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This article is about sexual practices (i.e., physical sex). Broader aspects of sexual behaviour such as Social and Psychological sexual issues are covered in related articles such as Human Sexuality , Heterosexuality , and Homosexuality . ASPECTS OF HUMAN SEXUAL BEHAVIOR Sexual relationships Opinions and Norm s vary on whether an emotional bond of a certain intensity and durability should be a prerequisite for sex. Like other Primate s, '' Homo Sapiens '' use sexuality for reproduction and for maintenance of social bonds. Yet, Child Sexuality has historically been severely limited in Western societies. In the late 19th century, the Hysteria surrounding what was then often called "self-abuse" ( Masturbation ) amongst children reached its peak, and in the United States led to the widespread adoption of Circumcision . 1 Cultural aspects As with other behaviors, human intelligence and complex societies have produced among the most complicated sexual behaviors of any animal. Most people experiment with a range of sexual activities during their lives, though they tend to engage in only a few of these regularly. Most people enjoy some sexual activities. However, most societies have defined some sexual activities as inappropriate (wrong person, wrong activity, wrong place, wrong time, etc.) Some people enjoy many different sexual activities, while others avoid sexual activities altogether for religious or other reasons (see Chastity , Sexual Abstinence ). Historically, some societies and Religion s have viewed sex as appropriate only within Marriage . Social norms and rules See Also: Social norm Human sexual behavior, like many other kinds of activity engaged in by human beings, is generally governed by social rules that are culturally specific and vary widely. These social rules are referred to as Sexual Morality (what can and can not be done by society's rules) and Sexual Norm s (what is and is not expected). Some activities, known as Sex Crimes , are illegal in some jurisdictions, including those conducted between (or among) consenting and competent adults (examples include Sodomy Law and adult-adult Incest ). Scientific studies suggest sexual fantasy, even of unusual interests, is usually a healthy activity. 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, it is called Prostitution . Other aspects of the Adult Industry include (for example) Telephone Sex operators, Strip Club s, Erotic Dancers , Pornography and the like. Nearly all developed societies consider it a serious crime to force someone to engage in sexual behavior or to engage in sexual behavior 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, precisely what constitutes effective consent to have sex 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 political and moral debate, as is Adolescent Sexual Behavior in general.
Any of these may be explicit or hidden, deceptive or honest, legal or illegal, and may include Fidelity or not. It is also possible to engage in sexual activity without a partner, or (in some cases) without a knowing partner:
SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS A key sexual behavior throughout the entire animal kingdom is the seeking of a sex partner. Humans are no exception to this rule. A sexual encounter can be the result of the sending signals indicating readiness for sex, and being receptive to reciprocal signals. Or, it might be the result of years of planning, through the use of cultural rituals such as courtship and marriage. Common methods:
Additionally, the pool of available and acceptable candidates may be limited, to one's own town, own religion, similar status, tactically advantageous (e.g., to cement social bonds or make peace), and so on. The search for a partner Locating and identifying potential partners Industries enabling sex or sexual communication include Nightclub s, Singles Bar s, Personal Want Ads (in newspapers and on the web), Dating Services , and Brothels , among many others. Many organizations and clubs sponsor events that bring people with similar interests together. Religious and family connections provide another way for people to meet. The encounter between potential partners Once a person has located another person with whom they desire to have sex, the first thing usually done is to introduce themselves or position themselves in such a way that he or she will introduce himself or herself, or to non-verbally demonstrate their sexual availability and interest to the person in question. This is usually not simple, and can be quite awkward. Potential problems The fear of rejection The fear of Rejection is common when trying to befriend a potential partner. If the participants are both Sensitive to the other's signals, then they can detect quickly whether their sexual objectives are mutual. However, misreading another person's signals is a common occurrence, and can lead to misunderstandings/disappointment, and as such, this is a huge detractor in the stakes of relationships, and so many relationships are consigned to fantasies based on this fear. It is worth noting that some people consume alcohol, sometimes to excess, in order to "smooth things down," i.e, overcome this fear. If they discover soon enough that their objectives are at odds with one another, then a conversation can end before either one Loses Face , and then each person can seek others with whom to communicate. On the other hand, if the communication results in an escalating sense of Intimacy for both participants, then a degree of Trust is established that mitigates the fear of rejection. SAFETY AND ANCILLARY ISSUES There are four main areas of risk in sexual activity, namely:
These risks are raised by any condition (temporary or permanent) which impairs one's judgement, such as excess Alcohol or Drugs , or emotional states such as Loneliness , Depression or Euphoria (e.g. new students at college). Carefully considered activity can greatly reduce all of these issues. Sexually transmitted disease Sexual behaviors that involve contact with another person or the bodily fluids of another person entail some risk of transmission of Sexually Transmitted Disease . These techniques are generally seen as less necessary for those in committed fidelitous monogamous or polyamorous relationships with persons who have been demonstrated to be free of disease; see Fluid Bonding . Due to Health concerns arising from HIV / AIDS , Chlamydia , Syphilis , Gonorrhea , HPV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections , some people may want potential Sex partners to be tested for STD s before engaging in Sex . Unwanted pregnancy Sexual behaviors that involve the contact of Semen with the Vagina or Vulva may result in Pregnancy . To prevent pregnancy, many people employ a variety of birth control measures. The most popular methods of prevention are Condoms , Spermicide s, Hormonal Contraception , and sterilization. Judgment impairment Recreational Drugs are often used in social settings in the belief that they enhance interpersonal communication. Some common recreational drugs are Alcohol , Cannabis , Caffeine and Nicotine .
Use of Recreational Drugs is frequently cited as a risk factor for health problems including Sexually Transmitted Disease s, Addiction , Birth Defects , Heart Disease , Cancer and Liver Disease , among others.http://dancesafe.org/documents/druginfo/risk.php Most Psychoactive Drug s which influence the sexual and communication spheres of human behavior interact with the Neuroendocrine System , and can also influence levels of hormones and neurohormones responsible for instinct behavior, lactation, etc. See Psychiatry and Endocrinology for more details. LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO SEXUAL BEHAVIOR See Also: Paraphilia#Legal views Sex and the law Sodomy and same sex laws Various forms of same-sex sexual activity have been prohibited under law in many areas at different times in history. In 2003, the Lawrence V Texas United States Supreme Court decision (aided by Krawczyk v Alabama) overturned all such laws in the US.http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/02-102.ZS.html Usually, though not always, such laws are termed Sodomy Law s, but also include issues such as age of consent laws, "decency" laws, and so forth. Laws prohibiting same-sex sexuality have varied widely throughout history, varying by culture, religious and social taboos and customs, etc. Often such laws are targeted or applied differently based on sex as well. For example, laws against same-sex sexual behavior in England during the reign of Queen Victoria , sodomy or "buggery" laws were aimed specifically at male same-sex sexual activity and did not target or even address female homosexuality. A well known example of such laws applied in modern times can be found in Alan Turing . LIST OF SEX ACTS AND PRACTICES There are many variations of sexual activities, and often multiple names for any given practice. For more detail see the comprehensive General
Specialized BDSM and paraphilia related Generally less common, but still widespread, are the various Paraphilia s. Some of the more common ones are:
Specialized verbal or visual activities Some forms of sexual activity involve someone else, but not touching the other:
REFERENCES SEE ALSO
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