Editing Human sexual activity

{{short description|Manner in which humans engage sexually}}
{{hatnote group|{{about|sexual practices and related social aspects|broader aspects of sexual behaviour|Human sexuality}}
{{redirect-multi|2|Sexual behaviour|Human sex|sexual behaviour of other animals|Animal sexual behaviour|biological distinctions|Sex differences in humans}}
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[[File:KamaSutra24.jpg|thumb|''[[Kama Sutra]]'' illustration depicting human sexual activity in which a woman is on top of a man]]
{{Close relationships}}
'''Human sexual activity''', '''human sexual practice''' or '''human sexual behaviour''' is the manner in which [[human]]s experience and express [[Human sexuality|their sexuality]]. People engage in a variety of sexual acts, ranging from activities done alone (e.g., [[masturbation]]) to acts with another person (e.g., [[sexual intercourse]], [[non-penetrative sex]], [[oral sex]], etc.)<ref name="ITP">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WX0zEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA454|title=Introduction to Psychiatry: Preclinical Foundations and Clinical Essentials|isbn=978-0521279840|publisher=Cambridge University Press|last1=Walker|first1=Audrey|last2=Schlozman|first2=Steven|last3=Alpert|first3=Jonathan|date=2021|page=454}}</ref> or persons (e.g., [[orgy]]) in varying patterns of frequency, for a wide variety of reasons. Sexual activity usually results in [[sexual arousal]] and physiological changes in the aroused person, some of which are pronounced while others are more subtle. Sexual activity may also include conduct and activities which are intended to arouse the sexual interest of another or enhance the [[sex life]] of another, such as strategies to find or attract partners ([[courtship]] and [[Display (zoology)|display]] behaviour), or personal interactions between individuals (for instance, [[foreplay]] or [[BDSM]]). Sexual activity may follow sexual arousal.

Human sexual activity has sociological, cognitive, [[Emotional intimacy|emotional]], [[Physical intimacy|behavioural]] and biological aspects. It involves [[Human bonding|personal bonding]], sharing emotions, the [[physiology]] of the [[Human reproductive system|reproductive system]], [[sex drive]], sexual intercourse, and sexual behaviour in all its forms.

In some cultures, sexual activity is considered acceptable only within [[marriage]], while [[Premarital sex|premarital]] and [[extramarital sex]] are [[taboo]]. Some [[Sex and the law|sexual activities are illegal]] either universally or in some countries or subnational jurisdictions, while some are considered contrary to the [[Norm (social)|norm]]s of certain societies or cultures. Two examples that are criminal offences in most<!--virtually all?--> [[jurisdiction]]s are [[sexual assault]] and sexual activity with a person below the local [[age of consent]].

==Types==
Sexual activity can be classified in a number of ways. The practices may be preceded by or consist solely of [[foreplay]].<ref name="EDHS">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA545|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality|isbn=978-1284081541|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Publishers|last1=Greenberg|first1=Jerrold S.|last2=Bruess|first2=Clint E. Bruess|date=2016|page=545}}</ref> Acts involving one person ([[autoeroticism]]) may include [[sexual fantasy]] or [[masturbation]].<ref name="EDHS"/> If two people are involved, they may engage in vaginal sex, [[anal sex]], [[oral sex]] or [[Non-penetrative sex#Manual sex|manual sex]].<ref name="EDHS"/> [[Sexual penetration|Penetrative sex]] between two people may be described as [[sexual intercourse]], but definitions vary. If there are more than two participants in a sex act, it may be referred to as [[group sex]]. Autoerotic sexual activity can involve use of [[dildo]]s, [[Vibrator (sex toy)|vibrator]]s, [[butt plug]]s, and other [[sex toy]]s, though these devices can also be used with a partner.

Sexual activity can be classified into the [[gender]] and [[sexual orientation]] of the participants, as well as by the relationship of the participants. The relationships can be ones of marriage, [[intimate partner]]s, casual [[sex partners]] or [[anonymous sex|anonymous]]. Sexual activity can be regarded as [[conventional sex|conventional]] or as [[Kink (sexual)|alternative]], involving, for example, [[Sexual fetishism|fetishism]] or [[BDSM]] activities.<ref name="TAB">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7S7QUkNHb30C&pg=PT211|title=Therapy and Beyond: Counselling Psychology Contributions to Therapeutic and Social Issues|isbn=978-0470797587|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|last=Milton|first=Martin|date=2010|page=211}}</ref><ref name="SPSW">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n3TDDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT108|title=Sex-Positive Social Work|isbn=978-0231547666|publisher=Columbia University Press|last=Dodd |first=SJ|date=2020|page=108}}</ref>

Fetishism can take many forms, including the desire for certain body parts ([[partialism]]) such as [[Breast fetishism|breasts]], [[Navel fetishism|navels]], or [[Foot fetishism|feet]].<ref name="EFMT">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IGzWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA272|title=Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Edition|isbn=978-8131254585|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|last=Chand|first=Suresh|date=2019|page=272}}</ref> The object of desire can be [[Shoe fetishism|shoes]], [[Boot fetishism|boots]], [[lingerie]], [[Clothing fetish|clothing]], [[Leather subculture|leather]] or rubber items. Some non-conventional autoerotic practices can be dangerous. These include [[erotic asphyxiation|autoerotic asphyxiation]] and [[self-bondage]].<ref name="CCIBK">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wAN-DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA447|title=The Certified Criminal Investigator Body of Knowledge|isbn=978-1498752060|publisher=CRC Press|date=2017|page=447}}</ref> The potential for injury or even death that exists while engaging in the partnered versions of these fetishes (choking and [[Bondage (sexual)|bondage]], respectively) becomes drastically increased in the autoerotic case due to the isolation and lack of assistance in the event of a problem.<ref name="CCIBK"/>

Sexual activity that is consensual is sexual activity in which both or all participants agree to take part and are of the age that they can consent.<ref name="MSS">{{Cite book |last1=Cowling |first1=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=72NBDgAAQBAJ |title=Making Sense of Sexual Consent |last2=Reynolds |first2=Paul |date=2017 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1351920711 |pages=1–304}}</ref> If sexual activity takes place under force or duress, it is considered [[rape]] or another form of [[sexual assault]]. In different cultures and countries, various sexual activities may be lawful or illegal in regards to the age, gender, [[Adultery laws|marital status]] or other factors of the participants, or otherwise contrary to [[social norms]] or generally accepted [[sexual morals]].<ref name="MSS"/>

==Mating strategies==
{{main|Human mating strategies}}
{{see also|Animal sexual behaviour}}
In [[evolutionary psychology]] and [[behavioral ecology]], human mating strategies are a set of behaviors used by individuals to attract, select, and retain [[Mating|mates]]. Mating strategies overlap with [[Human reproduction|reproductive]] strategies, which encompass a broader set of behaviors involving the timing of reproduction and the trade-off between quantity and quality of offspring (see [[life history theory]]).

Relative to other animals, human mating strategies are unique in their relationship with cultural variables such as the institution of [[marriage]].<ref>Low, B. S. (2007). [https://books.google.com/books?id=8K7Hc09xcQAC&q=%22Ecological+and+socio-cultural+impacts+on+mating+and+marriage%22&pg=PA449 Ecological and socio-cultural impacts on mating and marriage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231113043/https://books.google.com/books?id=8K7Hc09xcQAC&pg=PA449#v=onepage&q=%22Ecological%20and%20socio-cultural%20impacts%20on%20mating%20and%20marriage%22 |date=31 December 2022 }}. Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, 449.</ref> Humans may seek out individuals with the intention of forming a long-term [[intimate relationship]], marriage, [[casual relationship]], or [[friendship]]. The human desire for [[companionship]] is one of the strongest human drives. It is an innate feature of human nature, and may be related to the [[sex drive]]. The human mating process encompasses the social and cultural processes whereby one person may meet another to assess suitability, the [[courtship]] process and the process of forming an [[interpersonal relationship]]. Commonalities, however, can be found between humans and nonhuman animals in mating behavior.

==Stages of physiological arousal during sexual stimulation==
{{main|Human sexual response cycle}}
The physiological responses during [[sexual stimulation]] are fairly similar for both men and women and there are four phases.<ref name="Schacter">{{cite book |author1=Daniel L. Schacter |author2=Daniel T. Gilbert |author3=Daniel M. Wegner| title =Psychology| publisher =[[Macmillan Publishers|Macmillan]]|year = 2010|pages=335–336|access-date = 10 November 2012| isbn = 978-1429237192|url =https://books.google.com/books?id=emAyzTNy1cUC&q=Men%20and%20women%20may%20have%20different%20levels%20of%20sexual%20drive%2C%20but%20their%20physiological%20responses%20during%20sex%20are%20fairly%20similar.&pg=PA335}}</ref>
* During the excitement phase, muscle tension and blood flow increase in and around the sexual organs, heart and respiration increase and blood pressure rises. Men and women experience a "[[sex flush]]" on the skin of the upper body and face.  For women, the [[vagina]] becomes [[vaginal lubrication|lubricated]] and the [[clitoris]] engorges.<ref name="Schacter"/> For men, the [[human penis|penis]] becomes [[erection|erect]].
* During the plateau phase, heart rate and muscle tension increase further. A man's urinary bladder closes to prevent urine from mixing with [[semen]]. A woman's clitoris may withdraw slightly and there is more lubrication, outer swelling and muscles tighten and reduction of diameter.<ref name="Schacter"/>
* During the [[orgasm]] phase, breathing becomes extremely rapid and the pelvic muscles begin a series of rhythmic contractions. Both men and women experience quick cycles of muscle contraction of lower pelvic muscles and women often experience uterine and vaginal contractions; this experience can be described as intensely pleasurable, but roughly 15% of women never experience orgasm, and half report having [[Fake orgasm|faked it]].<ref name="Schacter"/> A large genetic component is associated with how often women experience orgasm.<ref name="Schacter"/>
* During the resolution phase, muscles relax, blood pressure drops, and the body returns to its resting state. Though generally reported that women do not experience a [[Refractory period (sex)|refractory period]] and thus can experience an additional orgasm, or multiple orgasms soon after the first,<ref name="Rosenthal">{{cite book |first=Martha |last= Rosenthal| title = Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society | publisher =[[Cengage Learning]]|year = 2012|pages=134–135|access-date = 17 September 2012| isbn = 9780618755714 |url =https://books.google.com/books?id=d58z5hgQ2gsC&pg=PT154 }}</ref><ref name=SOC>{{cite web| title = The Sexual Response Cycle| publisher = [[University of California, Santa Barbara]] | url = http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/the-sexual-response-cycle|access-date =6 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725051823/http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/the-sexual-response-cycle|archive-date=25 July 2011}}</ref> some sources state that both men and women experience a refractory period because women may also experience a period after orgasm in which further sexual stimulation does not produce excitement.<ref name="Schacter"/><ref name="Weiner & Craighead">{{cite book |author1=Irving B. Weiner |author2=W. Edward Craighead | title = The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology, Volume 2 | publisher =[[John Wiley & Sons]]|year = 2010|page=761|access-date = 10 November 2012| isbn = 978-0470170267|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=pa5vKqntwikC&pg=PA761}}</ref> This period may last from minutes to days and is typically longer for men than women.<ref name="Schacter"/>

[[Sexual dysfunction]] is the inability to react emotionally or physically to sexual stimulation in a way projected of the average healthy person; it can affect different stages in the sexual response cycles, which are desire, excitement and orgasm.<ref>Kontula, O & Mannila, E (2009). Sexual Activity and Sexual Desire. Routledge, 46(1). retrieved 20 August 2012, from [http://bf4dv7zn3u.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=The+Impact+of+Aging+on+Human+Sexual+Activity+and+Sexual+Desire&rft.jtitle=Journal+of+Sex+Research&rft.au=Haavio-Mannila%2C+Elina&rft.au=Kontula%2C+Osmo&rft.date=2009-02-03&rft.pub=Taylor+%26+Francis+Group%2C+LLC&rft.issn=0022-4499&rft.volume=46&rft.issue=1&rft.spage=46&rft.epage=56&rft_id=info:doi/10.1080%2F00224490802624414&rft.externalDBID=PJSX&rft.externalDocID=196534090 here.]</ref> In the media, sexual dysfunction is often associated with men, but in actuality, it is more commonly observed in females (43 percent) than males (31 percent).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jha |first1=S. |last2=Thakar |first2=R. | year = 2010 | title = Female sexual dysfunction | journal = European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology | volume = 153 | issue = 2| pages = 117–123 | doi = 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.06.010 | pmid = 20678854 |issn = 0301-2115 }}</ref>

==Psychological aspects==
{{See also|Sexology}}
Sexual activity can lower blood pressure and overall stress levels.<ref name="SSM">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=20dODwAAQBAJ&pg=PA164|title=The Science of Stress Management: A Guide to Best Practices for Better Well-Being|isbn=978-1538101216|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|last=Dasgupta|first=Amitava|date=2018|page=164}}</ref> It serves to release tension, elevate mood, and possibly create a profound sense of relaxation, especially in the postcoital period. From a biochemical perspective, sex causes the release of [[oxytocin]] and endorphins and boosts the immune system.<ref name="SSM"/>

===Motivations===
{{anchor|Reasons_for_sexual_activity}}
{{Redirect|Pity sex|the American rock band|Pity Sex}}
People engage in sexual activity for any of a multitude of possible reasons. Although the primary evolutionary purpose of sexual activity is reproduction, research on college students suggested that people have sex for four general reasons: ''physical attraction'', as a ''means to an end'', to increase ''emotional connection'', and to ''alleviate insecurity''.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Meston|first1=Cindy M.|last2=Buss|first2=David M.|date=2007-07-24|title=Why Humans Have Sex|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10508-007-9175-2|journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior|language=en|volume=36|issue=4|pages=477–507|doi=10.1007/s10508-007-9175-2|pmid=17610060|s2cid=6182053|issn=0004-0002|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Meston|first1=Cindy M.|last2=Kilimnik|first2=Chelsea D.|last3=Freihart|first3=Bridget K.|last4=Buss|first4=David M.|date=2020-02-17|title=Why Humans Have Sex: Development and Psychometric Assessment of a Short-Form Version of the YSEX? Instrument|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2019.1654581|journal=Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy|volume=46|issue=2|pages=141–159|doi=10.1080/0092623X.2019.1654581|issn=0092-623X|pmid=31482764|s2cid=201831919|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Most people engage in sexual activity because of pleasure they derive from the [[sexual arousal|arousal of their sexuality]], especially if they can achieve [[orgasm]]. Sexual arousal can also be experienced from [[foreplay]] and flirting, and from [[Sexual fetishism|fetish]] or BDSM activities,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_1_18/ai_80957472 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526192917/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_1_18/ai_80957472 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2012-05-26 | title=Improve your orgasm: you may have thought your sexual pleasure was the one thing that couldn't get any better. Think again&nbsp;— Sexual Fitness&nbsp;— physiology | year=2002 | work=Men's Fitness}}</ref> or other [[Eroticism|erotic activities]]. Most commonly, people engage in sexual activity because of the [[sexual desire]] generated by a person to whom they feel [[sexual attraction]]; but they may engage in sexual activity for the physical satisfaction they achieve in the absence of attraction for another, as in the case of [[Casual sex|casual or social sex]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/casual%20sex|title=Casual sex - Define Casual sex at Dictionary.com|work=Dictionary.com|access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref> At times, a person may engage in a sexual activity solely for the sexual pleasure of their partner, such as because of an obligation they may have to the partner or because of love, sympathy or [[pity]] they may feel for the partner.

A person may engage in sexual activity for purely monetary considerations, or to obtain some advantage from either the partner or the activity. A man and woman may engage in sexual intercourse with the objective of [[Human fertilization|conception]]. Some people engage in hate sex which occurs between two people who strongly dislike or annoy each other. It is related to the idea that opposition between two people can heighten [[sexual tension]], attraction and interest.<ref name=Holbrook1972 >{{Cite book | last=Holbrook | first=David | year=1972 | title=The masks of hate: the problem of false solutions in the culture of an acquisitive society | publisher=Pergamon Press | page=118 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rWYIAQAAIAAJ | isbn=978-0-08-015799-3}}</ref>

==== Self-determination theory ====
Research has found that people also engage in sexual activity for reasons associated with [[self-determination theory]]. The self-determination theory can be applied to a sexual relationship when the participants have positive feelings associated with the relationship, not from the social pressures of their partner, but ''intrinsically motivated'' to engage in intercourse on their own accord. These participants do not feel guilty or coerced into the partnership.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Knee C.R. |author2=Lonsbary C. |author3=Canevello A. |author4=Patrick H. | year = 2005 | title = Self-determination and conflict in romantic relationships | journal = J Pers Soc Psychol | volume = 89 | issue = 6| pages = 997–1009 | doi = 10.1037/0022-3514.89.6.997 |pmid=16393030 |s2cid=15591625 }}</ref> Researchers have proposed the model of self-determined sexual motivation. The purpose of this model is to connect self-determination and sexual motivation.<ref name="Brunell, A.B. 2013">{{cite journal |author1=Brunell A.B. |author2=Webster G.D. | year = 2013 | title = Self-Determination and Sexual Experience in Dating Relationships | journal = Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin | volume = 39 | issue = 7| pages = 970–987 | doi = 10.1177/0146167213485442 |pmid=23613122 |s2cid=25173666 }}</ref> This model has helped to explain how people are sexually motivated when involved in self-determined dating relationships. This model also links the positive outcomes, (satisfying the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness) gained from sexual motivations.<ref name="Brunell, A.B. 2013" />

According to the completed research associated with this model, it was found that people of both sexes who engaged in sexual activity for self-determined motivation had more positive psychological well-being.<ref name="Brunell, A.B. 2013" /> While engaging in sexual activity for self-determined reasons, the participants also had a higher need for fulfillment. When this need was satisfied, they felt better about themselves. This was correlated with greater closeness to their partner and higher overall satisfaction in their relationship.<ref name="Brunell, A.B. 2013" /> Though both sexes engaged in sexual activity for self-determined reasons, there were some differences found between males and females. It was concluded that females had more motivation than males to engage in sexual activity for self-determined reasons.<ref name="Brunell, A.B. 2013" /> Females also had higher satisfaction and relationship quality than males did from the sexual activity.<ref name="Brunell, A.B. 2013" /> Overall, research concluded that psychological well-being, sexual motivation, and sexual satisfaction were all positively correlated when dating couples partook in sexual activity for self-determined reasons.<ref name="Brunell, A.B. 2013" />

==== Human connection ====
According to Havelock Ellis, a fulfilling marriage is one that possesses both the "art of love" and "science of procreation".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ellis |first=Havelock |title=Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume VI, Sex in Relation to Society |publisher=Philadelphia : F.A. Davis Co. |year=1921 |pages=508 |language=English}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=Without the factor of mutual love the proper conditions for procreation cannot exist; without the factor of procreation the sexual union, however beautiful and sacred a relationship it may in itself be, remains, in essence, a private relationship, incomplete as a marriage and without public significance.|author=Havelock Ellis (1921)|title=Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume VI, Sex in Relation to Society, p. 508}}
Ellis states that a genuine and mutual connection to the other is needed for proper sexual intercourse. However, if the marriage lacks procreation, the relationship may lack understanding between partners and become superficial. Love is believed to have a nurturing aspect and is not wholly determined by instinct. "They believe, no art of love to be either learnt or taught; it comes by nature. Nothing could be further from the truth, most of all as regards civilized man.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ellis |first=Havelock |title=Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume VI, Sex in Relation to Society |publisher=Philadelphia : F.A. Davis Co. |year=1921 |pages=510 |language=English}}</ref>" The role of love has a direct impact on proper sexual intercourse, which shares many similarities to the principles of marriage and thus a fulfilling happiness beyond the act of procreation.
{{Blockquote|text=The art of love certainly includes such primary facts of sexual hygiene, but it involves also the whole erotic discipline of marriage, and that is why its significance is so great, for the welfare and happiness of the individual, for the stability of sexual unions, and indirectly for the race, since the art of love is ultimately the art of attaining the right conditions for procreation.|author=Havelock Ellis (1921)|title=Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume VI, Sex in Relation to Society, p. 511}}

==Frequency==
{{See also|Sexually active life expectancy}}
The frequency of sexual activity might range from zero to 15 or 20 times a week.<ref name="EDHS2">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iarCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA489|title=Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality|isbn=978-1284081541|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Publishers|last1=Greenberg|first1=Clint E. Bruess|last2=Oswalt|first2=Sara B.|date=2016|page=489}}</ref> Frequency of intercourse tends to decline with age.<ref name="CPES">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7Jx3BQAAQBAJ&pg=PT34|title=Clinical Perspectives on Elderly Sexuality|isbn=978-1475747799|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|last=Hillman|first=Jennifer L.|date=2013|page=34}}</ref> Some post-[[menopausal]] women experience decline in frequency of sexual intercourse, while others do not.<ref name="HSFDPR">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fx39DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA76|title=Human Sexuality: Function, Dysfunction, Paraphilias, and Relationships|isbn=978-0128191750|publisher=Academic Press|last1=Rokach|first1=Ami|last2=Patel|first2=Karishma|date=2021|page=76}}</ref> According to the [[Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction|Kinsey Institute]], the average frequency of sexual intercourse in the US for individuals with partners is 112 times per year (age 18–29), 86 times per year (age 30–39), and 69 times per year (age 40–49).<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/resources/FAQ.html#frequency | title = Frequently asked questions to the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction Kinsey Institute|access-date = 6 January 2009}}</ref> The rate of sexual activity has been declining in the 21st century, a phenomenon that has been described as a [[sex recession]].

===Adolescents===
{{Further|Adolescent sexuality}}
The age at which adolescents become sexually active varies considerably between different cultures and times. (See [[Virginity#Prevalence of virginity|Prevalence of virginity]].) The first sexual act of a child or adolescent is sometimes referred to as the [[sexualization]] of the child, and may be considered a milestone or a change of status, as the loss of [[virginity]] or innocence. Youth are legally free to have intercourse after they reach the [[age of consent]].

A 1999 survey of students indicated that approximately 40% of ninth graders across the United States report having had sexual intercourse. This figure rises with each grade. Males are more sexually active than females at each of the grade levels surveyed. Sexual activity of young adolescents differs in ethnicity as well. A higher percentage of African American and Hispanic adolescents are more sexually active than white adolescents.<ref>Meece, Judith L. Child and Adolescent Development for Educators. New York: McGraw Hill, 2008. Print.</ref>

Research on sexual frequency has also been conducted solely on female adolescents who engage in sexual activity. Female adolescents tended to engage in more sexual activity due to positive mood. In female teenagers, engaging in sexual activity was directly positively correlated with being older, greater sexual activity in the previous week or prior day, and more positive mood the previous day or the same day as the sexual activity occurred.<ref name="Fortenberry D.J., Temkit M., Tu W., Graham C.A., Katz B. 2005 252–257">{{cite journal |author1=Fortenberry D.J. |author2=Temkit M. |author3=Tu W. |author4=Graham C.A. |author5=Katz B. | year = 2005 | title = Daily Mood, Partner Support, Sexual Interest, and Sexual Activity Among Adolescent Women | url = http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/4803| journal = Health Psychology | volume = 24 | issue = 3| pages = 252–257 | doi = 10.1037/0278-6133.24.3.252 |pmid=15898860 |type=Submitted manuscript | url-access = subscription }}</ref> Decreased sexual activity was associated with prior or same-day negative mood or menstruation.<ref name="Fortenberry D.J., Temkit M., Tu W., Graham C.A., Katz B. 2005 252–257"/>

Although opinions differ, researchers suggest that sexual activity is an essential part of humans, and that teenagers need to experience sex. According to a study, sexual experiences help teenagers understand pleasure and satisfaction.<ref name="Vrangalova, Z. 2011">{{Cite journal|last1=Vrangalova|first1=Zhana|last2=Savin-Williams|first2=Ritch C.|date=1 August 2011|title=Adolescent sexuality and positive well-being: a group-norms approach|journal=Journal of Youth and Adolescence|volume=40|issue=8|pages=931–944|doi=10.1007/s10964-011-9629-7|issn=1573-6601|pmid=21274608|s2cid=5602332}}</ref> In relation to hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, it stated that teenagers can positively benefit from sexual activity. The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 and 2009 at a rural upstate New York community. Teenagers who had their first sexual experience at age 16 revealed a higher well-being than those who were sexually inexperienced or who became sexually active at age 17.<ref name="Vrangalova, Z. 2011"/> Furthermore, teenagers who had their first sexual experience at age 15 or younger, or who had many sexual partners were not negatively affected and did not have associated lower well-being.<ref name="Vrangalova, Z. 2011"/>

==Health and safety==
Sexual activity is an innately physiological function,<ref>Xiaojun Chen, Xuerui Tan, Qingying Zhang, [http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.598.3719 " Cardiovascular effects of sexual activity"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629011727/http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.598.3719 |date=29 June 2021 }}, ''Medknow Publications'', December 2009</ref> but like other physical activity, it comes with risks. There are four main types of risks that may arise from sexual activity: [[Unintended pregnancy|unwanted pregnancy]], contracting a [[Sexually transmitted disease|sexually transmitted infection]] (STI), physical injury, and psychological injury.

===Unwanted pregnancy===
{{main|Unintended pregnancy}}
Any sexual activity that involves the introduction of semen into a woman's vagina, such as during sexual intercourse, or contact of semen with her vulva, may result in a pregnancy. To reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies, some people who engage in penile–vaginal sex may use [[birth control|contraception]], such as [[birth control pill]]s, a [[condom]], [[Diaphragm (contraceptive)|diaphragm]]s, [[spermicide]]s, [[hormonal contraception]] or sterilization.<ref name="NOBG">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9GclDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA31|title=Netter's Obstetrics and Gynecology E-Book|isbn=978-0323523509|first=Smith|last=Roger P.|date=2017|pages=31–32|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences }}</ref> The effectiveness of the various contraceptive methods in avoiding pregnancy varies considerably, and depends on the method rather than the user.<ref name="WHCIAPN">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8S4oDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA390|title=Women's Health Care in Advanced Practice Nursing, Second Edition|isbn=978-0826190048|publisher=Springer Publishing Company|last1=Alexander|first1=Ivy M.|last2=Johnson-Mallard|first2=Versie|last3=Kostas-Polston|first3=Elizabeth A.|last4=Fogel|first4=Catherine Ingram|last5=Woods|first5=Nancy Fugate|date=2017|page=390}}</ref>

===Sexually transmitted infections===
{{Main|Sexually transmitted infection}}
[[File:Préservatif enroulé.jpg|thumb|right|A rolled-up male [[condom]]]]
Sexual activity that involves skin-to-skin contact, exposure to an infected person's [[bodily fluid]]s or [[mucous membrane]]s<ref>
{{cite web | title = Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) | publisher = World Health Organization | url =https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs110/en/
| access-date = 7 April 2015}}</ref> carries the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. People may not be able to detect that their [[sexual partner]] has one or more STIs, for example if they are asymptomatic (show no symptoms).<ref name="King, B. 2009">King, B. (2009). Human Sexuality Today (Sixth ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.</ref><ref name=Sternak>{{cite journal|last1=Ljubin-Sternak|first1=Suncanica|last2=Mestrovic|first2=Tomislav|title=Review: ''Chlamydia trachonmatis'' and Genital Mycoplasmias: Pathogens with an Impact on Human Reproductive Health|journal=Journal of Pathogens|pages= 183167|date=2014|volume=2014|issue=183167|doi=10.1155/2014/183167|pmid=25614838|pmc=4295611|doi-access=free}}</ref> The risk of STIs can be reduced by [[safe sex]] practices, such as using condoms. Both partners may opt to be tested for STIs before engaging in sex.<ref name="SexInfo STI overview">{{cite web|title=An Overview of STIs|publisher=[[University of California Santa Barbara]] |website= SexInfo Online |access-date=1 October 2013|url=http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/overview-stis |date=21 February 2017 |archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604040017/http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/overview-stis|url-status=dead}}</ref> The exchange of body fluids is not necessary to contract an infestation of crab lice. Crab lice typically are found attached to hair in the pubic area but sometimes are found on coarse hair elsewhere on the body (for example, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, chest, armpits, etc.). Pubic lice infestations (pthiriasis) are spread through direct contact with someone who is infested with the louse.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Williams gynecology|date=2012|publisher=McGraw-Hill Medical|last1=Hoffman |first1=Barbara L. |last2=Williams |first2=John Whitridge |isbn=9780071716727|edition=2nd|location=New York|oclc=779244257}}</ref><ref>{{citation-attribution|1={{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/index.html|title= Lice |website=CDC |language=en-us|access-date=2017-12-04|date=2017-05-02}}}}</ref><ref>{{citation-attribution|1={{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/pubic/index.html|title=Lice: Pubic |website=CDC |language=en-us|access-date=2017-12-04|date=2017-05-02}}}}</ref>

Some STIs like [[HIV/AIDS]] can also be contracted by using [[Drug injection|IV drug]] [[Hypodermic needle|needle]]s after their use by an infected person, as well as through childbirth or [[breastfeeding]].<ref name="ECHL">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eT58DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA492|title=Essential Concepts for Healthy Living|isbn=978-1284152791|first1=Jeff|last1=Housman|first2=Mary|last2=Odum|date=2017|page=492|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning }}</ref>

===Aging===
{{See also|Sexuality in older age}}
Factors such as biological and psychological factors, diseases, mental conditions, boredom with the relationship, and widowhood have been found to contribute to a decrease in sexual interest and activity in old age, but older age does not eliminate the ability to enjoy sexual activity.<ref name="IHONTDOS">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JyNkIVdnuBYC&pg=PA196|title=International Handbook on the Demography of Sexuality|isbn=978-9400755123|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|last=Baumle|first=Amanda K.|date=2013|page=196}}</ref>

==Orientations and society==
{{main|Sexual orientation}}

===Heterosexuality===
{{Main|Heterosexuality}}
[[File:Slapende vrouw-Rijksmuseum RP-P-1997-21.jpeg|thumb|A Japanese ''[[shunga]]'' depicting a male and a female in sexual activity]]
Heterosexuality is the romantic or sexual attraction to the opposite sex. Heterosexual practices are institutionally privileged in most countries.<ref name="TRRCGS">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_e0yDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA64|title=The Routledge Research Companion to Geographies of Sex and Sexualities |isbn=978-1317043331|first1=Gavin|last1=Brown|first2=Kath|last2=Browne|date=2016|page=64|publisher=Routledge }}</ref> In some countries, mostly those where religion has a strong influence on [[social policy]], marriage laws serve the purpose of encouraging people to have sex only within marriage. [[Sodomy laws]] have been used to discourage same-sex sexual practices, but they may also affect opposite-sex sexual practices. Laws also ban adults from committing [[sexual abuse]], committing sexual acts with anyone under an [[age of consent]], performing sexual activities in public, and engaging in sexual activities for money (prostitution). Though these laws cover both same-sex and opposite-sex sexual activities, they may differ in regard to punishment, and may be more frequently (or exclusively) enforced on those who engage in same-sex sexual activities.<ref>[http://criminal.findlaw.com/crimes/more-criminal-topics/sex-offenders/sex-offenses-overview.html Sex Offenders and Sex Offenses: Overview. From FindLaw.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119155906/http://criminal.findlaw.com/crimes/more-criminal-topics/sex-offenders/sex-offenses-overview.html |date=19 January 2011 }} Retrieved 13 October 2009.</ref>

Different-sex sexual practices may be [[monogamy|monogamous]], serially monogamous, or [[Polyamory|polyamorous]], and, depending on the definition of sexual practice, [[abstinence|abstinent]] or [[Autosexuality|autoerotic]] (including [[masturbation]]). Additionally, different religious and political movements have tried to influence or control changes in sexual practices including courting and marriage, though in most countries changes occur at a slow rate.

===Homosexuality===
{{Main|Homosexuality}}
{{See also|Sexual practices between men|Sexual practices between women}}
[[File:Édouard-Henri Avril anal sex detail.jpg|thumb|200x200px|A 19th century illustration by [[Édouard-Henri Avril]] depicting two men engaged in sexual activity]]
Homosexuality is the romantic or sexual attraction to the same sex. People with a homosexual orientation can express their sexuality in a variety of ways, and may or may not express it in their behaviors.<ref name=APAHelp>{{cite web|url=http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=31 |title=Psychology Help Center |publisher=Apahelpcenter.org |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928051520/http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=31 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Research indicates that many gay men and lesbians want, and succeed in having, committed and durable relationships. For example, survey data indicate that between 40% and 60% of gay men and between 45% and 80% of lesbians are currently involved in a romantic relationship.<ref name=WhatIsNature>[http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.aspx#accordion1_content_11 What is the nature of same-sex relationships?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120024548/https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.aspx#accordion1_content_11 |date=20 January 2019 }} American Psychological Association, Retrieved 25 December 2014</ref>

It is possible for a person whose sexual identity is mainly heterosexual to engage in sexual acts with people of the same sex. Gay and lesbian people who pretend to be heterosexual are often referred to as being [[closeted]] (hiding their sexuality in "the closet"). "Closet case" is a derogatory term used to refer to people who hide their sexuality. Making that orientation public can be called "[[coming out of the closet]]" in the case of voluntary disclosure or "[[outing]]" in the case of disclosure by others against the subject's wishes (or without their knowledge). Among some communities (called "men on the DL" or "[[Down-low (sexual slang)|down-low]]"), same-sex sexual behavior is sometimes viewed as solely for physical pleasure. [[Men who have sex with men]], as well as [[women who have sex with women]], or men on the "down-low" may engage in sex acts with members of the same sex while continuing sexual and romantic relationships with the opposite sex.

[[File:1925 Wegener Les Delassements dEros 09 anagoria.JPG|thumb|200px|left|A 1925 [[Gerda Wegener]] painting, ''Les delassements d'Eros'', depicting two women engaged in sexual activity]]
People who engage exclusively in same-sex sexual practices may not identify themselves as gay or lesbian. In sex-segregated environments, individuals may seek relationships with others of their own gender (known as [[situational homosexuality]]). In other cases, some people may experiment or explore their sexuality with same (or different) sex sexual activity before defining their [[sexual identity]]. Despite stereotypes and common misconceptions, there are no forms of sexual acts exclusive to same-sex sexual behavior that cannot also be found in opposite-sex sexual behavior, except those involving the meeting of the genitalia between same-sex partners&nbsp;– [[tribadism]] (generally [[vulva]]-to-vulva rubbing) and [[frot]] (generally [[Human penis|penis]]-to-penis rubbing).

===Bisexuality and pansexuality===
{{Main|Bisexuality|Pansexuality}}
People who have a romantic or sexual attraction to both sexes are referred to as bisexual.<ref name="apahelp">{{Cite news |url=http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx |title=Sexual Orientation, Homosexuality, and Bisexuality |website=APAHelpCenter.org |access-date=18 September 2012 }}</ref><ref name="glaad">{{cite web|title=GLAAD Media Reference Guide|access-date=18 September 2012 |publisher=[[Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation]]|url=http://www.glaad.org/document.doc?id=99|archive-date=1 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101043203/http://www.glaad.org/document.doc?id=99}}</ref> People who have a distinct but not exclusive preference for one sex/gender over the other may also identify themselves as bisexual.<ref name="Rosario">{{cite journal |author1=Rosario M. |author2=Schrimshaw E. |author3=Hunter J. |author4=Braun L. | year = 2006 | title = Sexual identity development among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths: Consistency and change over time | journal = Journal of Sex Research | volume = 43 | issue = 1| pages = 46–58 | doi=10.1080/00224490609552298|pmid=16817067 |pmc=3215279 }}</ref> Like gay and lesbian individuals, bisexual people who pretend to be heterosexual are often referred to as being [[closeted]].

Pansexuality (also referred to as omnisexuality)<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/omnisexual The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308133145/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/omnisexual |date=8 March 2016 }} – Fourth Edition. Retrieved 9 February 2007, from Dictionary.com website</ref> may or may not be subsumed under bisexuality, with some sources stating that bisexuality encompasses sexual or romantic attraction to all [[gender identity|gender identities]].<ref name="bisexuality">{{cite web|access-date=14 March 2011|title=What is Bisexuality?|work=The Bisexual Index|url=http://www.bisexualindex.org.uk/index.php/Bisexuality#binary}}</ref><ref name="Soble">{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMTEiTtqqPcC|title=Sex from Plato to Paglia: a philosophical encyclopedia|volume=1|page=115|last=Soble|first=Alan|isbn=978-0-313-32686-8|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2006|chapter=Bisexuality|access-date=28 February 2011}}</ref> Pansexuality is characterized by the potential for [[aesthetic]] attraction, [[romantic love]], or sexual desire towards people without regard for their gender identity or [[Sex|biological sex]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/pansexuality|title=Pansexuality|work=UCSB SexInfo Online |publisher=University of California, Santa Barbara |date=15 December 2009 |access-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721201427/http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/pansexuality |archive-date=21 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some pansexuals suggest that they are [[gender-blind]]; that gender and sex are insignificant or irrelevant in determining whether they will be sexually attracted to others.<ref>Diamond, L., & Butterworth, M. (2008). Questioning gender and sexual identity: Dynamic links over time. ''Sex Roles''. Published online 29 March 2008.</ref> As defined in the ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]],'' pansexuality "encompasses all kinds of sexuality; not limited or inhibited in sexual choice with regards to gender or practice".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_gb0602230#m_en_gb0602230 |title=Definition of pansexual – Oxford Dictionaries (British & World English) |publisher=Oxford Dictionaries |date=9 August 2012 |access-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510005353/http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_gb0602230 |archive-date=10 May 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Avoidance of inbreeding===
Although the main adaptive function of human sexual activity is reproduction, human sexual activity also includes the adaptive constraint of avoiding close [[inbreeding]], since inbreeding can have deleterious effects on progeny.  Charles Darwin, who was married to his first cousin Emma Wedgwood, considered that the ill health that plagued his family was a consequence of inbreeding.<ref>Berra, T.M., Alvarez, G., Ceballos, F.C. (2010) Was the Darwin/Wedgwood Dynasty Adversely Affected by Consanguinity? Bioscience 60:376-383. ISSN 0006-3568.`electronic ISSN 1525-3244</ref> In general, inbreeding between individuals who are closely genetically related leads to the expression of deleterious recessive [[mutation]]s.  The avoidance of inbreeding as a constraint on human sexual activity is apparent in the near universal cultural [[sexual inhibition|inhibitions]] in human societies of sexual activity between closely related individuals.<ref>Degler, C.N. (1991). In Search of Human Nature. Chapter 10, New York: Oxford University Press</ref> Human [[outcrossing]] sexual activity provides the adaptive benefit of the masking of expression of deleterious recessive mutations.<ref>Bernstein H, Byerly HC, Hopf FA, Michod RE. Genetic damage, mutation, and the evolution of sex. Science. 1985 Sep 20;229(4719):1277-81. doi: 10.1126/science.3898363. PMID 3898363</ref>

==Other social aspects==
===General attitudes===

[[Alex Comfort]] and others propose three potential social aspects of sexual intercourse in humans, which are not mutually exclusive: reproductive, relational, and recreational.<ref>''[[The Joy of Sex]]'' A Gourmet Guide to Lovemaking (1972) by [[Alex Comfort]]. See also {{ISBN|1-4000-4614-9}}.</ref> The development of [[Combined oral contraceptive pill|the contraceptive pill]] and other highly effective forms of [[contraception]] in the mid- and late 20th century has increased people's ability to segregate these three functions, which still overlap a great deal and in complex patterns. For example: A fertile couple may have intercourse while using contraception to experience sexual pleasure (recreational) and 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).{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}

===Religious and ethical===
{{Main|Sexual morality|Religion and sexuality|Norm (sociology)}}
{{multiple image
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Human sexual activity is generally influenced by social rules that are culturally specific and vary widely.<ref name="EUAB">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ybIaCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT386|title=Essentials of Understanding Abnormal Behavior|isbn=978-1305854703|publisher=Cengage Learning|last1=Sue|first1=David|last2=Sue|first2=Derald Wing|last3=Sue|first3=Diane M|last4=Sue|first4=Stanley|date=2016|page=352}}</ref>

Sexual ethics, morals, and norms relate to issues including deception/honesty, legality, [[fidelity]] and consent. Some activities, known as [[Sex and the law|sex crimes]] in some locations, are illegal in some jurisdictions, including those conducted between (or among) consenting and competent adults (examples include [[sodomy law]] and adult–adult [[incest]]).

Some people who are in a relationship but want to hide polygamous activity (possibly of opposite sexual orientation) from their partner, may solicit consensual sexual activity with others through personal contacts, [[online chat room]]s, or, advertising in select media.

[[Swinging (sexual practice)|Swinging]] involves singles or partners in a [[committed relationship]] engaging in sexual activities with others as a [[recreational sex|recreational]] or social activity.<ref name="MATF">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xVKWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT287|title=Marriage and the Family: Mirror of a Diverse Global Society|isbn=978-1317279846|publisher=Routledge|last1=Xuemei Hu|first1=Julie|last2=Tarrezz Nash|first2=Shondrah|date=2019|page=287}}</ref> The increasing popularity of swinging is regarded by some as arising from the upsurge in sexual activity during the [[sexual revolution]] of the 1960s.

Some people engage in various sexual activities as a business transaction. When this involves having sex with, or performing certain actual sexual acts for another person in exchange for money or something of value, it is called prostitution. Other aspects of the [[Sex industry|adult industry]] include [[phone sex]] operators, [[strip club]]s, and pornography.

===Gender roles and the expression of sexuality===

{{Main|Sexual identity|Gender identity|Gender roles}}
Social [[gender roles]] can influence sexual behavior as well as the reaction of individuals and communities to certain incidents; the [[World Health Organization]] states that, "Sexual violence is also more likely to occur where beliefs in male sexual entitlement are strong, where gender roles are more rigid, and in countries experiencing high rates of other types of violence."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/world_report/en/summary_en.pdf |title=World report on violence and health – World Health Organization |date=27 August 2002 |author=T.G.V. |access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref> Some societies, such as those where the concepts of [[family honor]] and female [[chastity]] are very strong, may practice violent control of female sexuality, through practices such as [[honor killings]] and [[female genital mutilation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/|title=WHO – Female genital mutilation|access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/honourcrimes/|title=BBC – Ethics: Honour Crimes|access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref>

The relation between [[gender equality]] and sexual expression is recognized, and promotion of equity between men and women is crucial for attaining [[sexual health|sexual]] and [[reproductive health]], as stated by the UN [[International Conference on Population and Development]] Program of Action:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unfpa.org/swp/1997/box9.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000116105305/http://www.unfpa.org/SWP/1997/box9.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 January 2000 |title=Paragraph 7.34 of the ICPD Programme of Action |work=Sexuality and Gender Relations |access-date=25 December 2014 }}</ref>

:"Human sexuality and gender relations are closely interrelated and together affect the ability of men and women to achieve and maintain sexual health and manage their reproductive lives. Equal relationships between men and women in matters of sexual relations and reproduction, including full respect for the physical integrity of the human body, require mutual respect and willingness to accept responsibility for the consequences of sexual behaviour. Responsible sexual behaviour, sensitivity and equity in gender relations, particularly when instilled during the formative years, enhance and promote respectful and harmonious partnerships between men and women."

==BDSM ==
{{Main|BDSM}}
[[File:Le Rêve d'un flagellant by George Topfer.jpg|thumb|318x318px|A 1921 art depicting BDSM of [[Male dominance (BDSM)|male dominance]] and [[female submission]].]]
BDSM is a variety of [[Eroticism|erotic]] practices or [[Sexual roleplay|roleplaying]] involving [[bondage (BDSM)|bondage]], [[dominance and submission]], [[sadomasochism]], and other interpersonal dynamics.<ref name="MATF"/> Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves as practicing BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture usually being dependent on [[self-identification]] and shared experience.<ref name="ETFS">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nV_U7MOAqfUC&pg=PA138|title=Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues: A Social Work Perspective|isbn=978-1461439813|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|last=Loue|first=Sana|date=2012|pages=138–140}}</ref> BDSM communities generally welcome anyone with a non-normative streak who identifies with the community; this may include [[cross-dresser]]s, extreme [[body modification]] enthusiasts, [[animal roleplay|animal players]], latex or [[rubber fetishism|rubber aficionados]], and others.

B/D (bondage and discipline) is a part of BDSM. Bondage includes the restraint of the body or mind.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|title = Perks, problems, and the people who play: A qualitative exploration of dominant and submissive BDSM roles|journal = The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality|date = 1 January 2015|volume = 24|issue = 1|doi = 10.3138/cjhs.2467|first1 = Ali|last1 = Hébert|first2 = Angela|last2 = Weaver|pages=49–62|s2cid = 143570286}}</ref> D/s means "Dominant and submissive". A Dominant is one who takes control of a person who wishes to surrender control and a submissive is one who surrenders control to a person who wishes to take control.<ref name=":0" /> S/M (sadism and masochism) is the other part of BDSM. A sadist is an individual who takes pleasure in the pain or humiliation of others and a masochist is an individual who takes pleasure from their own pain or humiliation.<ref name=":0" />

Unlike the usual "power neutral" relationships and play styles commonly followed by couples, activities and relationships within a BDSM context are often characterized by the participants' taking on complementary, but unequal roles; thus, the idea of [[informed consent]] of both the partners becomes essential. Participants who exert dominance (sexual or otherwise) over their partners are known as Dominants or [[Top (BDSM)|Tops]], while participants who take the passive, receiving, or obedient role are known as submissives or [[bottom (BDSM)|bottoms]].

These terms are sometimes shortened so that a dominant person may be referred to as a "Dom" (a woman may choose to use the feminine "Domme") and a submissive may be referred to as a "sub". Individuals who can change between Top/Dominant and bottom/submissive roles – whether from relationship to relationship or within a given relationship – are known as ''switches''. The precise definition of roles and self-identification is a common subject of debate within the community.<ref name="Terms">{{cite web|last=Grau|first=Johnson|url=http://www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/ssbbfaqdefines.htm|title=What do B&D, S&M, D&S, "top", "bottom" mean|publisher=Leather Roses|date=1995|access-date=27 January 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080111223259/http://www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/ssbbfaqdefines.htm| archive-date= 11 January 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref>
In a 2013 study, researchers stated that BDSM is a sexual act where participants play role games, use restraint, use power exchange,
use suppression and pain is sometimes involved depending on individual(s).<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|title = Psychological Characteristics of BDSM Practitioners|journal = The Journal of Sexual Medicine|date = 1 January 2013|volume = 10|issue = 8|doi = 10.1111/jsm.12192|pmid = 23679066|first1 = Andreas A.J.|last1 = Wismeijer|first2 = Marcel A.L.M. van|last2 = Assen|pages=1943–1952|s2cid = 12148947}}</ref> The study serves to challenge the widespread notion that BDSM could be in some way linked to [[psychopathology]]. According to the findings, one who participates in BDSM may have greater strength socially and mentally as well as greater independence than those who do not practice BDSM.<ref name=":2" /> It suggests that people who participate in BDSM play have higher subjective well-being, and that this might be because BDSM play requires extensive communication. Before any act occurs, the partners must discuss their agreement of their relationship. They discuss how long the play will last, the intensity, their actions, what each participant needs or desires, and what, if any, sexual activities may be included. All acts must be consensual and pleasurable to both parties.<ref name=":2" />

In a 2015 study, interviewed BDSM participants have mentioned that the activities have helped to create higher levels of connection, intimacy, trust and communication between partners.<ref name=":0" /> The study suggests that Dominants and submissives exchange control for each other's pleasure and to satisfy a need. The participants have remarked that they enjoy pleasing their partner in any way they can and many surveyed have felt that this is one of the best things about BDSM. It gives a submissive pleasure to do things in general for their Dominant while a Dominant enjoys making their encounters all about their submissive and enjoy doing things that makes their submissive happy. The findings indicate that the surveyed submissives and Dominants found BDSM makes play more pleasurable and fun. The participants have also mentioned improvements in their personal growth, romantic relationships, sense of community and self, the dominant's confidence, and their coping with everyday things by giving them a psychological release.<ref name=":0" />

==Legal issues==
{{Main|Sex and the law}}
There are many laws and social customs which prohibit, or in some way affect sexual activities. These laws and customs vary from country to country, and have varied over time. They cover, for example, a prohibition to non-consensual sex, to sex outside marriage, to sexual activity in public, besides many others. Many of these restrictions are non-controversial, but some have been the subject of public debate.

Most societies consider it a serious crime to force someone to engage in sexual acts or to engage in sexual activity with someone who does not consent. This is called [[sexual assault]], and if sexual penetration occurs it is called rape, the most serious kind of sexual assault. The details of this distinction may vary among different legal jurisdictions. Also, what constitutes effective consent in sexual matters varies from culture to culture and is frequently debated. Laws regulating the minimum age at which a person can consent to have sex ([[age of consent]]) are frequently the subject of debate, as is [[adolescent sexual behavior]] in general. Some societies have forced marriage, where consent may not be required.

===Same-sex laws===
{{Main|LGBT rights by country or territory}}
Many locales have laws that limit or prohibit [[Same-sex relationship|same-sex sexual activity]].

===Sex outside marriage===
In the West, [[fornication|sex before marriage]] is not illegal. There are social taboos and many religions condemn pre-marital sex. In many Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eyeontheun.org/voices.asp?p=632 |title=Human Rights Voices – Searching for Freedom, Chained by the Law |publisher=Eyeontheun.org |date=21 August 2008 |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121175822/http://www.eyeontheun.org/voices.asp?p=632 |archive-date=21 January 2013 }}</ref> Afghanistan,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.e-ariana.com/ariana/eariana.nsf/allArticles/807B10B75C9F425487257A740056F9CD?OpenDocument |title=Afghanistan sees rise in 'dancing boys' exploitation |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=9 September 2012 |author=Ernesto Londoño |location=DEHRAZI, Afghanistan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510180701/http://www.e-ariana.com/ariana/eariana.nsf/allArticles/807B10B75C9F425487257A740056F9CD?OpenDocument |archive-date=10 May 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aidsportal.org/news_details.aspx?ID=4236 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20081026065259/http://www.aidsportal.org/news_details.aspx?ID=4236 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 October 2008 |title=Home |publisher=AIDSPortal |access-date=30 June 2013 }}</ref><ref name="travel.state.gov">{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1142.html |title=Iran |publisher=Travel.state.gov |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801084310/http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1142.html |archive-date=1 August 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Iran,<ref name="travel.state.gov"/> Kuwait,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/0/2f5665ae20b956cb8025675a0033cafb?Opendocument |title=United Nations Human Rights Website – Treaty Bodies Database – Document – Summary Record – Kuwait |publisher=Unhchr.ch |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> Maldives,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Maldives.html |title=Culture of Maldives – history, people, clothing, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social |publisher=Everyculture.com |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> Morocco,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fakim |first=Nora |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19049000 |title=BBC News – Morocco: Should pre-marital sex be legal? |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=9 August 2012 |access-date=30 June 2013|newspaper=BBC News }}</ref> Oman,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interpol.com/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaOman.pdf |title=Interpol |publisher=Interpol" |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160516065620/http://www.interpol.com/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaOman.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2016 }}</ref> Mauritania,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/af/154358.htm |title=2010 Human Rights Report: Mauritania |publisher=State.gov |date=8 April 2011 |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> United Arab Emirates,<ref>{{cite web|author=Dubai FAQs |url=http://www.dubaifaqs.com/education-dubai.php |title=Education in Dubai |publisher=Dubaifaqs.com |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Judd |first=Terri |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/briton-faces-jail-for-sex-on-dubai-beach-863918.html |title=Briton faces jail for sex on Dubai beach – Middle East – World |newspaper=The Independent |date=10 July 2008 |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> Sudan,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2007/06/28/idUSL28849488._CH_.2400 |title=Sudan must rewrite rape laws to protect victims |newspaper=Reuters |date=28 June 2007 |access-date=30 June 2013 |archive-date=15 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615115805/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/06/28/idUSL28849488._CH_.2400 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Yemen,<ref>{{cite web|author=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/47387b712f.html/ |title=Refworld &#124; Women's Rights in the Middle East and North Africa – Yemen |publisher=Unhcr.org |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> any form of sexual activity outside marriage is illegal. Those found guilty, especially women, may be forced to wed the sexual partner, may be publicly beaten, or may be stoned to death.<ref>[https://www.proquest.com/docview/1231356905, "Girl faces lashing for pre-marital sex"], Shanghai Daily, 2012</ref> In many African and native tribes, sexual activity is not viewed as a privilege or right of a married couple, but rather as the unification of bodies and is thus not frowned upon.<ref>Lee, [http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/recordDetails.jsp?ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED137169&searchtype=keyword&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&_pageLabel=RecordDetails&accno=ED137169&_nfls=false "Exploring Sex Roles in African Studies"], 1976</ref>

Other studies have analyzed the changing attitudes about sex that American adolescents have outside marriage. Adolescents were asked how they felt about oral and vaginal sex in relation to their health, social, and emotional well-being. Overall, teenagers felt that oral sex was viewed as more socially positive amongst their demographic.<ref name="Halpern-Feisher, B.L. 2005">{{cite journal |author1=Halpern-Feisher B.L. |author2=Cornell J.L. |author3=Kropp R.Y. |author4=Tschann J.M. | year = 2005 | title = Oral Versus Vaginal Sex Among Adolescents: Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviour | journal = Pediatrics | volume = 115 | issue = 4| pages = 845–851 | doi = 10.1542/peds.2004-2108 |pmid=15805354 |s2cid=5903926 | doi-access =  }}</ref> Results stated that teenagers believed that oral sex for dating and non-dating adolescents was less threatening to their overall values and beliefs than vaginal sex was.<ref name="Halpern-Feisher, B.L. 2005"/> When asked, teenagers who participated in the research viewed oral sex as more acceptable to their peers, and their personal values than vaginal sex.<ref name="Halpern-Feisher, B.L. 2005"/>

===Minimum age of sexual activity (age of consent)===
{{Main|Age of consent}}
The laws of each jurisdiction set the minimum age at which a young person is allowed to engage in sexual activity.<ref name="waites">{{cite book|last=Waites| first = Matthew|title=The Age of Consent: Young People, Sexuality and Citizenship|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|year=2005|isbn= 978-1-4039-2173-4}}</ref> This [[age of consent]] is typically between 14 and 18 years, but laws vary. In many jurisdictions, age of consent is a person's mental or functional age.<ref name="kopple-wolf1">{{cite web|url=http://www.kopple-wolf.com/lawyer-attorney-1139001.html |title=Kopple-Wolf.com |publisher=Kopple-Wolf.com |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605002946/http://www.kopple-wolf.com/lawyer-attorney-1139001.html |archive-date=5 June 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="supremecourt1999">{{cite web |url=http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/1999/apr99/126545.htm |title=People vs Floers: 126545: April 21, 1999: J. Gonzaga-Reyes: En Banc |date=21 April 1999 |publisher=Supreme Court of the Philippines |access-date=25 December 2014 |quote=WHEREFORE, the judgment of the ''court a quo''convicting Lorenzo Andaya of the crime of rape is hereby AFFIRMED... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308193520/http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/1999/apr99/126545.htm |archive-date=8 March 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="lawphil1">{{cite web|url=http://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1999/apr1999/gr_126545_1999.html |title=G.R. No. 126545 |publisher=Lawphil.net |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> As a result, those above the set age of consent may still be considered unable to legally consent due to mental immaturity.<ref name="kopple-wolf1"/><ref name="supremecourt1999"/><ref name="lawphil1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lawskills.com/case/ga/id/412/60/index.html |title=348 SE2d 486 (Affirmed) |website=Lawskills.com |date=15 July 1986 |access-date=25 December 2014 |quote=The defendant appeals his conviction for aggravated sodomy (OCGA 16-6-2 (a)) on a five-year-old child victim. |archive-date=17 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917150250/http://www.lawskills.com/case/ga/id/412/60/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1998/aug1998/gr_126921_1998.html |title=G.R. No. 126921 |publisher=Lawphil.net |access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> Many jurisdictions regard any sexual activity by an adult involving a child as [[child sexual abuse]].

Age of consent may vary by the type of sexual act, the sex of the actors, or other restrictions such as abuse of a [[position of trust]]. Some jurisdictions also make allowances for young people engaged in sexual acts with each other.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-s-age-of-consent-raised-by-2-years-1.754941|title=Canada's age of consent raised by 2 years|publisher=CBC News|date=1 May 2008|access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref>

===Incestuous relationships===
{{main|Legality of incest}}
Most jurisdictions prohibit sexual activity between certain close relatives. These laws vary to some extent; such acts are called [[incest]]uous.

Incest laws may involve restrictions on [[marriage]] rights, which also vary between jurisdictions. When incest involves an adult and a child, it is considered to be a form of [[child sexual abuse]].<ref name=Levesque>{{cite book|title=Sexual Abuse of Children: A Human Rights Perspective |url=https://archive.org/details/sexualabuseofchi0000leve |url-access=registration |last=Levesque |first=Roger J. R. |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1999 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/sexualabuseofchi0000leve/page/1 1], 5–6,176–180|isbn=9780253334718 }}</ref><ref name=UNchildren>{{cite web|url=http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm |title=United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child |publisher=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights |year=1989 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611182141/http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm |archive-date=2010-06-11 }}</ref>

===Sexual abuse===
{{Main|Sexual abuse|Rape|Sexual assault}}

Non-consensual sexual activity or subjecting an unwilling person to witnessing a sexual activity are forms of [[sexual abuse]], as well as (in many countries) certain non-consensual paraphilias such as [[frotteurism]], [[telephone scatophilia]] (indecent phonecalls), and non-consensual [[exhibitionism]] and [[voyeurism]] (known as "[[indecent exposure]]" and "[[Voyeurism|peeping tom]]" respectively).<ref>{{cite web |author=Lawrence Greenfeld |url=http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/SOO.PDF |title=Sex Offenses and Offenders |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |date=6 February 1997 |access-date=25 December 2014}}</ref>

===Prostitution and survival sex===
{{main|Prostitution}}
People sometimes exchange sex for money or access to other resources. Work takes place under many varied circumstances. The person who receives payment for sexual services is known as a prostitute and the person who receives such services is referred to by a multitude of terms, such as being a [[Client (prostitution)|client]]. Prostitution is one of the branches of the [[sex industry]]. The [[prostitution and the law|legal status of prostitution]] varies from [[Prostitution by country|country to country]], from being a punishable crime to a regulated profession. Estimates place the annual revenue generated from the global prostitution industry to be over $100&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.havocscope.com/activities/prostitution/| title= Prostitution Market Value| date= 25 March 2010| access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> Prostitution is sometimes referred to as "the world's oldest profession".<ref>The prostitution of women and girls – Page 5; Ronald B. Flowers – 1998</ref> Prostitution may be a voluntary individual activity or facilitated or [[forced prostitution|forced]] by [[pimp]]s.

[[Survival sex]] is a form of prostitution engaged in by people in need, usually when [[homeless]] or otherwise disadvantaged people trade sex for food, a place to sleep, or other [[basic needs]], or for [[Recreational drug use|drugs]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Flowers|first=R. Barri|title=Street kids: the lives of runaway and thrownaway teens|url=https://archive.org/details/streetkidslivesr00flow|url-access=limited|year=2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-4137-2|pages=[https://archive.org/details/streetkidslivesr00flow/page/n118 110]–112}}</ref> The term is used by [[sex trade]] and poverty researchers and [[aid workers]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Hope Ditmore|first=Melissa|title=Prostitution and Sex Work (Historical Guides to Controversial Issues in America)|year=2010|publisher=Greenwood|isbn=978-0-313-36289-7|page=4|url=https://www.amazon.com/Prostitution-Historical-Controversial-America-ebook/dp/B004H0O9R4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Kelly|first1=Sanja |first2=Julia |last2=Breslin|title=Women's Rights in the Middle East and North Africa: Progress Amid Resistance (Freedom in the World)|url=https://archive.org/details/womensrightsmidd00kell|url-access=limited|year=2010|publisher=Freedom House / Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|isbn=978-1-4422-0396-9|page=[https://archive.org/details/womensrightsmidd00kell/page/n568 556]}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{portal|Human sexuality}}
* [[Child sexuality]]
* [[Erotic plasticity]]
* [[History of human sexuality]]
* [[Human female sexuality]]
* [[Human male sexuality]]
* [[Mechanics of human sexuality]]
* [[Orgasm control (disambiguation)|Orgasm control]]
* [[Orgastic potency]]
* [[Sociosexual orientation]]
* [[Transgender sexuality]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160416215051/http://data360.org/pdf/20070416064139.Global%20Sex%20Survey.pdf Durex Global Sex Survey 2005] (PDF) at data360.org
* {{cite book |last1=Dutton |first1=Judy |author1-link= |title=How we do it : how the science of sex can make you a better lover |date=2009 |publisher=[[Broadway Books]] |location=[[New York City|New York]] |isbn=978-0-7679-3028-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/howwedoithowscie0000dutt/mode/2up |access-date=25 December 2022}}

{{Human sexuality and sexology}}
{{Human sexuality}}
{{Evolutionary psychology}}
{{Reproductive physiology}}
{{Sex (biology)}}
{{Sexual urban legends}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Human Sexual Activity}}
[[Category:Human sexuality| 4]]
[[Category:Sexual acts| ]]
[[Category:Intimate relationships]]
[[Category:Evolutionary psychology]]