Human sexual behavior?
Google

Did you mean | Travel | Economics | Finance | Marketing | Business | Culture | Geography | History | Life | Mathematics | Science | Society | Technology | New site added |

Add a link on the top of this Human sexual behavior page Express submission by secure payment !
This article is about sex acts and practices (i.e., physical sex). Broader aspects of sexual behavior such as social and psychological sexual issues are covered in related articles such as human sexuality, heterosexuality, and homosexuality.

Sexual behavior in humans is an instinctive form of physical intimacy. It may be performed for the purposes of reproduction, spiritual transcendence, expressing affection, and/or having fun and enjoying oneself (known in this context as "sexual gratification"). The desire to have sex is one of the basic drives of human behavior.


Have to see

Contents
Italian FriendFinder - Italian Personals
FriendFinder - Traditional Personals
Asia FriendFinder - Chinese Personals
Filipino FriendFinder - Filipino Personals
OutPersonals - Gay Sex Personals
Gay FriendFinder - Gay Dating Personals
ALT.com - Fetish AND1 BDSM Personals
Korean FriendFinder - Korean Personals
Senior FriendFinder - 40+ Personals
German FriendFinder - German Personals
BigChurch - Christian/Catholic Personals
Indian FriendFinder - Indian Personals
French FriendFinder - French Personals
Jewish FriendFinder - Jewish Personals
Amigos.com - Spanish/Portuguese Personals
Adult FriendFinder - Sex Personals

Sexuality and sensuality

There is no clear borderline between sexual and nonsexual enjoyment of touching someone else's body. For example, holding hands may or may not have a sexual connotation, depending on culture, situation and other factors. Although the most common form of heterosexual sexual intercourse is universally regarded as sexual contact, there are a wide range of other sexual behaviors that may or may not be socially, legally, or ethically considered as sexual relations. The distinction between the sexual and the nonsexual becomes relevant in judging appropriate bevhaior, in either a social setting or in the eyes of the law.

Some criteria that may be applied are:

Enjoying touching someone else's body implies enjoying one's own body also; the latter may also happen without another person; enjoying one's own body also may or may not be of a sexual nature. If it is, it is called autoeroticism.

The whole of one's sexual activities (including erotic dreams and waking sexual fantasies and daydreams) is called one's sex life.

Desire and fantasy

Sexual desire or libido is the desire for sexual behavior. Most people focus their sexual desire on someone that they have a sexual relationship with, or would desire to have a sexual relationship with. See also sexual arousal, sexual orientation.

Many people enjoy fantasizing about, or reading or viewing depictions of, sexual fantasies of activities that they do not wish to engage in in their own lives, or that they would be unable to engage in in their own lives; see pornography and erotica.

Sexual relationships

Opinions and norms vary about whether an emotional bond of a certain intensity and durability should be a prerequisite for sex (see also below).

Like other primates, Homo sapiens use sexuality for reproduction and for maintenance of social bonds. It is generally acknowledged that children are capable of feeling sexual pleasure, even if they are not yet able to engage in sexual intercourse with each other, and/or are not yet biologically able to reproduce. Yet, child sexuality has historically been severely limited in western societies; in the late 19th century, the hysteria surrounding so-called "self-abuse" (masturbation) among children reached its peak and fueled the adoption of circumcision (including female circumcision) in some cultures.

Many sexual activities can be engaged in by same sex or opposite sex partners. However some, most notably vaginal sexual intercourse, can only be engaged in by partners of opposite sexes. And others, such as tribadism and frication can only be engaged in by partners of the same sex.

As with other behaviors, our high intelligence and complex societies have produced in us 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 time, etc.) Some people enjoy many different sexual activities, while others avoid sexual activities altogether for religious or other reasons (see chastity, sexual abstinence, asexuality). Historically, most societies and religions have viewed sex as appropriate only within marriage. There is still a widespread belief that sex acts are devalued when engaged in outside of a long-term, monogamous romantic relationship, but extra-marital sexual activity and casual sex became increasingly accepted in modern society during the sexual revolution.

Norms and rules

Sexual behavior, like other kinds of social activity, is generally governed by rules which are culturally specific and vary widely (see sexual morality, sexual norms).

Some activities are actually illegal in some jurisdictions even between (or among) consenting people (see sex crime, sodomy law, incest).

Some people engage in various sexual activities as a business transaction; this is called prostitution.

Nearly all cultures 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 in the case of sexual intercourse it is called rape, the most serious kind of sexual assault. Details on this distinction may vary. Also, precisely what constitutes effective consent to have sex varies from culture to culture and is frequently debated. Laws regulating what constitutes consent, including the minimum age at which a person can consent to have sex, are frequently the subject of debate; see age of consent.

Safety Caution - Read this carefully before proceeding

Danger of causing pregnancy and how to avoid

Body fluids and birth control

All 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.

Danger of sexually transmitted diseases and how to avoid

All sexual behaviors that involve contact with another person or the bodily fluids of another person entail some risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, which is why safer sex techniques are recommended. These techniques are generally seen as less necessary for those in committed monogamous relationships with persons who have been demonstrated to be free of disease; see fluid bonding.

Screening of sex partners

Due to the extreme risk of death from HIV and AIDS, and due to the risk of severe illness (and possible death) from other sexually transmitted diseases, it is of the utmost importance that potential sex partners be tested for STDs before engaging in sex.

Seeking a Partner

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.

The search for a partner

Before having sex with another person, first it is necessary to find a partner. This may not be easy, as it requires meeting people who are available for a relationship (or who just want to have sex).

Where do I look? You never know when or where you will meet someone you are attracted to, so the simple answer to this question is: everywhere! In the supermarket, in restaurants, at the movies, even on the street.

Our society has developed entire industries devoted to enabling this type of communication: nightclubs, singles bars, personal want ads (in newspapers and on the web), dating services, and brothels, to name just a few. Many organizations and clubs sponsor events that bring people with similar interests together. Religious and family connections provide another way for people to meet.

Encounters between potential partners

Once you've located the person you desire to have sex with, the first thing you must do is introduce yourself or position yourself in such a way that he or she will introduce himself or herself to you. But this isn't as simple as it soundsw/.

Sexual signals

The communication between people that can lead to a sexual liaison -- are necessarily subtle and complex. An overt declaration, e.g. "I would like to have sex with you" is more likely than not to be rebuffed. From early childhood, strategies for successful communication are learned and honed through practice. Much of this communication is nonverbal. By adulthood, the subtleties of meeting the eyes of another, smiling, laughing and flirting have been practiced and learned.

Successful communication

Once a person has taken advantage of opportunities to enter into communication with a potential sex partner, then the likelihood and speed with which that communication will lead to sexual intercourse depends on a combination of cultural norms, the person's desire for a relationship, and skill at interpersonal communication. A successful communication is one that goes two ways. Listening well, including picking up on non-verbal queues, is a crucial skill. Active listening, in which the listener responds to indicate understanding, is a direct route to successful communication.

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. 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.

The use of drugs to enhance communication

Recreational drugs are often used in social settings in the belief that they enhance interpersonal communication. The world's most popular recreational drugs are alcohol, cannabis, caffeine and nicotine.

  • Alcohol is sometimes called a "social lubricant" because it reduces inhibitions, including those caused by the fear of rejection. At the same time, though, alcohol impairs judgment, making a person less receptive to subtle signals, which can result in less effective communication. More importantly, this judgement impairment can lead to foolish decision-making regarding sex, such as engaging in sex without testing or protection.
  • Cannabis can induce increased appreciation for humor and art, which might improve communication. But at the same time, it can cause one to become introspective, and thus less inclined to communicate.
  • Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants. Others include amphetamines and cocaine. Stimulants can increase alertness and improve attention, both of which can improve one's ability to communicate effectively. However, stimulants also have adverse health effects when used in large amounts.

Personal prerequisites to having sex with someone

Many people have special rules they must follow, due to their religious beliefs, morals, or personal preferences before they can have sex with someone.

No prerequisites

This is known as casual sex. You simply ask the person if he or she wants to have sex, or signal your intent through non-verbal cues.

Blood test as a prerequisite for sex

This is a very sensible strategy. One requires that his or her potential sexual partners be tested for AIDS and other STDs before deciding whether or not to have sex with them. The most reliable approach is to contact the clinic or lab directly for the test results (which requires the person who was tested accompany you or give you written permission).

Dating as a prerequisite for sex

Many people follow the rule "no sex on the first date", implying that you have to have more than one date in order to have sex with them. What this actually means is that they want to get to know you first, and if they like you well enough (or fall in love with you), then they will have sex with you.

Falling in love as a prerequisite for sex

For many people, having sex with someone they are not in love with just isn't any fun. For others, waiting until they've found someone they've fallen in love it is simply their preference. It's a romantic approach.

Marriage as a prerequisite for sex

Some people believe in not having sex until they are married. Many religions require that one wait until he or she is married before having sex.

Sex acts and practices

Whilst the most practiced sexual behavior is vaginal intercourse (penetration of the vagina by an erect penis), the wide range of human sexual activities includes, but is not limited to:


There are many variations of the above activities. Many of these are included in the comprehensive list of sex positions.

There are many names for the above acts. For a comprehensive treatment of these, see the list of sexual slang.


Generally less common, but still widespread, are the various paraphilias. Some of the more common ones are:


Some forms of sexual activity involve someone else, but not touching the other:


Other special forms of human sexual behaviour:

Different-gender sexual practices

Different-gender sexual practices are sexual activities between two or more individuals of more than one gender, usually one man and one woman. People who engage exclusively in different-gender sexual practices do not necessarily identify themselves as straight or heterosexual, though (unlike homosexual for same-gender sexual practices) most definitions of "heterosexual" would include them despite varying levels of activity, frequency, and interest. In fact, they may identify themselves as straight or heterosexual, bisexual, or not at all. Likewise, an individual who practices both same and different sex sexual behaviour may identify himself or herself as gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or not at all.

Many situations, like public high school, and cultural factors, such as anti-gay bias and harassment, heterosexism and heteronormativity, may cause or encourage people who ordinarily would not have sexual relationships with people of a different gender to do so, but once gay people are away from such situations, they will usually return to same-sex sexual activity. In other cases, people may experiment with different (and/or same) gender sexual activity before settling on a sexual identity, if ever.

Though often associated with gay men, anal sex is a common different-gender sexual practice. The anus is "tighter" than the vagina and thus may be preferable to the male during penetration; additionally, many people enjoy flouting cultural sexual taboos. Anal sex is not advisable as birth control as it is still possible, though unlikely, for semen to enter the vagina. Different-gender anal sex is also often practiced where the woman penetrates the man with a strap-on dildo, known as pegging.

Different-sex sexual practices are limited by laws in America and many other places. In America marriage laws may serve the purpose of encouraging people to only have sex (and children) within marriage. Sodomy laws may be seen as encouraging different-sex sexual practices. Laws also ban adults from committing sexual abuse, committing sexual activities with anyone under an age of consent, performing sexual activities in public, and engaging in sexual activities for money (prostitution), though these laws all cover same-sex sexual activities they may differ with regards punishment and may more frequently or only be enforced on same-sex sexual activities. Laws also control the making and viewing of pornography, including different-sex sexual activities.

Courting, or dating, is the process through which people choose potential sexual and/or marital partners. Among straight (presumably middle-class) teenagers and adolescents in the mid-20th century in America, dating was something one could do with multiple people before choosing to "go steady" with only one, the eventual goal being either sex, marriage, or both. More recently dating has become what going steady was and the latter term has fallen into disuse.

Different-sex sexual practices may be monogamous, serially monogamous, or polyamorous, and, depending on the definition of sexual practice, abstinent or autoerotic (including masturbation).

Different moral and political movements have waged for changes in different-sex sexual practices including courting and marriage, though changes are usually made only slowly in all countries. Especially in the USA, campaigns have often sparked and been fueled by moral panic. There, movements to discourage same-sex sexual practices often claim to be strengthening different-sex sexual practices within marriage, such as Defense of Marriage Act and the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment.


Same-gender sexual practices

Same-gender sexual practices are sexual activities involving two or more individuals of the same gender. It is possible for homosexual acts to be committed by those who self-identify as heterosexual. i.e., mutual masturbation in the context of what may be considered "normal" heterosexual teen development. Homosexual males who pretend to lead a life of heterosexuality are often referred to as living "closeted" lives, that is, they hide their sexuality in the "closet". The term "closet case" is a derogatory term used by homosexuals to refer to another homosexual that pretends to be heterosexual.

Despite stereotypes and common misconceptions, there are no forms of sexual activity exclusive to same-gender sexual behavior that can not also be found in opposite-gender sexual behavior, save those involving contact of the same sex genitalia. (see tribadism, frot)

Certain situations, like incarceration or single-sex schools and other sex-segregated environments, may often lead people who would not ordinarily seek sex with others of their own gender to this kind of sexual behavior.

In other cases, some people may experiment or explore their sexuality with same (and/or different) gender sexual activity before defining their sexual identity. Health campaigns and officials often seek to target self-identified "straight" or bisexual "Men who have Sex with Men" or "Men who like Sex with Men" (MSM) as opposed to self-identified "gay" or homosexual men.

People who engage exclusively in same-sex sexual practices do not necessarily identify themselves as "gay" or "lesbian", and different definitions of homosexual may include or exclude people with varying levels of activity, frequency, or interest.

Among some sectors of African-American homosexual sub-culture (called "men on the DL" or "down-low"), same-sex sexual behavior is sometimes viewed as solely for physical pleasure. Men on the "down-low" may engage in regular (though often covert) sex acts with other men while continuing sexual and romantic relationships with women. These men often shun the more commonly-known "gay" as a term applying to stereotypically flamboyant and effeminate men of European ancestry there, a group from which some may wish to distance themselves.

Some sociologists and researchers in queer studies have suggested that this mostly African-American subculture may have come about because of stronger stigmas against same-sex behavior in African-American communities, and, due to more widespread poverty, greater dependence on possibly homophobic family networks for support.

See also: cottaging, cruising for sex, gay bathhouse, men who have sex with men.

Legal issues

Various forms of same-gender 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 overturned all such laws in the US.

Usually, though not always, such laws are termed sodomy laws, but also include issues such as age of consent laws, "decency" laws, and so forth. Laws prohibiting same-gender 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 gender as well. For example, laws against same-gender sexual behavior in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, sodomy or "buggery" laws were aimed specifically at male same-gender sexual activity and did not target or even address female same-gender sexual activity. A well known example of such laws applied in modern times can be found in Alan Turing.


See also

Sex
  • Human sexuality
  • History of sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Sex education
  • Sexual slang
  • List of sex positions
  • List of sexology topics
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Homosexuality
  • Queer
  • Gay


    • External links

    What does Human sexual behavior mean ? Search with Google !

    Google

    Article on Human sexual behavior, category, different spelling or sense


    Did you mean: Culture | Geography | History | Life | Mathematics | Science | Society | Technology
    Economy finance business money economy: Economics | Finance | Marketing | Business | Money | Real Estate | Insurance | Retirement | Microeconomics | Economics

    Top Search: Kazaa | Sex | Pornography | Games | MySpace | Google | Ebay | Paris Hilton | Carmen Electra | Jessica Simpson | Eminem | MapQuest | Dogs | Jokes | Obituaries | MSN Messenger | Splogs | Ringtones | Casino | Poker | Gambling | Lyrics | Anime |

    Continents and countries in the world: Japan | United Kingdom | Canada | France | Amsterdam | Monaco | Spain | Capitals Cities | Continents | World | Americas | North America | South America | Europe | Africa | Eurasia | Oceania | Antarctica | Asia | Australia


    A web travel guide for your holidays, hotel and plane tickets: Travel guide and holidays
    French Version, guide de voyage dans le monde: Voyage et vacances
    Visit partners of Did you mean Travel: Partners
    Site Map articles begining from 0 to 9 and A to Z: Site Map 0 to A | Site Map B to C | Site Map D to Z

    Cours d'anglais, cours de langues pour debutant: Cours d'anglais
    Annuaire france regions et tourisme: Annuaire OuiX
    Sexe sur AbSexe, videos porno et annuaire sexe: Ab Sexe

    Url Rewriting by Atuvu Referencement

    This work is licensed under a GNU Free Documentation License.
    Texts derived from WikiPedia Human sexual behavior
    ©2006 Did you mean Copyright Notice

    Page Human sexual behavior cached on Saturday 05th of July 2008 09:41:54 PM