oviparous (egg-laying animal during Internal fertilization is a form of Animal fertilization of an Ovum by Spermatozoon within the body of an inseminated animal whether female or hermaphroditic However, bonobos,^[10] dolphins,^[11] and chimpanzees are known to engage in sexual intercourse even when the female is not in estrus, and to engage in sex acts with same-sex partners. The Bonobo (bə'noʊboʊ Pan paniscus) until recently usually called the Pygmy Chimpanzee (and less often the Dwarf or Gracile Chimpanzee Dolphins are Marine mammals that are closely related to Whales and Porpoises There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. Chimpanzee (often shortened to chimp) is the common name for the two extant Species of Apes in the Genus Pan. In most instances, humans have sex primarily for pleasure. ^[12] This behavior in the above mentioned animals is also presumed to be for pleasure,^[13] which in turn strengthens social bonds.

Contents 1 In animals 2 In humans 2.1 Coitus difficulties 3 Functions of sex beyond reproduction 3.1 Oral and anal sex 4 Sexual ethics and legality 4.1 Religious views 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

In animals

See also: Mating

Many animals which live in the water use external fertilization, whereas internal fertilization may have developed from a need to maintain gametes in a liquid medium in the Late Ordovician epoch. In Biology, mating is the pairing of opposite- Sex or hermaphroditic Organisms for copulation and in Social animals also to raise their The Herring Gull, Larus argentatus, is a large Gull (up to 26 inches or 66 cm long and is the most abundant and best known of all gulls along the shores of External fertilization is a form of Fertilization in which a Zilo cell is united with an Egg cell external to the body of the female Internal fertilization is a form of Animal fertilization of an Ovum by Spermatozoon within the body of an inseminated animal whether female or hermaphroditic A gamete (from Ancient Greek γαμέτης; translated gamete = wife gametes = husband is a cell that fuses with another gamete The Late Ordovician, also called the Upper Ordovician by Geologists is the third epoch of the Ordovician period Internal fertilization with many vertebrates (such as reptiles, some fish, and most birds) occur via cloacal copulation (see also hemipenis), while mammals copulate vaginally, and many basal vertebrates reproduce sexually with external fertilization. Reptiles, or members of the class Reptilia are air-breathing Cold-blooded Vertebrates that have skin covered in scales as opposed to hair or feathers Fish are aquatic Vertebrate animals that are typically ectothermic (previously Cold-blooded) covered with scales, and equipped with two Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. In zoological anatomy a cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal and urinary tracts of certain animal species A hemipenis (plural hemipenes) is one of a pair of Intromittent organs of male squamates ( Snakes Lizards and worm lizards. Mammals ( class Mammalia) are a class of Vertebrate Animals characterized by the presence of Sweat glands, including sweat glands The vagina (from Latin, literally " Sheath " or " Scabbard " is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the Uterus Primitive is a descriptive term often used in the field of Evolution to describe particular Species or traits that are characteristic of an older evolutionary Vertebrates are members of the Subphylum Vertebrata, Chordates with backbones or spinal columns The grouping sometimes includes

However, some terrestrial arthropods do use external fertilization. Terrestrial animals are Animals that live predominantly or entirely on land as compared with Aquatic animals which live predominantly or entirely in the water (e Arthropods are Animals belonging to the Phylum Arthropoda (from Greek ἄρθρον arthron, " Joint " For primitive insects, the male deposits spermatozoa on the substrate, sometimes stored within a special structure, and courtship involves inducing the female to take up the sperm package into her genital opening; there is no actual copulation. Insects ( Class Insecta) are a major group of Arthropods and the most diverse group of Animals on the Earth with over a million described A spermatozoon or spermatozoan ( pl spermatozoa) from the Ancient Greek σπέρμα (seed and ζῷον (living being and more commonly known Courtship is the traditional dating period before engagement and marriage In groups such as dragonflies and many spiders, males extrude sperm into secondary copulatory structures removed from their genital opening, which are then used to inseminate the female (in dragonflies, it is a set of modified sternites on the second abdominal segment; in spiders, it is the male pedipalps). Anisoptera redirects here For the genus of trees see Anisoptera (tree. Spiders are Predatory Invertebrate Animals that have two body segments, eight legs no chewing mouth parts and no wings The sternum (pl "sterna" is the Ventral portion of a segment of an Arthropod Thorax or Abdomen. Pedipalps, are the second pair of Appendages of the Prosoma in the subphylum Chelicerata. In advanced groups of insects, the male uses its aedeagus, a structure formed from the terminal segments of the abdomen, to deposit sperm directly (though sometimes in a capsule called a "spermatophore") into the female's reproductive tract. An aedeagus (plural aedeagi) is a reproductive organ of male Insects through which they secrete Sperm from the Testes during Copulation A spermatophore is a capsule or mass created by males of various Animal species containing Spermatozoa and transferred in entirety to the female's Ovipore

In humans

See also: Human sexual behavior and Human sexuality

Vaginal sexual intercourse, also called coitus, is the human form of copulation. Human sexual behavior or different human sexual practices encompass a wide range of activities such as strategies to find or attract partners ( Mating and display Generally speaking human sexuality is how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings Sexual intercourse, in its biological sense is the act in which the male reproductive organ (in humans and other higher animals enters the female reproductive tract While its primary purpose is reproduction, it is often performed exclusively for pleasure and/or as an expression of love and emotional intimacy. Sexual intercourse typically plays a powerful bonding role; in many societies it is normal for couples to have frequent intercourse while using birth control, sharing pleasure and strengthening their emotional bond through sex even though they are deliberately avoiding pregnancy. Human bonding refers to the development of a close Interpersonal relationship between family members or friends Birth control, sometimes synonymous with contraception, is a regimen of one or more actions devices or Medications followed in order to deliberately prevent

Sexual intercourse may also be defined as referring to other forms of insertive sexual behavior, such as oral sex and anal intercourse. Oral sex refers to sexual activities involving the use of the Mouth, and may include use of the Tongue, Teeth, and Throat, in order Anal sex most often refers to the sex act involving insertion of the Penis into the Rectum. The phrase to have sex can mean any or all of these behaviors, as well as other non-penetrative sex acts not considered here. Non-penetrative sex (also known as outercourse and dry sex) is Sexual activity without Vaginal Anal, and Oral penetration

Coitus may be preceded by foreplay, which leads to sexual arousal of the partners, resulting in the erection of the penis and natural lubrication of the vagina. In Human sexual behavior, foreplay is a set of intimate psychological and physical acts between two or more people meant to increase Sexual arousal. The erection of the Penis, Clitoris or a Nipple is its enlarged and firm state The penis (plural penises, penes Lubrication is the process or technique employed to reduce wear of one or both surfaces in close proximity and moving relative to each another by interposing a substance called The vagina (from Latin, literally " Sheath " or " Scabbard " is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the Uterus

To engage in coitus, the erect penis is inserted into the vagina and one or both of the partners move their hips to move the penis backward and forward inside the vagina to cause friction, typically without fully removing the penis. Friction is the Force resisting the relative motion of two Surfaces in contact or a surface in contact with a fluid (e In this way, they stimulate themselves and each other, often continuing until highly pleasurable orgasm in either or both partners is achieved. An orgasm (sexual climax is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and may be experienced by both males and females Penetration by the hardened erect penis is also known as intromission, or by the Latin name immissio penis (Latin for "insertion of the penis").

Coitus is the basic reproductive method of humans. During ejaculation, which usually accompanies male orgasm, a series of muscular contractions delivers semen containing male gametes known as sperm cells or spermatozoa from the penis into the vagina. A muscles contraction (also known as a muscle twitch or simply twitch) occurs when a Muscle fibre generates tension through the action of Actin Physiological aspects Internal and external fertilization Depending on the Species, spermatozoa can fertilize A gamete (from Ancient Greek γαμέτης; translated gamete = wife gametes = husband is a cell that fuses with another gamete A spermatozoon or spermatozoan ( pl spermatozoa) from the Ancient Greek σπέρμα (seed and ζῷον (living being and more commonly known The vagina (from Latin, literally " Sheath " or " Scabbard " is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the Uterus

The subsequent route of the sperm from the vault of the vagina is through the cervix and into the uterus, and then into the fallopian tubes. The cervix (from Latin "neck" is the lower narrow portion of the Uterus where it joins with the top end of the Vagina. The uterus (from the Latin word for womb) is the major Female reproductive organ of most Mammals including Humans One end the The Fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts, uterine tubes, and salpinges ( singular salpinx) are two very fine tubes lined with ciliated Millions of sperm are present in each ejaculation, to increase the chances of one fertilizing an egg or ovum. An ovum (plural ova) is a Haploid Female reproductive cell or Gamete. If the woman orgasms during or after male ejaculation, the corresponding temporary reduction in the size of the vagina and the contractions of the uterus that occur can help the sperm to reach the fallopian tubes, though female orgasm is not necessary to achieve pregnancy. An orgasm (sexual climax is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and may be experienced by both males and females When a fertile ovum from the female is present in the fallopian tubes, the male gamete joins with the ovum resulting in fertilization and the formation of a new embryo. For soil improvement see Fertilization (soil. An embryo (from Greek:, plural, lit "that which grows" from en- "in" + bryein "to swell be full" is a multicellular When a fertilized ovum reaches the uterus, it becomes implanted in the lining of the uterus, known as endometrium and a pregnancy begins. The endometrium is the inner membrane of the Mammalian Uterus. Pregnancy ( Latin graviditas) is the carrying of one or more offspring known as a Fetus or Embryo, inside the Uterus of a Female

Coitus difficulties

The physical structure of the act of coitus favors penile stimulation over clitoral stimulation. The location of the clitoris then often necessitates manual stimulation in order for the female to achieve orgasm. An orgasm (sexual climax is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and may be experienced by both males and females In the 1974 Hite Report studies, nearly 70 percent of female respondents admitted to rarely or never achieving orgasm during coitus without simultaneous direct stimulation of the clitoris with the fingers or other implement. ^[14]

Anorgasmia is the lack of orgasm during otherwise pleasurable stimulation. It is much more common in women than men. Masturbation is a well supported method for a woman to explore her body and discover what feels good for her. Masturbation refers to Sexual stimulation especially of one's own genitals ( self masturbation) and often to the point of Orgasm, which The absence of a partner can remove the sense of performance anxiety and allow the woman to relax and enjoy. Good communication and patience are essential in helping an anorgasmic woman achieve orgasm. Whether a woman considers anorgasmia a problem or not is highly individual, though many women find it very frustrating.

Some males suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, at least occasionally. For those whose impotence is caused by medical conditions, prescription drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are available. Sildenafil citrate, sold as Viagra, Revatio and under various other trade names is a drug used to treat Erectile dysfunction (male impotence Tadalafil is an orally administered drug for treating impotence ( Erectile dysfunction) that initially was developed by the Biotechnology company ICOS Vardenafil ( INN) is a PDE5 inhibitor used for treating impotence ( Erectile dysfunction) that is sold under the trade name Levitra ( Bayer However, doctors caution against the unnecessary use of these drugs because they are accompanied by serious risks such as increased chance of heart attack. Moreover, using a drug to counteract the symptom—impotence—can mask the underlying problem causing the impotence and does not resolve it. A serious medical condition might be aggravated if left untreated.

A more common sexual disorder in males is premature ejaculation (PE). Premature ejaculation (PE also known as rapid ejaculation, rapid climax, premature climax or early ejaculation, is the most common sexual The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is examining the drug dapoxetine to treat premature ejaculation. Dapoxetine is the International Nonproprietary Name of a short-acting SSRI drug currently being considered for approval by the Food and Drug Administration In clinical trials, those with PE who took dapoxetine experienced intercourse three to four times longer before orgasm than without the drug.

The American Urological Association (AUA) estimates that premature ejaculation could affect 27 to 34 percent of men in the United States. The AUA also estimates that 10 to 12 percent of men in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction.

Vaginismus is involuntary tensing of the pelvic floor musculature, making coitus distressing, painful, and sometimes impossible. Vaginismus (the Latin equivalent of the word Vaginism) is a condition which affects a woman's ability to engage in any form of Vaginal penetration including

Dyspareunia is a medical term signifying painful or uncomfortable intercourse, but does not specify the cause. Dyspareunia is painful Sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes

Mobility impairment: According to the Canadian Paraplegic Association, in 2007, there were thirty six thousand Canadians living with spinal cord injuries. ^[15] In the US there are 11 thousands spinal cord injuries every year. ^[15] Sexual intercourse for these mobility impaired individuals may be a psychologically daunting experience which plays an effect on self-concept as a sexual being. Psychology (from Greek grc ψῡχή psȳkhē, "breath life soul" and grc -λογία -logia) is an Academic and Self-concept or self identity refers to the global understanding a sentient being has of him or herself ^[15] For example Brian Chovez, a paraplegic with some mobility loss from the waist down, has indicated that he went "from having a very active sex life before the accident, to not really having one at all. Paraplegia is an impairment in motor and/or sensory function of the lower extremities . . it was tremendously hard psychologically. "^[15] However, "sex is not impossible" according to Alan Tholkes, a quadriplegic since 1976. Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a Symptom in which a human experiences Paralysis affecting all four limbs although not necessarily total paralysis Tholkes said "I had sensations in all the critical areas, but my motor function was lacking. Certain positions just weren't possible. "^[15] There exists some sexual devices, such as swings and suspension harnesses, that facilitate sexual intercourse for those with mobility impairments.

Functions of sex beyond reproduction

Humans, bonobos,^[16] chimpanzees and dolphins^[17] are the only species known to engage in heterosexual behaviors even when the female is not in estrus, which is a point in her reproductive cycle suitable for successful impregnation. Human beings, humans or man (Origin 1590–1600 L homō man OL hemō the earthly one (see Humus The Bonobo (bə'noʊboʊ Pan paniscus) until recently usually called the Pygmy Chimpanzee (and less often the Dwarf or Gracile Chimpanzee Chimpanzee (often shortened to chimp) is the common name for the two extant Species of Apes in the Genus Pan. Dolphins are Marine mammals that are closely related to Whales and Porpoises There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. Oestrus is also the biological genus name of the gadfly. The estrous cycle (also oestrous cycle; derived from Latin These species, and others, are also known to engage in homosexual behaviors. ^[18]

In both humans and bonobos the female undergoes relatively concealed ovulation, so that both male and female partners commonly do not know whether she is fertile at any given moment. Human females have concealed ovulation or hidden estrus. Most Female animals show distinctive signs when they are " in heat " One possible reason for this distinct biological feature may be formation of strong emotional bonds between sexual partners important for social interactions and, in the case of humans, long-term partnership rather than immediate sexual reproduction. ^[12]

Humans, bonobos and dolphins are all intelligent social animals, whose cooperative behavior proves far more successful than that of any individual alone. In these animals, the use of sex has evolved beyond reproduction apparently to serve additional social functions. Sex reinforces intimate social bonds between individuals to form larger social structures. The resulting cooperation encourages collective tasks that promote the survival of each member of the group.

Alex Comfort and others^[12] posit three potential advantages of intercourse in humans, which are not mutually exclusive: reproductive, relational, and recreational. Alexander Comfort ( 10 February 1920 - 26 March 2000) was educated at Highgate School and Trinity College Cambridge and While the development of the Pill and other highly effective forms of contraception in the mid- and late 20th century increased peoples' ability to segregate these three functions, they still overlap a great deal and in complex patterns. Birth control, sometimes synonymous with contraception, is a regimen of one or more actions devices or Medications followed in order to deliberately prevent For example: A fertile couple may have intercourse while contracepting not only to experience sexual pleasure (recreational), but also as a means of emotional intimacy (relational), thus deepening their bonding, making their relationship more stable and more capable of sustaining children in the future (deferred reproductive). This same couple may emphasize different aspects of intercourse on different occasions, being playful during one episode of intercourse (recreational), experiencing deep emotional connection on another occasion (relational), and later, after discontinuing contraception, seeking to achieve pregnancy (reproductive, or more likely reproductive and relational).

Oral and anal sex

Main articles: Oral sex and Anal sex

Oral sex consists of all the sexual activities that involve the use of the mouth, tongue, and possibly throat to stimulate genitalia. Human sexual behavior or different human sexual practices encompass a wide range of activities such as strategies to find or attract partners ( Mating and display The mouth, buccal cavity, or oral cavity is the first portion of the Alimentary canal that receives food and begins digestion by mechanically breaking up The tongue is the large bundle of Skeletal muscles on the floor of the Mouth that manipulates Food for chewing and swallowing (deglutition In Anatomy, the throat is the anterior part of the Neck, in front of the vertebral column. A sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, as narrowly defined is any of the anatomical parts of the body which are involved in sexual reproduction and constitute It is sometimes performed to the exclusion of all other forms of sexual activity. Oral sex may include the ingestion or absorption of semen or vaginal fluids. Physiological aspects Internal and external fertilization Depending on the Species, spermatozoa can fertilize Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during Sexual intercourse.

While there are many sexual acts involving the anus, anal cavity, sphincter valve and/or rectum, the specific meaning of anal sex is the insertion of a man's penis into another person's rectum. The anus is an opening at the opposite end of an Animal 's Digestive tract from the Mouth. The rectum (from the Latin rectum intestinum, meaning straight intestine) is the final straight portion of the Large intestine in some Mammals The penis (plural penises, penes

Sexual ethics and legality

Unlike some other sexual activities, vaginal intercourse has rarely been made taboo on religious grounds or by government authorities, as procreation is inherently essential to the continuation to the species or of any particular genetic line, which is considered to be a positive factor, and indeed, enables most societies to continue in the first place. A taboo is a strong Social prohibition (or ban) against words objects actions or discussions that are considered undesirable or offensive by a group culture A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos Many of the cultures that had prohibited sexual intercourse entirely no longer exist; an exception is the Shakers, a sect of Christianity that has four adherents at current. The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, known as the Shakers, was a Protestant religious denomination that originated in Manchester In the Sociology of religion a sect is generally a smaller religious or political group that has broken off from a larger group for example from a Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings There are, however, many communities within cultures that prohibit their members to engage in any form of sex, especially members of religious orders and the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church and priests in Buddhist monasteries. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Within some ideologies, coitus has been considered the only "acceptable" sexual activity. Relatively strict designations of "appropriate" and "inappropriate" sexual intercourse have been in human culture for hundreds of years. These legal or cultural restrictions may include:

• Sex among partners who are not married (this is sometimes referred to as fornication)
• Sex between a married person and someone to whom they are not married (called adultery or extramarital sex). NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** Fornication, or simple fornication is a term which refers to voluntary Sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other Adultery is the voluntary Sexual intercourse between a married person and another person who is not his or her Spouse, though in many places it is Extramarital sex occurs when a married person engages in Sexual activity with someone other than their marriage partner
• Commercial sex (called prostitution). Prostitution is the act of performing Sexual activity in exchange for Money.
• Sex between partners of the same sex (called homosexuality). Homosexuality refers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of the same sex or to a Homosexual orientation.
• Sex between a living human and a human corpse (called necrophilia). Necrophilia, also called thanatophilia and necrolagnia, is the sexual attraction to corpses
• Sex between close relatives (called incest). Incest refers to any sexual activity between closely related persons (often within the immediate family that is illegal or socially Taboo.
• Adults having sex with children (also called child sexual abuse). Child sexual abuse is a form of Child abuse in which a child is abused for the sexual gratification of an adult or older adolescent
• Humans having sex with non-human animals (called bestiality). Zoophilia, from the Greek ζῷον ( zṓion, "animal" and φιλία ( philia, "friendship" or "love" is a Paraphilia
• Sex between members of different tribes, ethnic groups, or races, as in South Africa or the United States during periods of racial segregation. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa The United States of America —commonly referred to as the
• Sexual intercourse during a woman's menstrual period, as in Islam and Judaism. For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. Judaism (from the Greek Ioudaïsmos, derived from the Hebrew יהודה Yehudah, " Judah " in Hebrew יַהֲדוּת Yahedut

Often a community adapts its legal definitions during case laws for settling disputes. Case law' (also known as decisional law or judicial precedent) is that body of reported Judicial opinions in countries that have Common law For example, in 2003 the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that same-sex relations do not constitute sexual intercourse, based on a 1961 definition from Webster's Third New International Dictionary, in Blanchflower v. Blanchflower, and thereby an accused spouse in a divorce case was found not guilty of adultery based on this technicality. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The New Hampshire Supreme Court is the supreme court of the U Year 1961 ( MCMLXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Webster's Dictionary is the name given to a common type of English language dictionary in the United States. Blanchflower v Blanchflower, 150 NH 226, is a landmark decision handed down by the New Hampshire Supreme Court which ruled that sexual relations between two females

Most countries have age of consent laws specifying the minimum legal age for engaging in sexual intercourse. While the phrase age of consent typically does not appear in legal Statutes when used with in relation to sexual activity, the age of consent is the minimum age at Sexual intercourse with a person against their will, or without their informed legal consent, is referred to as rape, and is considered a serious crime in many cultures around the world, including those found in Europe, northern and eastern Asia, and the Americas. Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given Consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts implications Rape, also referred to as Sexual assault, is an Assault by a person involving Sexual intercourse with or Sexual penetration of another person The term criminal law, sometimes called penal law, refers to any of various bodies of rules in different Jurisdictions whose common characteristic is the potential The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World, consisting of the Continents of North America and South America Sex, regardless of consent, with a person under the age of consent is often considered to be sexual assault or statutory rape. Sexual assault is any Assault of a sexual nature on another person The phrase statutory rape is a term used in some legal jurisdictions to describe consensual Sexual relations that take place when an individual (regardless of gender has sexual The age of consent varies from country to country and often by state or region; commonly, the age of consent is set anywhere between twelve and eighteen years of age, with sixteen years being the most common age the law sets. Sometimes, the age of consent is lowered for people near the same age wishing to participate in intercourse. For example, in Canada, the minimum age of consent for all couples is 14. However, the age of consent can go below 14 on the condition that the couple still are not 2 years of age apart. Religions may also set differing ages for consent, with Islam setting the age at puberty, which can vary from around 10 to 14. There are exceptions in the case of anal sex or people in a position of trust/authority.

Religious views

Main article: Religious views on sexual intercourse

Religious views on sexual intercourse vary widely between religions, between different sects of the same religion, and even between different members of the same sect. Sexual morality varies greatly over time and between cultures

See also

Part of a series on Love
Basic Aspects
Love
Love (scientific views)
Human bonding
Historically
Courtly love
Greek love
Religious love
Types of emotion
Erotic love
Platonic love
Familial love
Puppy love
Romantic love
See also
Unrequited love
Problem of love
Interpersonal relationship
Sexuality
Sexual intercourse
Valentine's Day
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• Synonyms for sexual intercourse – the WikiSaurus list of synonyms and slang words for sexual intercourse in many languages
• Safe sex
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• Sexual slang

Sexology Orgasm Copulation Human sexual behavior Sexual orientation Heterosexual Bisexual Homosexual Asexual Top / bottom List of sex positions Anal sex Masturbation Non-penetrative sex Oral sex

Sexual fetishism Infantilism BDSM Swinging Sex toys Pegging Seduction Sexual arousal Foreplay Biological reproduction Sexual dysfunction Anorgasmia Erectile dysfunction Human sexual response cycle Rape Teledildonics

References

External links

• The International Encyclopedia of Sexuality
• Janssen, D. F. , Growing Up Sexually. Volume I. World Reference Atlas
• Dutch Society for Sexual Reform article on "sex without intercourse"
• UK legal guidance for prosecutors concerning sexual acts
• Resources for parents to talk about sexual intercourse to their children
• Planned Parenthood information on sexual intercourse
• Medical Resources related to sexual intercourse
• W. W. Schultz, P. van Andel, I. Sabelis, E. Mooyaart. Magnetic resonance imaging of male and female genitals during coitus and female sexual arousal. BMJ 1999;319:1596-1600 (18 December).
• Sexual Intercourse During Menstruation
• Podcast series explores the question "What is Sex?"
• Introduction to Animal Reproduction
• Advantages of Sexual Reproduction

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