text:
This article is about human sexual anatomy, sexuality and perceptions. For information specifically about sexual activities, see Human sexual activity.
"Sexuality" redirects here. For sexual behavior among other animals, see Animal sexual behaviour. For other uses, see Sexuality (disambiguation).
By marriage
Open marriage
Polygyny
Mixed-orientation
Partner · Partners
Life partner
Friendship (romantic)
Mutual monogamy
Polyfidelity
Cicisbeo
Concubinage
Meet market
Widowhood
Emotions and feelings
Bride price
dower
dowry
Hypergamy
Narcissistic parent
Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually.[1][2] This involves biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors.[3][4] Because it is a broad term, which has varied over time, it lacks a precise definition.[4] The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the human reproductive functions, including the human sexual response cycle.[3][4] Someone's sexual orientation can influence that person's sexual interest and attraction for another person.[5] Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of love, trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human society on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, moral, ethical, and religious aspects of life.[3][4]
Interest in sexual activity typically increases when an individual reaches puberty.[6] Opinions differ on the origins of an individual's sexual orientation and sexual behavior. Some argue that sexuality is determined by genetics, while others believe it is molded by the environment, or that both of these factors interact to form the individual's sexual orientation.[5] This pertains to the nature versus nurture debate. In the former, one assumes that the features of a person innately correspond to their natural inheritance, exemplified by drives and instincts; the latter refers to the assumption that the features of a person continue to change throughout their development and nurturing, exemplified by ego ideals and formative identifications.
Evolutionary perspectives on human coupling, reproduction and reproduction strategies, and social learning theory provide further views of sexuality.[7] Socio-cultural aspects of sexuality include historical developments and religious beliefs. Examples of these include Jewish views on sexual pleasure within marriage and some views of other religions on avoidance of sexual pleasures.[8] Some cultures have been described as sexually repressive. The study of sexuality also includes human identity within social groups, sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs), and birth control methods.
See also: Nature versus nurture
Certain characteristics may be innate in humans; these characteristics may be modified by the physical and social environment in which people interact.[9] Human sexuality is driven by genetics and mental activity. The sexual drive affects the development of personal identity and social activities.[10][11] An individual's normative, social, cultural, educational, and environmental characteristics moderate the sexual drive.[10] Two well-known schools in psychology took opposing positions in the nature-versus-nurture debate: the Psychoanalytic school led by Sigmund Freud and the Behaviorist school which traces its origins to John Locke.
Freud believed sexual drives are instinctive. He was a firm supporter of the nature argument; he said there are a large number of instincts but they are reduced into two broad groups: Eros (the life instinct), which comprises the self-preserving and erotic instincts, and Thanatos (the death instinct), which comprises instincts invoking aggression, self-destruction, and cruelty.[12] He gave sexual drives a centrality in human life, actions, and behaviors that had not been accepted before his proposal. His instinct theory said humans are driven from birth by the desire to acquire and enhance bodily pleasures, thus supporting the nature debate. Freud redefined the term sexuality to make it cover any form of pleasure that can be derived from the human body.[12] He also said pleasure lowers tension while displeasure raises it, influencing the sexual drive in humans. His developmentalist perspective was governed by inner forces, especially biological drives and maturation, and his view that humans are biologically inclined to seek sexual gratification demonstrates the nature side of the debate.[13] The nurture debate traces back to John Locke and his theory of the mind as a "tabula rasa" or blank slate. Later, behaviorists would apply this notion in support of the idea that the environment is where one develops one's sexual drives.[13]
See also: Sex differences in psychology § Sexual behavior
Psychological theories exist regarding the development and expression of gender differences in human sexuality. A number of them, including neo-analytic theories, sociobiological theories, social learning theory, social role theory, and script theory, agree in predicting that men should be more approving of casual sex (sex happening outside a stable, committed relationship such as marriage) and should also be more promiscuous (have a higher number of sexual partners) than women. These theories are mostly consistent with observed differences in males' and females' attitudes toward casual sex before marriage in the United States; other aspects of human sexuality, such as sexual satisfaction, incidence of oral sex, and attitudes toward homosexuality and masturbation, show little to no observed difference between males and females. Observed gender differences regarding the number of sexual partners are modest, with males tending to have slightly more than females.[14]
Biological and physiological aspects
Main article: Human reproductive system
Like other mammals, humans are primarily grouped into either the male or female sex,[15] with a small proportion (around 1%) of intersex individuals, for whom sexual classification may not be as clear.[16] The biological aspects of humans' sexuality deal with the reproductive system, the sexual response cycle, and the factors that affect these aspects. They also deal with the influence of biological factors on other aspects of sexuality, such as organic and neurological responses,[17] heredity, hormonal issues, gender issues, and sexual dysfunction.[18]
Physical anatomy and reproduction
Males and females are anatomically similar; this extends to some degree to the development of the reproductive system. As adults, they have different reproductive mechanisms that enable them to perform sexual acts and to reproduce. Men and women react to sexual stimuli in a similar fashion with minor differences. Women have a monthly reproductive cycle, whereas the male sperm production cycle is more continuous.[8]
The hypothalamus is the most important part of the brain for sexual functioning. This is a small area at the base of the brain consisting of several groups of nerve cell bodies that receives input from the limbic system. Studies have shown that within lab animals, destruction of certain areas of the hypothalamus causes the elimination of sexual behavior. The hypothalamus is important because of its relationship to the pituitary gland, which lies beneath it. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that are produced in the hypothalamus and itself. The four important sexual hormones are oxytocin, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.[8] Oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the "love hormone," is released in both sexes during sexual intercourse when an orgasm is achieved. Oxytocin has been suggested as critical to the thoughts and behaviors required to maintain close relationships.[19][20] The hormone is also released in women when they give birth or are breastfeeding.[21] Both prolactin and oxytocin stimulate milk production in women. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is responsible for ovulation in women, which acts by triggering egg maturity; in men it stimulates sperm production.[22] Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg.[8]
Male anatomy and reproductive system
Main article: Human male reproductive system
Males also have both internal and external genitalia that are responsible for procreation and sexual intercourse. Production of spermatozoa (sperm) is also cyclic, but unlike the female ovulation cycle, the sperm production cycle is constantly producing millions of sperm daily.[8]
External male anatomy
External male genitals (depilated).
The male genitalia are the penis and the scrotum. The penis provides a passageway for sperm and urine. An average-sized flaccid penis is about 3 3⁄4 inches (9.5 cm) in length and 1 1⁄5 inches (3.0 cm) in diameter. When erect, the average penis is between 4 1⁄2 inches (11 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) in length and 1 1⁄2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. The penis's internal structures consist of the shaft, glans, and the root.[8]
The shaft of the penis consists of three cylindrical bodies of spongy tissue filled with blood vessels along its length. Two of these bodies lie side-by-side in the upper portion of the penis called corpora cavernosa. The third, called the corpus spongiosum, is a tube that lies centrally beneath the others and expands at the end to form the tip of the penis (glans).[23]
The raised rim at the border of the shaft and glans is called the corona. The urethra runs through the shaft, providing an exit for sperm and urine. The root consists of the expanded ends of the cavernous bodies, which fan out to form the crura and attach to the pubic bone and the expanded end of the spongy body (bulb). The root is surrounded by two muscles; the bulbocavernosus muscle and the ischiocavernosus muscle, which aid urination and ejaculation. The penis has a foreskin that typically covers the glans; this is sometimes removed by circumcision for medical, religious or cultural reasons.[8] In the scrotum, the testicles are held away from the body, one possible reason for this is so sperm can be produced in an environment slightly lower than normal body temperature.[24][25]
Internal male anatomy
The male reproductive system.[26]
Male internal reproductive structures are the testicles, the duct system, the prostate and seminal vesicles, and the Cowper's gland.[8]
The testicles are the male gonads where sperm and male hormones are produced. Millions of sperm are produced daily in several hundred seminiferous tubules. Cells called the Leydig cells lie between the tubules; these produce hormones called androgens; these consist of testosterone and inhibin. The testicles are held by the spermatic cord, which is a tubelike structure containing blood vessels, nerves, the vas deferens, and a muscle that helps to raise and lower the testicles in response to temperature changes and sexual arousal, in which the testicles are drawn closer to the body.[8]
Sperm are transported through a four-part duct system. The first part of this system is the epididymis. The testicles converge to form the seminiferous tubules, coiled tubes at the top and back of each testicle. The second part of the duct system is the vas deferens, a muscular tube that begins at the lower end of the epididymis.[8] The vas deferens passes upward along the side of the testicles to become part of the spermatic cord.[23] The expanded end is the ampulla, which stores sperm before ejaculation. The third part of the duct system is the ejaculatory ducts, which are 1-inch (2.5 cm)-long paired tubes that pass through the prostate gland, where semen is produced.[8] The prostate gland is a solid, chestnut-shaped organ that surrounds the first part of the urethra, which carries urine and semen.[8][23] Similar to the female G-spot, the prostate provides sexual stimulation and can lead to orgasm through anal sex.[27]
The prostate gland and the seminal vesicles produce seminal fluid that is mixed with sperm to create semen.[8] The prostate gland lies under the bladder and in front of the rectum. It consists of two main zones: the inner zone that produces secretions to keep the lining of the male urethra moist and the outer zone that produces seminal fluids to facilitate the passage of semen.[23] The seminal vesicles secrete fructose for sperm activation and mobilization, prostaglandins to cause uterine contractions that aid movement through the uterus, and bases that help neutralize the acidity of the vagina. The Cowper's glands, or bulbourethral glands, are two pea sized structures beneath the prostate.
Female anatomy and reproductive system
Main article: Human female reproductive system
External female anatomy
External female genitals (depilated).
The mons veneris, also known as the Mound of Venus, is a soft layer of fatty tissue overlaying the pubic bone.[28] Following puberty, this area grows in size. It has many nerve endings and is sensitive to stimulation.[8]
The labia minora and labia majora are collectively known as the lips. The labia majora are two elongated folds of skin extending from the mons to the perineum. Its outer surface becomes covered with hair after puberty. In between the labia majora are the labia minora, two hairless folds of skin that meet above the clitoris to form the clitoral hood, which is highly sensitive to touch. The labia minora become engorged with blood during sexual stimulation, causing them to swell and turn red.[8] The labia minora are composed of connective tissues that are richly supplied with blood vessels which cause the pinkish appearance. Near the anus, the labia minora merge with the labia majora.[29] In a sexually unstimulated state, the labia minora protects the vaginal and urethral opening by covering them.[30] At the base of the labia minora are the Bartholin's glands, which add a few drops of an alkaline fluid to the vagina via ducts; this fluid helps to counteract the acidity of the outer vagina since sperm cannot live in an acidic environment.[8]
The clitoris is developed from the same embryonic tissue as the penis; it or its glans alone consists of as many (or more in some cases) nerve endings as the human penis or glans penis, making it extremely sensitive to touch.[31][32][33] The clitoral glans, which is a small, elongated erectile structure, has only one known function—sexual sensations. It is the main source of orgasm in women.[34][35][36][37] Thick secretions called smegma collect in the clitoris.[8]
The vaginal opening and the urethral opening are only visible when the labia minora are parted. These opening have many nerve endings that make them sensitive to touch. They are surrounded by a ring of sphincter muscles called the bulbocavernosus muscle. Underneath this muscle and on opposite sides of the vaginal opening are the vestibular bulbs, which help the vagina grip the penis by swelling with blood during arousal. Within the vaginal opening is the hymen, a thin membrane that partially covers the opening in many virgins. Rupture of the hymen has been historically considered the loss of one's virginity, though by modern standards, loss of virginity is considered to be the first sexual intercourse. The hymen can be ruptured by activities other than sexual intercourse. The urethral opening connects to the bladder with the urethra; it expels urine from the bladder. This is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.[8]
The breasts are external organs used for sexual pleasure in some cultures. Western culture is one of the few in which they are considered erotic.[8] The breasts are the subcutaneous tissues on the front thorax of the female body.[29] Breasts are modified sweat glands made up of fibrous tissues and fat that provide support and contain nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.[29] Their purpose is to provide milk to a developing infant. Breasts develop during puberty in response to an increase in estrogen. Each adult breast consists of 15 to 20 milk-producing mammary glands, irregularly shaped lobes that include alveolar glands and a lactiferous duct leading to the nipple. The lobes are separated by dense connective tissues that support the glands and attach them to the tissues on the underlying pectoral muscles.[29] Other connective tissue, which forms dense strands called suspensory ligaments, extends inward from the skin of the breast to the pectoral tissue to support the weight of the breast.[29] Heredity and the quantity of fatty tissue determine the size of the breasts.[8]
Internal female anatomy
Main article: Female reproductive system
The female reproductive system.[38]
The female internal reproductive organs are the vagina, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The vagina is a sheath-like canal that extends from the vulva to the cervix. It receives the penis during intercourse and serves as a depository for sperm. The vagina is also the birth canal; it can expand to 10 cm (3.9 in) during labor and delivery. The vagina is located between the bladder and the rectum. The vagina is normally collapsed, but during sexual arousal it opens, lengthens, and produces lubrication to allow the insertion of the penis. The vagina has three layered walls; it is a self-cleaning organ with natural bacteria that suppress the production of yeast.[8] The G-spot, named after the Ernst Gräfenberg who first reported it in 1950, may be located in the front wall of the vagina and may cause orgasms. This area may vary in size and location between women; in some it may be absent. Various researchers dispute its structure or existence, or regard it as an extension of the clitoris.[39][40][41]
The uterus or womb is a hollow, muscular organ where a fertilized egg (ovum) will implant itself and grow into a fetus.[8] The uterus lies in the pelvic cavity between the bladder and the bowel, and above the vagina. It is usually positioned in a 90-degree angle tilting forward, although in about 20% of women it tilts backwards.[29] The uterus has three layers; the innermost layer is the endometrium, where the egg is implanted. During ovulation, this thickens for implantation. If implantation does not occur, it is sloughed off during menstruation. The cervix is the narrow end of the uterus. The broad part of the uterus is the fundus.[8]
During ovulation, the ovum travels down the Fallopian tubes to the uterus. These extend about four inches (10 cm) from both sides of the uterus. Finger-like projections at the ends of the tubes brush the ovaries and receive the ovum once it is released. The ovum then travels for three to four days to the uterus.[8] After sexual intercourse, sperm swim up this funnel from the uterus. The lining of the tube and its secretions sustain the egg and the sperm, encouraging fertilization and nourishing the ovum until it reaches the uterus. If the ovum divides after fertilization, identical twins are produced. If separate eggs are fertilized by different sperm, the mother gives birth to non-identical or fraternal twins.[29]
The ovaries are the female gonads; they develop from the same embryonic tissue as the testicles. The ovaries are suspended by ligaments and are the source where ova are stored and developed before ovulation. The ovaries also produce female hormones progesterone and estrogen. Within the ovaries, each ovum is surrounded by other cells and contained within a capsule called a primary follicle. At puberty, one or more of these follicles are stimulated to mature on a monthly basis. Once matured, these are called Graafian follicles.[8] The female reproductive system does not produce the ova; about 60,000 ova are present at birth, only 400 of which will mature during the woman's lifetime.[29]
Ovulation is based on a monthly cycle; the 14th day is the most fertile. On days one to four, menstruation and production of estrogen and progesterone decreases, and the endometrium starts thinning. The endometrium is sloughed off for the next three to six days. Once menstruation ends, the cycle begins again with an FSH surge from the pituitary gland. Days five to thirteen are known as the pre-ovulatory stage. During this stage, the pituitary gland secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A negative feedback loop is enacted when estrogen is secreted to inhibit the release of FSH. Estrogen thickens the endometrium of the uterus. A surge of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) triggers ovulation. On day 14, the LH surge causes a Graafian follicle to surface the ovary. The follicle ruptures and the ripe ovum is expelled into the abdominal cavity. The fallopian tubes pick up the ovum with the fimbria. The cervical mucus changes to aid the movement of sperm. On days 15 to 28—the post-ovulatory stage, the Graafian follicle—now called the corpus luteum—secretes estrogen. Production of progesterone increases, inhibiting LH release. The endometrium thickens to prepare for implantation, and the ovum travels down the Fallopian tubes to the uterus. If the ovum is not fertilized and does not implant, menstruation begins.[8]
Sexual response cycle
The sexual response cycle is a model that describes the physiological responses that occur during sexual activity. This model was created by William Masters and Virginia Johnson. According to Masters and Johnson, the human sexual response cycle consists of four phases; excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution, also called the EPOR model. During the excitement phase of the EPOR model, one attains the intrinsic motivation to have sex. The plateau phase is the precursor to orgasm, which may be mostly biological for men and mostly psychological for women. Orgasm is the release of tension, and the resolution period is the unaroused state before the cycle begins again.[8]
The male sexual response cycle starts in the excitement phase; two centers in the spine are responsible for erections. Vasoconstriction in the penis begins, the heart rate increases, the scrotum thickens, the spermatic cord shortens, and the testicles become engorged with blood. In the plateau phase, the penis increases in diameter, the testicles become more engorged, and the Cowper's glands secrete pre-seminal fluid. The orgasm phase, during which rhythmic contractions occur every 0.8 seconds, consists of two phases; the emission phase, in which contractions of the vas deferens, prostate, and seminal vesicles encourage ejaculation, which is the second phase of orgasm. Ejaculation is called the expulsion phase; it cannot be reached without an orgasm. In the resolution phase, the male is now in an unaroused state consisting of a refactory (rest) period before the cycle can begin. This rest period may increase with age.[8]
The female sexual response begins with the excitement phase, which can last from several minutes to several hours. Characteristics of this phase include increased heart and respiratory rate, and an elevation of blood pressure. Flushed skin or blotches of redness may occur on the chest and back; breasts increase slightly in size and nipples may become hardened and erect. The onset of vasocongestion results in swelling of the clitoris, labia minora, and vagina. The muscle that surrounds the vaginal opening tightens and the uterus elevates and grows in size. The vaginal walls begin to produce a lubricating liquid. The second phase, called the plateau phase, is characterized primarily by the intensification of the changes begun during the excitement phase. The plateau phase extends to the brink of orgasm, which initiates the resolution stage; the reversal of the changes begun during the excitement phase. During the orgasm stage the heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and breathing rates peak. The pelvic muscle near the vagina, the anal sphincter, and the uterus contract. Muscle contractions in the vaginal area create a high level of pleasure, though all orgasms are centered in the clitoris.[8][42][43][44]
Evolution of the neurobiological factors of human sexuality
From rodent to human, the corticalization of the brain induces several changes in the control of sexual behavior, including lordosis behavior. These changes induce a "difference between the stereotyped sexual behaviors in non-human mammals and the astounding variety of human sexual behaviors".[45]
Evolution of the main neurobiological factors that control the sexual behavior of mammals.[45][46][47][48]
Sexual reflexes, such as the motor reflex of lordosis, become secondary. In particular, lordosis behavior, which is a motor reflex complex and essential to carry out copulation in non-primate mammals (rodents, canines, bovids ...), is apparently no longer functional in women. Sexual stimuli on women do not trigger any more neither immobilization nor the reflex position of lordosis. On the level of olfactory systems, the vomeronasal organ is altered in hominids[49] and 90% of the pheromone receptor genes become pseudogenes in humans.[46] Concerning hormonal control, sexual activities are gradually dissociated from hormonal cycles. Humans can have sex anytime during the year and hormonal cycles. On the contrary, the importance of rewards / reinforcements and cognition became major. Especially in humans, the extensive development of the neocortex allows the emergence of culture, which has a major influence on behavior.[50] For all these reasons, the dynamics of sexual behavior was modified.[45][47][48]
Multifactorial dynamics of human sexuality[47]
In human beings, sexuality is multifactorial, with several factors that interact (genes, hormones, conditioning, sexual preferences, emotions, cognitive processes, cultural context). The relative importance of each of these factors is dependent both on individual physiological characteristics, personal experience and aspects of the sociocultural environment.[48]
Sexual dysfunction and sexual problems
Main article: Sexual dysfunction
Sexual disorders, according to the DSM-IV-TR, are disturbances in sexual desire and psycho-physiological changes that characterize the sexual response cycle and cause marked distress, and interpersonal difficulty. The sexual dysfunctions is a result of physical or psychological disorders. The physical causes include, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, heart disease and more. The psychological causes includes but are not limited to, stress, anxiety, and depression.[51] The sexual dysfunction affects men and women. There are four major categories of sexual problems for women: desire disorders, arousal disorders, orgasmic disorders, and sexual pain disorders.[8] The sexual desire disorder occurs when an individual lacks the sexual desire because of hormonal changes, depression, and pregnancy.The arousal disorder is a female sexual dysfunction. Arousal disorder means lack of vaginal lubrication. In addition, blood flow problems may affect arousal disorder. Lack of orgasm, also known as, anorgasmia is another sexual dysfunction in women. The anorgasmia occurs in women with psychological disorders such as guilt and anxiety that was caused by sexual assault. The last sexual disorder is the painful intercourse. The sexual disorder can be result of pelvic mass, scar tissue, sexually transmitted disease and more.[52] There are also three common sexual disorders for men including, sexual desire, ejaculation disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The lack of sexual desire in men is because of loss of libido, low testosterone. There are also psychological factors such as anxiety, and depression.[53] The ejaculation disorder has three types, Retrograde ejaculation, retarded ejaculation, premature ejaculation. The erectile dysfunction is a disability to have and maintain an erection during intercourse.[54]
Sexuality in humans generates profound emotional and psychological responses. Some theorists identify sexuality as the central source of human personality.[55] Psychological studies of sexuality focus on psychological influences that affect sexual behavior and experiences.[18] Early psychological analyses were carried out by Sigmund Freud, who believed in a psychoanalytic approach. He also proposed the concepts of psychosexual development and the Oedipus complex, among other theories.[56]
Gender identity is a person's sense of self-identification as female, male, both, neither, or somewhere in between. The social construction of gender has been discussed by many scholars, including Judith Butler. More recent research has focused upon the influence of feminist theory and courtship.[57][58]
Sexual behavior and intimate relationships are strongly influenced by a person's sexual orientation.[59] Sexual orientation is an enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction (or a combination of these) to persons of the opposite sex, same sex, or both sexes.[59] Heterosexual people are romantically/sexually attracted to the members of the opposite sex, gay and lesbian people are romantically/sexually attracted to people of the same sex, and those who are bisexual are romantically/sexually attracted to both sexes.[5]
Before the High Middle Ages, homosexual acts appear to have been ignored or tolerated by the Christian church.[60] During the 12th century, hostility toward homosexuality began to spread throughout religious and secular institutions. By the end of the 19th century, it was viewed as a pathology.[60] Havelock Ellis and Sigmund Freud adopted more accepting stances; Ellis said homosexuality was inborn and therefore not immoral, not a disease, and that many homosexuals made significant contributions to society.[60] Freud wrote that all human beings as capable of becoming either heterosexual or homosexual; neither orientation was assumed to be innate.[61] According to Freud, a person's orientation depended on the resolution of the Oedipus complex. He said male homosexuality resulted when a young boy had an authoritarian, rejecting mother and turned to his father for love and affection, and later to men in general. He said female homosexuality developed when a girl loved her mother and identified with her father, and became fixated at that stage.[61]
Freud and Ellis said homosexuality resulted from reversed gender roles. In the early 21st century, this view is reinforced by the media's portrayal of male homosexuals as effeminate and female homosexuals as masculine.[61] A person's conformity or non-conformity to gender stereotypes does not always predict sexual orientation. Society believes that if a man is masculine he is heterosexual, and if a man is feminine he is homosexual. There is no strong evidence that a homosexual or bisexual orientation must be associated with atypical gender roles. By the early 21st century, homosexuality was no longer considered to be a pathology. Theories have linked many factors, including genetic, anatomical, birth order, and hormones in the prenatal environment, to homosexuality.[61]
Other than the need to procreate, there are many other reasons people have sex. According to one study conducted on college students (Meston & Buss, 2007), the four main reasons for sexual activities are; physical attraction, as a means to an end, to increase emotional connection, and to alleviate insecurity.[62]
Sexuality and age
Child sexuality
Main article: Child sexuality
In the past, children were often assumed not to have sexuality until later development. Sigmund Freud was one of the first researchers to take child sexuality seriously. His ideas, such as psychosexual development and the Oedipus conflict, have been much debated but acknowledging the existence of child sexuality was an important development.[63] Freud gave sexual drives an importance and centrality in human life, actions, and behavior; he said sexual drives exist and can be discerned in children from birth. He explains this in his theory of infantile sexuality, and says sexual energy (libido) is the most important motivating force in adult life. Freud wrote about the importance of interpersonal relationships to one's sexual and emotional development. From birth, the mother's connection to the infant affects the infant's later capacity for pleasure and attachment.[64] Freud described two currents of emotional life; an affectionate current, including our bonds with the important people in our lives; and a sensual current, including our wish to gratify sexual impulses. During adolescence, a young person tries to integrate these two emotional currents.[65]
Alfred Kinsey also examined child sexuality in his Kinsey Reports. Children are naturally curious about their bodies and sexual functions. For example, they wonder where babies come from, they notice the differences between males and females, and many engage in genital play, which is often mistaken for masturbation. Child sex play, also known as playing doctor, includes exhibiting or inspecting the genitals. Many children take part in some sex play, typically with siblings or friends.[63] Sex play with others usually decreases as children grow, but they may later possess romantic interest in their peers. Curiosity levels remain high during these years, but the main surge in sexual interest occurs in adolescence.[63]
Sexuality in late adulthood
Main article: Sexuality in older age
Adult sexuality originates in childhood. However, like many other human capacities, sexuality is not fixed, but matures and develops. A common stereotype associated with old people is that they tend to lose interest and the ability to engage in sexual acts once they reach late adulthood. This misconception is reinforced by Western popular culture, which often ridicules older adults who try to engage in sexual activities. Age does not necessarily change the need or desire to be sexually expressive or active. A couple in a long-term relationship may find that the frequency of their sexual activity decreases over time and the type of sexual expression may change, but many couples experience increased intimacy and love.[66]
Sociocultural aspects
A Women's Liberation march in the U.S. Washington, D.C., August 1970. March was from Farrugut Square to Lafayette Park.[67]
A Gay Liberation march in the U.K.. London, England, ca. 1972. A Gay Liberation Front banner is visible. Location is believed to be Trafalgar Square.[68]
Human sexuality can be understood as part of the social life of humans, which is governed by implied rules of behavior and the status quo. This narrows the view to groups within a society.[18] The socio-cultural context of society, including the effects of politics and the mass media, influences and forms social norms. Before the early 21st century, people fought for their civil rights. The civil rights movements helped to bring about massive changes in social norms; examples include the sexual revolution and the rise of feminism.[69][70]
The link between constructed sexual meanings and racial ideologies has been studied. Sexual meanings are constructed to maintain racial-ethnic-national boundaries by denigration of "others" and regulation of sexual behavior within the group. According to Joane Nagel, "both adherence to and deviation from such approved behaviors, define and reinforce racial, ethnic, and nationalist regimes".[71][72] Scholars also study the ways in which colonialism has effected sexuality today and argue that due to racism and slavery it has been dramatically changed from the way it had previously been understood.[73] These changes to sexuality are argued to be largely effected by the enforcement of the gender binary and heteropatriarchy as tools of colonization on colonized communities as seen in nations such as India, Samoa, and the First Nations in the Americas, resulting in the deaths and erasure of non-western genders and sexualities. In the United States people of color face the effects of colonialism in different ways with stereotypes such as the Mammy, and Jezabel for Black women; lotus blossom, and dragon lady for Asian women; and the "spicy" Latina.[74]
The age and manner in which children are informed of issues of sexuality is a matter of sex education. The school systems in almost all developed countries have some form of sex education, but the nature of the issues covered varies widely. In some countries, such as Australia and much of Europe, age-appropriate sex education often begins in pre-school, whereas other countries leave sex education to the pre-teenage and teenage years.[75] Sex education covers a range of topics, including the physical, mental, and social aspects of sexual behavior. Geographic location also plays a role in society's opinion of the appropriate age for children to learn about sexuality. According to TIME magazine and CNN, 74% of teenagers in the United States reported that their major sources of sexual information were their peers and the media, compared to 10% who named their parents or a sex education course.[8]
Religious sexual morality
Main article: Religion and sexuality
In some religions, sexual behavior is regarded as primarily spiritual. In others it is treated as primarily physical. Some hold that sexual behavior is only spiritual within certain kinds of relationships, when used for specific purposes, or when incorporated into religious ritual. In some religions there are no distinctions between the physical and the spiritual, whereas some religions view human sexuality as a way of completing the gap that exists between the spiritual and the physical.[76]
Many religious conservatives, especially those of Abrahamic religions and Christianity in particular, tend to view sexuality in terms of behavior (i.e. homosexuality or heterosexuality is what someone does) and certain sexualities such as bisexuality tend to be ignored as a result of this. These conservatives tend to promote celibacy for gay people, and may also tend to believe that sexuality can be changed through conversion therapy[77] or prayer to become an ex-gay. They may also see homosexuality as a form of mental illness, something that ought to be criminalised, an immoral abomination, caused by ineffective parenting, and view same-sex marriage as a threat to society.[78]
On the other hand, most religious liberals define sexuality-related labels in terms of sexual attraction and self-identification.[77] They may also view same-sex activity as morally neutral and as legally acceptable as opposite-sex activity, unrelated to mental illness, genetically or environmentally caused (but not as the result of bad parenting), and fixed. They also tend to be more in favor of same-sex marriage.[78]
Attitude by religion
According to Judaism, sex between man and woman within marriage is sacred and should be enjoyed; celibacy is considered sinful.[8]
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that sexuality is "noble and worthy"[79] but that it must be used in accordance with natural law. For this reason, all sexual activity must occur in the context of a marriage between a man and a woman, and must not be divorced from the possibility of conception. Most forms of sex without the possibility of conception are considered intrinsically disordered and sinful, such as the use of contraceptives, masturbation, and homosexual acts.[80]
In Islam, sexual desire is considered to be a natural urge that should not be suppressed, although the concept of free sex is not accepted; these urges should be fulfilled responsibly. Marriage is considered to be a good deed; it does not hinder spiritual wayfaring. The term used for marriage within the Quran is nikah, which literally means sexual intercourse. Although Islamic sexuality is restrained via Islamic sexual jurisprudence, it emphasizes sexual pleasure within marriage. It is acceptable for a man to have more than one wife, but he must take care of those wives physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.[81] Muslims believe that sexual intercourse is an act of worship that fulfils emotional and physical needs, and that producing children is one way in which humans can contribute to God's creation, and Islam discourages celibacy once an individual is married. However, homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Islam, and some Muslim lawyers have suggested that gay people should be put to death.[82] On the other hand, some have argued that Islam has an open and playful approach to sex[83][84] so long as it is within marriage, free of lewdness, fornication and adultery. For many Muslims, sex with reference to the Quran indicates that – bar anal intercourse and adultery – a Muslim marital home bonded by Nikah marital contract between husband and his wife(s) should enjoy and even indulge, within the privacy of their marital home, in limitless scope of heterosexual sexual acts within a monogamous or polygamous marriage.[85]
Hinduism emphasizes that sex is only appropriate between husband and wife, in which satisfying sexual urges through sexual pleasure is an important duty of marriage. Any sex before marriage is considered to interfere with intellectual development, especially between birth and the age of 25, which is said to be brahmacharya and this should be avoided. Kama (sensual pleasures) is one of the four purusharthas or aims of life (dharma, artha, kama, and moksha).[86] The Hindu Kama Sutra deals partially with sexual intercourse; it is not exclusively a sexual or religious work.[87][88][89]
Sikhism views chastity as important, as Sikhs believe that the divine spark of Waheguru is present inside every individual's body, therefore it is important for one to keep clean and pure. Sexual activity is limited to married couples, and extramarital sex is forbidden. Marriage is seen as a commitment to Waheguru and should be viewed as part of spiritual companionship, rather than just sexual intercourse, and monogamy is deeply emphasised in Sikhism. Any other way of living is discouraged, including celibacy and homosexuality. However, in comparison to other religions, the issue of sexuality in Sikhism is not considered one of paramount importance.[90]
Sexuality in history
Main article: History of human sexuality
Sexuality has been an important, vital part of human existence throughout history.[91] All civilizations have managed sexuality through sexual standards, representations, and behavior.[91]
Before the rise of agriculture, groups of hunter/gatherers (H/G) and nomads inhabited the world. Within these groups, some implications of male dominance existed, but there were signs that women were active participants in sexuality, with bargaining power of their own. These hunter/gatherers had less restrictive sexual standards that emphasized sexual pleasure and enjoyment, but with definite rules and constraints. Some underlying continuities or key regulatory standards contended with the tension between recognition of pleasure, interest, and the need to procreate for the sake of social order and economic survival. H/G groups also placed high value on certain types of sexual symbolism. Two common tensions in H/G societies are expressed in their art, which emphasizes male sexuality and prowess, with equally common tendencies to blur gender lines in sexual matters. One example of these male-dominated portrayals is the Egyptian creation myth, in which the sun god Atum masturbates in the water, creating the Nile River. In Sumerian myth, the Gods' semen filled the Tigris.[91]
Once agricultural societies emerged, the sexual framework shifted in ways that persisted for many millennia in much of Asia, Africa, Europe, and parts of the Americas. One common characteristic new to these societies was the collective supervision of sexual behavior due to urbanization, and the growth of population and population density. Children would commonly witness parents having sex because many families shared the same sleeping quarters. Due to landownership, determination of children's paternity became important, and society and family life became patriarchal. These changes in sexual ideology were used to control female sexuality and to differentiate standards by gender. With these ideologies, sexual possessiveness and increases in jealousy emerged. With the domestication of animals, new opportunities for bestiality arose. Males mostly performed these types of sexual acts and many societies acquired firm rules against it. These acts also explain the many depictions of half-human, half-animal mythical creatures, and the sports of gods and goddesses with animals.[91] While retaining the precedents of earlier civilizations, each classical civilization established a somewhat distinctive approach to gender, artistic expression of sexual beauty, and to behaviors such as homosexuality. Some of these distinctions are portrayed in sex manuals, which were also common among civilizations in China, Greece, Rome, Persia, and India; each has its own sexual history.[91]
During the beginning of the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, many changes in sexual standards occurred. New, dramatic, artificial birth control devices such as the condom and diaphragm were introduced. Doctors started claiming a new role in sexual matters, urging that their advice was crucial to sexual morality and health. New pornographic industries grew and Japan adopted its first laws against homosexuality. In western societies, the definition of homosexuality was constantly changing; western influence on other cultures became more prevalent. New contacts created serious issues around sexuality and sexual traditions. There were also major shifts in sexual behavior. During this period, puberty began occurring at younger ages, so a new focus on adolescence as a time of sexual confusion and danger emerged. There was a new focus on the purpose of marriage; it was increasing regarded as being for love rather than only for economics and reproduction.[91]
Alfred Kinsey initiated the modern era of sex research. He collected data from questionnaires given to his students at Indiana University, but then switched to personal interviews about sexual behaviors. Kinsey and his colleagues sampled 5,300 men and 5,940 women. He found that most people masturbated, that many engaged in oral sex, that women are capable of having multiple orgasms, and that many men had had some type of homosexual experience in their lifetimes. Many believe he was the major influence in changing 20th century attitudes about sex. Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University continues to be a major center for the study of human sexuality.[8] Before William Masters, a physician, and Virginia Johnson, a behavioral scientist, the study of anatomy and physiological studies of sex was still limited to experiments with laboratory animals. Masters and Johnson started to directly observe and record the physical responses in humans that are engaged in sexual activity under laboratory settings. They observed 10,000 episodes of sexual acts between 312 men and 382 women. This led to methods of treating clinical problems and abnormalities. Masters and Johnson opened the first sex therapy clinic in 1965. In 1970, they described their therapeutic techniques in their book, Human Sexual Inadequacy.[8]
Reproductive and sexual rights
Further information: Reproductive health and Reproductive rights
Reproductive and sexual rights encompass the concept of applying human rights to issues related to reproduction and sexuality.[92] This concept is a modern one, and remains controversial, especially outside the West, since it deals, directly and indirectly, with issues such as contraception, LGBT rights, abortion, sex education, freedom to choose a partner, freedom to decide whether to be sexually active or not, right to bodily integrity, freedom to decide whether or not, and when, to have children.[93][94][95] According to the Swedish government, "sexual rights include the right of all people to decide over their own bodies and sexuality" and "reproductive rights comprise the right of individuals to decide on the number of children they have and the intervals at which they are born."[96] Such rights are not accepted in all cultures, with practices such criminalization of consensual sexual activities (such as those related to homosexual acts and sexual acts outside marriage), acceptance of forced marriage and child marriage, failure to criminalize all non-consensual sexual encounters (such as marital rape), female genital mutilation, or restricted availability of contraception, being common around the world.[97][98]
Sexual behavior
General activities and health
Main article: Human sexual activity
See also: Sexual intercourse § Health effects, and Sexually active life expectancy
In humans, sexual intercourse and sexual activity in general have been shown to have health benefits, such as an improved sense of smell, stress and blood pressure reduction,[99][100] increased immunity,[101] and decreased risk of prostate cancer.[102][103][104] Sexual intimacy and orgasms increase levels of oxytocin, which helps people bond and build trust.[105][106][107] A long-term study of 3,500 people between ages 30 and 101 by clinical neuropsychologist David Weeks, MD, head of old-age psychology at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, said he found that "sex helps you look between four and seven years younger", according to impartial ratings of the subjects' photographs. Exclusive causation, however, is unclear, and the benefits may be indirectly related to sex and directly related to significant reductions in stress, greater contentment, and better sleep that sex promotes.[108][109][110]
Sexual intercourse can also be a disease vector.[111] There are 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) every year in the U.S.,[112] and worldwide there are over 340 million STD infections each year.[113] More than half of these occur in adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years.[114] At least one in four U.S. teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease.[112][115] In the U.S., about 30% of 15- to 17-year-olds have had sexual intercourse, but only about 80% of 15- to 19-year-olds report using condoms for their first sexual intercourse.[116] In one study, more than 75% of young women age 18–25 years felt they were at low risk of acquiring an STD.[117]
Creating a relationship
The Flirtation, Eugene de Blaas, 1904.[118]
People both consciously and subconsciously seek to attract others with whom they can form deep relationships. This may be for companionship, procreation, or an intimate relationship. This involves interactive processes whereby people find and attract potential partners and maintain a relationship. These processes, which involve attracting one or more partners and maintaining sexual interest, can include:
Flirting, the attraction of the sexual attention of another to encourage romance or sexual relations. It can involve body language, conversation, joking, or brief physical contact.[119] Flirting is a socially accepted way of attracting someone. There are different types of flirting, and most people usually have one way of flirting that makes them most comfortable. When flirting, people can be polite, playful, physical, etc. Sometimes it is difficult to know whether or not the person is interested.[120] Flirting styles vary according to culture. Different cultures have different social etiquette. For example, length of eye contact, or how closely one stands by someone.[121]
Seduction, the process whereby one person deliberately entices another to engage in sexual behavior.[122] This behavior is one that the person you are seducing would not usually do, unless sexually aroused. Seduction can be seen as both a positive and a negative. Since the word seduction has a Latin meaning, which is "to lead astray" it can be viewed negatively.[123]
Main article: Sexual attraction
Sexual attraction is attraction on the basis of sexual desire or the quality of arousing such interest.[124][125] Sexual attractiveness or sex appeal is an individual's ability to attract the sexual or erotic interest of another person, and is a factor in sexual selection or mate choice. The attraction can be to the physical or other qualities or traits of a person, or to such qualities in the context in which they appear. The attraction may be to a person's aesthetics or movements or to their voice or smell, besides other factors. The attraction may be enhanced by a person's adornments, clothing, perfume, hair length and style, and anything else which can attract the sexual interest of another person. It can also be influenced by individual genetic, psychological, or cultural factors, or to other, more amorphous qualities of the person. Sexual attraction is also a response to another person that depends on a combination of the person possessing the traits and also on the criteria of the person who is attracted.
Though attempts have been made to devise objective criteria of sexual attractiveness, and measure it as one of several bodily forms of capital asset (see erotic capital), a person's sexual attractiveness is to a large extent a subjective measure dependent on another person's interest, perception, and sexual orientation. For example, a gay or lesbian person would typically find a person of the same sex to be more attractive than one of the other sex. A bisexual person would find either sex to be attractive. In addition, there are asexual people, who usually do not experience sexual attraction for either sex, though they may have romantic attraction (homoromantic, biromantic or heteroromantic). Interpersonal attraction includes factors such as physical or psychological similarity, familiarity or possessing a preponderance of common or familiar features, similarity, complementarity, reciprocal liking, and reinforcement.[126]
The ability of a person's physical and other qualities to create a sexual interest in others is the basis of their use in advertising, music video, pornography, film, and other visual media, as well as in modeling, sex work and other occupations.
Main articles: Human sexual activity § Legal issues, and Sex and the law
Globally, laws regulate human sexuality in several ways, including criminalizing particular sexual behaviors, granting individuals the privacy or autonomy to make their own sexual decisions, protecting individuals with regard to equality and non-discrimination, recognizing and protecting other individual rights, as well as legislating matters regarding marriage and the family, and creating laws protecting individuals from violence, harassment, and persecution.[127]
In the United States, there are two fundamentally different approaches, applied in different states, regarding the way the law is used to attempt to govern a person's sexuality. The "black letter" approach to law focuses on the study of pre-existing legal precedent, and attempts to offer a clear framework of rules within which lawyers and others can work.[127] In contrast, the socio-legal approach focuses more broadly on the relationship between the law and society, and offers a more contextualized view of the relationship between legal and social change.[127] Both approaches are used to guide changes in the legal system of states, and both have an effect.
Issues regarding human sexuality and human sexual orientation have come to the forefront in Westerm law in the latter half of the twentieth century, as part of the gay liberation movement's encouragement of LGBT individuals to "come out of the closet" and engaging with the legal system, primarily through courts. Therefore, many issues regarding human sexuality and the law are found in the opinions of the courts.[128]
Sexual privacy
See also: Sexual and reproductive health and rights
While the issue of privacy has been useful to sexual rights claims, some scholars have criticized its usefulness, saying that this perspective is too narrow and restrictive. The law is often slow to intervene in certain forms of coercive behavior that can limit individuals' control over their own sexuality (such as female genital mutilation, forced marriages or lack of access to reproductive health care). Many of these injustices are often perpetuated wholly or in part by private individuals rather than state agents, and as a result, there is an ongoing debate about the extent of state responsibility to prevent harmful practices and to investigate such practices when they do occur.[127]
State intervention with regards to sexuality also occurs, and is considered acceptable by some, in certain instances (e.g. same-sex sexual activity or prostitution).[127]
Antisexualism
Gay sexual practices
Lesbian sexual practices
Human mating strategies
Sex-positive movement
Sex-positive feminism
Sociosexual orientation
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↑ Light, K.C. et al., "More frequent partner hugs and higher oxytocin levels are linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate in premenopausal women." Biological Psychology, April 2005; vol 69: pp 5–21.
↑ Charnetski CJ, Brennan FX. Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Psychological Reports 2004 Jun;94(3 Pt 1):839-44. Data on length of relationship and sexual satisfaction were not related to the group differences.
↑ Michael F. Leitzmann; Edward Giovannucci. Frequency of Ejaculation and Risk of Prostate Cancer—Reply. JAMA. (2004);292:329.
↑ Leitzmann MF, Platz EA, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Giovannucci E. Ejaculation Frequency and Subsequent Risk of Prostate Cancer. JAMA. (2004);291(13):1578–1586.
↑ Giles, GG; Severi, G; English, DR; et al. (August 2003). "Sexual factors and prostate cancer". BJU Int. 92 (3): 211–6. doi:10.1046/j.1464-410x.2003.04319.x. PMID 12887469. CS1 maint: Explicit use of et al. (link)
↑ Lee, HJ; Macbeth, AH; Pagani, JH; Young, WS (June 2009). "Oxytocin: the great facilitator of life". Prog. Neurobiol. 88 (2): 127–51. doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.04.001. PMC 2689929. PMID 19482229.
↑ Riley AJ. Oxytocin and coitus. Sexual and Relationship Therapy (1988);3:29–36
↑ Carter CS. Oxytocin and sexual behavior. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (1992);16(2):131–144
↑ Blum, Jeffrey. "Can Good Sex Keep You Young?". WebMD. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
↑ Weeks, David (1999). Secrets of the Superyoung. Berkley. p. 277. ISBN 978-0-425-17258-2.
↑ Northrup, Christiane (2010). Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing. Bantam. p. 960. ISBN 978-0-553-80793-6.
↑ "Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Archived 25 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine.". U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
1 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2008. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; November 2009.Fact Sheet
↑ World Health Organization Fact Sheet on Sexually Transmitted Diseases. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 24 July 2011. CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link) Accessed 27 May 2010
↑ Weinstock H, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (2004);36(1):6–10.
↑ Sex Infections Found in Quarter of Teenage Girls. The New York Times. 12 March 2008.
↑ CDC. Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10–24 Years —United States, 2002–2007. MMWR 20009; 58 (No. SS-6):1–59
↑ Yarnall, KS; McBride, CM; Lyna, P; et al. (August 2003). "Factors associated with condom use among at-risk women students and nonstudents seen in managed care". Prev Med. 37 (2): 163–70. doi:10.1016/s0091-7435(03)00109-9. PMID 12855216. CS1 maint: Explicit use of et al. (link)
↑ "Art Renewal Center Museum™ Artist Information for Eugene de Blaas". Artrenewal.org. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
↑ SIRC Guide to Flirting. What Social Science can tell you about flirting and how to do it. Retrieved 13 October 2009.
↑ Schmidt, Megan (9 November 2013). "New book outlines five types of flirting styles". University of Kansas. KU News Service. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
↑ "Scoring a German: Flirting with Fräuleins, Hunting for Herren - SPIEGEL ONLINE". Spiegel.de. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
↑ Greene, Robert (2003). The Art of Seduction. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-200119-8.
↑ Buss, D. (1996) The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating.
↑ "Sexual attraction". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
↑ "Sexual attraction". Reference.com. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
↑ Miller, R., Perlman, D., and Brehm, S.S. Intimate Relationships, 4th Edition, McGrawHill Companies.
1 2 3 4 5 Mills, Elizabeth; Haste, Polly; Wood, Stephen (17 June 2016). "1. Issues and Debates; How is sexuality regulated in law?". Sexuality and Social Justice: A Toolkit. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies, Sexuality, Poverty and Law Programme. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
↑ "Researching Legal Issues of Sexual Orientation". library.law.umn.edu. University of Minnesota. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
Durham, Meenakshi G. (2012). TechnoSex: technologies of the body, mediated corporealities, and the quest for the sexual self. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Gregersen, E. (1982). Sexual Practices: The Story of Human Sexuality. New York: F. Watts.
Lyons, Andrew P. & Harriet D., eds. Sexualities in Anthropology: a reader. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011 ISBN 140519054X
Richardson, Niall; Smith, Clarissa & Werndly, Angela (2013) Studying Sexualities: Theories, Representations, Cultures. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Soble, Alan (ed.). Sex from Plato to Paglia: A Philosophical Encyclopedia, 2 volumes. Greenwood Press, 2006.
Wood, H. Sex (2003). "Sex Cells." (news report) Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 4:88. doi:10.1038/nrn1044. Lay summary of primary source appearing from the University of Calgary, in Science, on prolactin release during sexual activity in mice, and its possible relationship to stroke therapy.
"Examining the Relationship Between Media Use and Aggression, Sexuality, and Body Image," Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Glossario di sessuologia clinica – Glossary of clinical sexology
International Encyclopedia of Sexuality full text
Janssen, D. F., Growing Up Sexually. Volume I. World Reference Atlas [full text]
Masters, William H., Virginia E. Johnson, and Robert C. Kolodny. Crisis: Heterosexual Behavior in the Age of AIDS. First ed. New York: Grove Press, 1988. ix, 243 p. ISBN 0-8021-1049-5
National Sexuality Resource Center
Durex Global Sex Survey 2005 at data360.org
POPLINE is a searchable database of the world's reproductive health literature.
The Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of Sexuality at the Kinsey Institute
The Sexuality and Rights Institute
The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality
MRI Video of Human Copulation
"Naked Science: What's Sexy?". Naked Science. Series 2. Episode 1. 13 February 2006. National Geographic Channel.
Biological terms
Virilization
Sex-determination system
Temperature-dependent
Haplodiploidy
Heterogametic sex / Homogametic sex
Sex chromosome
X chromosome
Y chromosome
Testis-determining factor
Sequential hermaphroditism
parasexuality
Evolution of sexual reproduction
Anisogamy
Isogamy
Germ cell
Sex organ
Gametogenesis
Spermatogenesis
Oogenesis
Gamete
spermatozoon
ovum
Fungal reproduction
Sexual reproduction in animals
Sexual intercourse
Copulation
Plant sexuality
Animal sexuality
Sex portal
Biology portal
Outline of human sexuality
Physiology and biology
Female and male ejaculation
Pre-ejaculate
Masters and Johnson
Hypersexuality
Hyposexuality
Sexual surrogate
Sexual identity
Women who have sex with women
Criminal transmission of HIV
Counterculture of the 1960s
Feminist sex wars
Golden Age of Porn
History of erotic depictions
"Porno chic"
and society
Anarchism and love/sex
Extramarital sex
Paraphilia
Promiscuity
Sexual abstinence
Sexual capital
Sexual ethics
Sexual objectification
Sexual slang
Child sex
Coprophilia
Emetophilia
Fetishism
Mechanics of sex
Nipple stimulation
Non-penetrative sex
Foot fetishism
Mammary intercourse
Sumata
Irrumatio
Orgasm control
Pompoir
Sexual fantasy
Sexual fetishism
Sexual penetration
Sexual sublimation
Tribadism
Urethral intercourse
Urolagnia
Wet T-shirt contest
Zoophilia
Sex industry
Red-light district
Adult video games
Survival sex
Sex museum
Sex tourism
Webcam model
Christian demonology
Gray asexuality
Casual relationship
Celibacy
Celibacy syndrome
Herbivore men
Committed relationship
Free love
Romantic orientation
Sexual partner
Single person
Physical attractiveness
Sex Addicts Anonymous
Adolescent sexuality
Miscegenation
Child prostitution
Child sex tourism
Child-on-child sexual abuse
Age of consent (reform)
Topical outline
Sexual urban legends
Donkey punch
Sex bracelet
Gerbilling
Progesterex
Toothing
Vagina dentata
Human sexual behavior
List of sex positions


text:
Далеко от Москвы — название художественных произведений.

 Далеко от Москвы — роман Василия Николаевича Ажаева (1948).
 Далеко от Москвы — советский художественный фильм режиссёра Александра Столпера 1950 года.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Lafyette's frigate, L'Hermione, is coming to America this summer!!!
France sails to the rescue in America's War of Independence! First in 1780 and now in 2015!
Newly afloat, she is an exact copy of the original frigate that transported Lafayette back to America in spring of 1780 announcing the arrival of Rochambeau's convoy that would dock in Newport, RI in July 1780.
L'Hermione: new construction began in 1993 in Rochefort, France, Charente-Maritime where she had first been built. Watch for more information on when and where she will dock with tall ships on the east coast of America this June – July 2015.
…. sang George to Martha.
George goes on to invite his dear wife to spend a return winter in the north.
Four Women in the Time of Rochambeau – A Queen, A Countess, A Future First Lady, and A Camp Follower.


text:
Top 10+ Stand-Up Comedians For Your Next Event
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - 16:06
Comedians are crowd-pleasers. Confident, charismatic and one of a kind, the comedians on this list are some of the best that Britain has to offer. It is one thing to see them on the television, but it is another to see them live. At Champions Music & Entertainment, you can book top comedians to perform at your next event, thanks to our experienced, professional booking agents and their industry contacts - we have someone for everyone!
Why book a comedian?
Comedians are the perfect entertainers – they are witty, charismatic, and carve a memorable connection with your audience. From weddings to corporate parties, these unique performers cut through the typical bands and singers to supply entertainment with a difference. Each of our comedians can tailor their material to your guests, so whether you desire an internationally renowned comic or a rising talent, these performers will ensure that your event is truly unforgettable.
Nabil Abdulrashid
Youngest Black Comic at the Hammersmith Apollo
"The name Nabil Abdulrashid basically means… that my phone calls are monitored. The annoying thing about being a Muslim in 21st century Britain is you know that MI5 and the Home Office listen in on your phone calls – but they don't go halves on the bill!"
Book Nabil Abdulrashid.
Roisin Conaty
Comedic Star from 8 Out of 10 Cats
"I would say my strengths will be, ah, my dexterity at mathematics and linguistical skills. My weaknesses are: I'm a liar."
Book Roisin Conaty.
Talented Ventriloquist
"(NINA) 'Can you not deconstruct the act so early on?' (MONKEY) 'What, do they think that you're talking to a real monkey?'"
Book Nina Conti.
Jack Whitehall
Versatile Comic, Presenter & Event Host
"I find adverts at the moment particularly annoying, like the banking adverts, because they're trying to portray bankers as nice people… You walk up to the till, it's like, 'ooh, how was your holiday?', I went camping. 'Ooh, why did you go camping?', Because YOU lost all of my money."
Book Jack Whitehall.
Jason Manford
Comedy Icon & TV Panel Regular
"I'm getting my wife a wooden leg for Christmas. It's not her main present, just her stocking filler."
Book Jason Manford.
Hugh Dennis
Star of Outnumbered
"(Donald Trump's) plan if he becomes President is, he's gonna build a 2,000-mile-long wall between the US and Mexico. So, he's gonna built a great wall to keep people out, and at the same time, his next point was he's not going to be influenced by China!"
Book Hugh Dennis.
Presenter of 8 Out of 10 Cats
"My favourite road sign is 'Falling Rocks'. What exactly am I supposed to do with that information? They may as well have a sign saying, 'Random accidents ahead' [or] 'Life's a lottery, Be lucky.'"
Book Jimmy Carr.
Stephen K Amos
Comedy Compere at London's Big Fish
"I love performing in front of all you wonderful people. But really, this isn't all that. What I really want is my own show. But the BBC have very strict guidelines about ethnicity. Apparently, I've got to wait for Lenny Henry to die."
Book Stephen K Amos.
Team Captain on Would I Lie to You?
"Fish don't blink. Which is the main eye defence. If you're ever trying to get the eye out of a fish and it blinks… it may be a lion."
Book David Mitchell.
Dara Ó Briain
Mock of the Week Presenter
"I just like the idea of the Queen sitting at the tennis going, 'I'm a stamp! I'm a coin!'"
Book Dara Ó Briain.
Babatunde Aléshé
Winner of the 2019 Amused Moose National New Comic Award
"Me and my wife, you know we got a son now, he's two, and we were like debating like; 'do we stay in London?'. And my wife was like 'no, no we gotta get out'. Now, we got a dilemma, you know - do we stay in London and risk our son growing up and joining a gang, or, do we leave London and risk our child growing up with a Birmingham accent?"
Book Babatunde Aléshé.
Book a Show-Stopping Comedian
Booking through Champions Music & Entertainment takes the stress out of securing an act. As an expert entertainment agency, we do the leg work so you can sit back and enjoy the show. Whether you want to hire Nabil Abdulrashid or Jack Whitehall, booking a comedian for your event is a sure-fire way to keep your guests entertained all night long.
Champions Music and Entertainment have a whole host of comedians available for corporate events, functions and private parties. Contact us by filling in our online contact form or by calling a booking agent directly on 0207 07 878 76.
Why a Comedian Is Perfect For Your Wedding?
Tribute Acts: How To Stand Out
How to Start a Band: Top Tips For Getting Up and Running

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Divisional Struggles Put NL East Up for Grabs
By Pat Gallen
Let's face it, no one was very high on the Phillies entering the season. As far as pundits go, many had them below 80 wins; my colleague Corey Seidman attempted to paint the rosiest picture by predicting 85 wins. My official guess was 80-82. And my original thought was that it would take upwards of 90 to win the NL East. That wasn't – and still isn't – a given.
Look around the National League East and you'll see teams with major flaws. Bright spots litter the division, but for the most part its clubs have a missing ingredient, or more.
Why they could win the NL East: Firsthand, we got a chance to see the Braves pitching staff in all its glory back in April. It's very solid, albeit doomed for regression. Julio Teheran looks to be the real deal as the staff ace. Alex Wood could be a very good starter, but it's too early to tell. Ervin Santana has pitched above his career norms. Mike Minor is finally healthy and is now settling into a starting role. Aaron Harang has been otherworldly since joining the Braves, his seventh team since 2010. Plus, they have Craig Kimbrel in the bullpen.
Why they won't win the NL East: They can't hit a lick. Going into Monday's game's, the Braves had managed just 99 runs in 30 games. Any lineup with B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla is destined to be one that strikes out an exorbitant amount (as a unit, they've fanned on 24.1% of their at-bats). Justin Upton and Freddie Freeman can only do so much.
Why they could win the NL East: Their bullpen went into Monday's games with the third-best ERA in the National League at 1.98. The pitching staff is one that will help them stay in games, fronted by Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmerman, and Gio Gonzalez.
Why they won't win the NL East: Missing both Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper for an extended stretch will obviously hurt the offense – they scored just two runs in the final two games of the series vs. the Phillies.
Over the weekend, the Phillies proved they could hang with the Nats.
Why they could win the NL East: They have pretty good arms in Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, and Zack Wheeler. They also have a very underrated second baseman, Daniel Murphy. He doesn't get enough recognition. David Wright is also still at the top of his game, although he's hit just one homer this season.
Why they won't win the NL East: Not much else on their team is all that great. Bartolo Colon is like a hundred years old and overweights. Can he hold up? Their bullpen is sketchy and their offense is a question mark. Curtis Granderson, the big offseason signing, is hitting .185.
Why they could win the NL East: Basically, its Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton. It's unlikely, but if they can go bonkers throughout the season, they could surprise some people. The issue is that they lean too heavily on those two players. DJ Ramos, Dan Jennings, and Steve Cishek are the key cogs of a talented, yet inconsistent bullpen.
Why they won't win the NL East: They just don't have enough to compete. Extremely reliant on two superstars and not much else might work for the Miami Heat. It won't work for the Marlins. In a few years, they may have the pieces to contend. But for now, the Marlins are too thin.
Related Items:divisional, east, Grabs, struggles
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Phelps Quiets Offense as Pitching and Defense Struggles in Loss
Is Joyner's Departure the Reason for Brown's Struggles?
Happ, Jays' Bullpen Shut Out Phillies
Gameday 31: Blue Jays vs. Phillies


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You are here: Home / Book Expo America / Blurb Adds Graphicly Team to Accelerate Growth
Blurb Adds Graphicly Team to Accelerate Growth
May 28, 2014 By Mercy Pilkington Leave a Comment
Blurb, a company that begin by producing limited print runs of graphics-heavy paper books before expanding into a digital publishing platform for self-published authors with a suite of user friendly tools, has been on a mission lately to acquire key products and support personnel to make their platform even more engaging, easy to use, and far-reaching. A release from the company today fell in line with their current mission when Blurb announced that it had acquired several key members of the Graphicly team, including co-founder Micah Baldwin.
"This acquisition of incredibly relevant talent will help us advance our vision of 21st century authoring," said Eileen Gittins, Blurb founder and CEO. "What self publishers need now is the ability to focus on the creative aspect of authoring, with output automatically generated for all relevant ebook formats, as well as print output."
Graphicly was one of the pioneers of illustrated ebooks, which included children's, graphic novels, comics, and more. For its part, Blurb has made its platform easier to use, no longer requiring InDesign files by creating a drag-and-drop suite for file creation. Blurb has also added expanded distribution to major print and ebook retailers and the Ingram catalog, with new announcements for other distribution opportunities slated for this summer.
"Authoring isn't just for authors anymore," continued Gittins. "For the past 18 months we have been working behind the scenes to build out support for people who want to publish any kind of book – both print and ebooks – whether highly illustrated, or text-driven or a combination of the two. But 'publish' doesn't stop at the point of creation; authors need and want to get the widest possible audience and that means broader distribution and marketing support."
Filed Under: Book Expo America, Digital Comic News, Digital Magazine News, Digital Publishing News, E-Book News, Indie Author News


"What do you think we should do when we return to the States?" Erin asked Carl, as they sat outside a tiny café sipping coffee. It was a question that had been plaguing her for weeks as they budget traveled across South East Asia in an attempt to avoid winter (and reality).
Though they will both admit the trail was life-altering, there were no great epiphanies, no magic answers to all of life's burning questions, no "ah-ha!" moments when suddenly life made sense. This is not a tale of personal growth.
As told through Hummingbird's journal entries, this is the story of life on the trail – the people you meet, the things you see, and how, mile by mile, you eventually become Hikertrash.