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Intercourse,
or coitus, refers in a strict biological sense to the insertion of
the male's penis into the female's vagina for the purpose of reproduction.
Sexual intercourse is found among all mammalian species. Intercourse has
traditionally been viewed as the natural endpoint of all sexual contact between a
man and a woman. However, the meaning of the term has been broadened in recent
years to include a wider range of behaviors and a wider set of motivations and
intentions. In both popular and professional usage, intercourse now labels at
least three different sex acts, two of which are not directly tied to conceiving
a child. These three types of intercourse are: vaginal intercourse, involving
vaginal penetration by the penis, possibly to the point of male ejaculation and
female orgasm; oral intercourse,
involving oral caress of the sex organs (male or female), possibly to the point
of orgasm; and anal intercourse, involving insertion of the male's penis into his
partner's anus. The latter two of these behaviors may be
the endpoints of a sexual encounter or they may be acts of foreplay
leading to each other or to vaginal intercourse. Moreover, intercourse
is not limited to partnerships between individuals of opposite genders. Same-sex
or homosexual encounters, involving oral or anal penetration or stimulation, are
also referred to as sexual intercourse. Some writers also include digital (use
of fingers or hands) intercourse or mutual masturbation as yet another form of
intercourse. In addition to recognizing a wider array of behaviors as
constituting different types of intercourse, sex researchers and therapists have
come to recognize that humans engage in sexual intercourse for many reasons
beyond procreation. Sexual intercourse is among the most intimate behaviors
possible between two people, and, for many people, it is also one of the most
pleasurable and emotionally satisfying.
All of the types of intercourse mentioned above may produce orgasm for one or
both partners. Orgasm is a complex physical and emotional
release that can last from a few seconds to over a minute. Generally, it is
followed by a significant sense of well-being and both physical and emotional
relaxation. While the experience of orgasm is generally similar among men and
women, there are some differences. Male orgasm commonly follows a series of
penile thrusts, rhythmic contractions of the prostate gland and the set of
muscles surrounding the penis, testicle elevation, and ejaculation of semen from
the penis. For almost all males, ejaculation is followed by a recovery period
(that tends to grow longer with age) before it is possible to ejaculate again.
Female orgasm is variable, ranging from a single brief period of mildly
pleasurable contractions of the uterine and vaginal walls to multiple episodes
(approximately 0.8 seconds apart) of physically intense waves that cover the
entire body and can last for long periods of time.
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Sexual Positions for Lovers