Sex

Sex is the distinction of life forms of many species into male or female. It is associated with the process of sexual reproduction, wherein genetic traits are combined and mixed to produce offspring that will inherit certain traits from each parent. The term sex could also pertain to sexual intercourse or the act of copulation. Also referred to as coitus, sex is principally occurs when there is an insertion and thrusting of the male genitalia, usually when erect, into the female genitalia for the purpose of pleasure, reproduction, or both.

Sex, which also pertains to vaginal sex or vaginal intercourse, can be performed in many forms. Penetrative sex includes: oral sex, the insertion of the penis in the mouth; anal sex , the insertion of the penis in the anus; and fingering, the penetration of female genitalia by the fingers or by use of sex toys. Such sexual activities can be shared by two or more individuals to develop physical intimacy or even emotional pleasure.

Definitions of sex

While sex or sexual intercourse commonly depicts penile-vaginal intercourse, the term may denote any sexual activity, whether penetrative or not, between two or more individuals. Throughout the globe, sex is referred to in a wide range of terms. Slang words and phrases that commonly describe sex include fuck and the “sleep together”. Some researchers define sex solely as penile-vaginal intercourse while categorizing anal or oral sex as other sexual behaviors.

Variations in sexual stimulus

The act of sex may be for the sole purpose of reproduction or to promote an emotional bonding between individuals. Sexual activities are often an effective means in strengthening relationships. In many societies, couples normally have sex for the purpose of sharing pleasure and creating an emotional bond while using certain birth control methods to deliberately avoid pregnancy.

Sex may be preceded by foreplay, which is the intimate physical or emotional act done to stimulate sexual arousal or desire. Also known as precoital activity, foreplay stimulates the sexuality of both individuals, lowering their inhibitions and increasing their level of emotional intimacy. Sexual arousal often results to penile erection or natural vaginal lubrication. To achieve sexual satisfaction, individuals often engage in foreplay in the form of kissing, touching, or being held in an erotic manner.

Sexual intercourse and various sexual activities can be performed through the use of many sexually stimulating factors, whether physiological or psychological. This includes performing in different sex positions and incorporating the use of sex toys.

Sex toys and accessories

Different couples achieve sexual pleasure in different methods, which include the use of sex toys. A sex toy pertains to an object or a device that is mainly used to achieve sexual pleasure. A lot of popular sex toys, which include a dildo or a vibrator, are often designed to resemble the form of human genitals and to include a vibrating feature. Other forms of sex toys are also used as BDSM apparatus. Also known as adult toy, a sex toy is commonly sold at a sex shop, whether physical or online. Today, different forms of adult toys for both males and females are sold in most parts of the world.

A dildo is a common penetrative toy that is used to sexually stimulate the vagina or the anus. It is usually formed to resemble the penis. A non-vibrating device, it is usually made of silicone rubber, yet may also be made of a wide range of other materials, such as glass, metals, or wood. A dildo may come in different types, including a double penetration dildo, which is made to allow double penetration both vaginally and anally, and a strap-on dildo, which comes with a harness.

Another popular sex toy is a vibrator. This vibrating adult device, which is designed to stimulate the body, comes in various shapes and sizes that can either be used internally or externally. Commonly, it is phallic in shape, especially when intended for internal use. Meanwhile, it may have a loop attachment meant to be inserted to a finger or used as a cock ring.

There is a shorter version of a dildo known as the butt plug, which is designed for anal insertion. It often comes with a flared base to prevent the toy from being sucked deep into the rectum. Other anal toys include anal beads and prostate massagers.

Sex toys and lubricants often go hand in hand. During sexual intercourse, couples may find the need to use a lubricant normally to reduce friction during copulation. Appropriate lubricants may be needed when using certain forms of sex toys. For instance, silicone-based lube break down silicone toys while oil-based ones often break down latex condoms.

Health benefits of sex

Sexual intercourse in humans have been reported to have health benefits, which includes increased immunity and lowered blood pressure. In males, it is shown to decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Orgasms and sexual intimacy achieved during sex is shown to increase levels of the hormone oxytocin, or the “love hormone”, which strengthens the bond and trust between individuals.

Evolution of sex

A sexual intercourse that involves a male participant usually ends once the male has ejaculated. In such cases, the partner may still not have reached orgasm, or sexual climax. According to a study, men took about 4 minutes to reach climax with their partners while women took about 10 to 20 minutes to do the same, yet required only 4 minutes to reach orgasm through masturbation.

With this, women are more likely to have difficulty reaching orgasm even after sexual stimulation. This has been attributed to the lack of sex education, especially with regard to women sexuality, which includes the fact that the key to orgasm for a women is usually through the stimulation of the clitoris. Sexual intercourse physically allows more penile stimulation than clitoral stimulation, as the location of the clitoris would require manual or oral stimulation that can be quite difficult for males to navigate during intercourse. However, sexual intercourse has evolved to favor every participant’s preference to achieve sexual satisfaction.

Sex position

Sexual satisfaction may depend upon the sex position during intercourse, which is the position used by couples engaged in sex or other sexual activities. Sex positions may or may not involve penetration of a body part.

The missionary position is the most commonly used sex position, which is done with both individuals facing each other. The penetrating partner is positioned on top while the receiving individual lies on their back with one’s legs drawn apart. The missionary position may be used in both vaginal or anal sexanal sex.

Many couples are also inclined to the rear-penetration position, which is commonly known as the “doggy style.” There are many variations for this particular sex position, but it is commonly described with the receiving partner is positioned on all fours while the other penetrates either the vagina or anus from behind. The spoons position is described with both individuals lying on their side. There are also different variations for this technique.

The woman on top position, also referred to as the cowgirl position, can be described with the receiving partner on top of the penetrating partner. This position is usually a good precedent for a seated position, which is another popular sex technique. Such positions allow the stimulation of the clitoris, allowing women to achieve orgasm before coitus ends.

Oral sex

Oral sex is the stimulation of the genitals through the mouth, which may or may not involve penetration. It may also be performed either before, during, or after sexual intercourse. There are two main types of oral sex: fellatio and cunnilingus.

Fellatio is the oral sex on a man’s genitals while cunnilingus involves the woman’s genitals. The simultaneous oral sex of two people is commonly referred to as “69”. There is also another variant for genital-oral sex, known as anilingus, which is fondly known as “rimming” or simply “butt licking”.

Non-penetrative positions

A part of foreplay, non-penetrative sex, also known as frottage, is a sexual activity that does not involve penetration. This is often performed through the rubbing together of the genitals of both participants. However, this may evolve to other variants and involve different positions. Such non-penetrative positions may or may not achieve orgasm.

Different kinds of this position include mutual masturbation, dry humping, mammary intercourse or “boob job”, fingering or handjob, and many more.