Sexual intercourse
An intimate activity for reproduction, pleasure, and bonding.
Sexual intercourse, also known as coitus, copulation, or coition, is a form of intimate social activity typically involving the insertion of the erect male penis into the female vagina, followed by thrusting motions for erotic pleasure, biological reproduction, or both. This specific type is called vaginal intercourse, but other forms include anal sex, oral sex, fingering, and penetration by dildos or vibrators. The desire for these activities is grounded in natural human instinct and involves physical intimacy between two or more people, often for physical-emotional pleasure and bonding.
- Field
- Human sexuality, reproductive biology, social behavior
- Known for
- Primary means of biological reproduction and a common form of intimate human bonding
- Types
- Vaginal, anal, oral, manual, and toy-assisted penetration
- Related terms
- Coitus, copulation, outercourse, carnal knowledge
- Non human examples
- Bonobos, dolphins, chimpanzees engage for pleasure and social bonding
Lore & Background
Sexual intercourse is defined variably across cultures and legal systems. While penile–vaginal penetration is the most common definition, many also consider anal and oral sex as intercourse. The World Health Organization notes that non-English languages use different words with slightly different meanings. Researchers often focus on penile–vaginal sex due to cultural preoccupation, but this can limit understanding of non-heterosexual behavior and non-vaginal activities.
Reader's Guide
Sexual intercourse carries both biological and social significance. It is the primary means of human reproduction, but also serves as a source of pleasure and emotional bonding. Safer sex practices are recommended by health professionals to reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Legal restrictions vary by jurisdiction, covering acts such as adultery, incest, sex with minors, prostitution, rape, and sodomy. Religious beliefs influence personal decisions about virginity, premarital sex, and public policy. Among non-human animals, copulation typically occurs during estrus for most mammals, but bonobos, dolphins, and chimpanzees engage in sex for pleasure and social bonding regardless of fertility cycles.
Did You Know?
- The age of first sexual intercourse is called sexarche.
- Some men in Africa consider condom-protected sex not 'real sex' because condoms prevent direct skin-to-skin genital contact.
- Bonobos, dolphins, and chimpanzees engage in sexual intercourse for pleasure and to strengthen social bonds, even when the female is not in estrus.
- The term 'coitus' is derived from the Latin word 'coitio' or 'coire', meaning 'a coming together or joining together'.
More in Sexual Practices & Identities 1-24
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