Human sexual activity

Some sexual activities are illegal either universally or in some countries or subnational jurisdictions, while some are considered contrary to the norms of certain societies or cultures.

Autoerotic sexual activity can involve use of dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, and other sex toys, though these devices can also be used with a partner.

[3][4] Fetishism can take many forms, including the desire for certain body parts (partialism) such as breasts, navels, or feet.

[6] The potential for injury or even death that exists while engaging in the partnered versions of these fetishes (choking and bondage, respectively) becomes drastically increased in the autoerotic case due to the isolation and lack of assistance in the event of a problem.

Relative to other animals, human mating strategies are unique in their relationship with cultural variables such as the institution of marriage.

[15] It serves to release tension, elevate mood, and possibly create a profound sense of relaxation, especially in the postcoital period.

Although the primary evolutionary purpose of sexual activity is reproduction, research on college students suggested that people have sex for four general reasons: physical attraction, as a means to an end, to increase emotional connection, and to alleviate insecurity.

This model also links the positive outcomes, (satisfying the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness) gained from sexual motivations.

[22] According to the completed research associated with this model, it was found that people of both sexes who engaged in sexual activity for self-determined motivation had more positive psychological well-being.

[28] Although opinions differ, researchers suggest that sexual activity is an essential part of humans, and that teenagers need to experience sex.

Among some communities (called "men on the DL" or "down-low"), same-sex sexual behavior is sometimes viewed as solely for physical pleasure.

[50][51] Pansexuality is characterized by the potential for aesthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire towards people without regard for their gender identity or biological sex.

Charles Darwin, who was married to his first cousin Emma Wedgwood, considered that the ill health that plagued his family was a consequence of inbreeding.

[55] In general, inbreeding between individuals who are closely genetically related leads to the expression of deleterious recessive mutations.

[56] Human outcrossing sexual activity provides the adaptive benefit of the masking of expression of deleterious recessive mutations.

[57] Alex Comfort and others propose three potential social aspects of sexual intercourse in humans, which are not mutually exclusive: reproductive, relational, and recreational.

For example: A fertile couple may have intercourse while using contraception to experience sexual pleasure (recreational) and also as a means of emotional intimacy (relational), thus deepening their bonding, making their relationship more stable and more capable of sustaining children in the future (deferred reproductive).

[citation needed] Human sexual activity is generally influenced by social rules that are culturally specific and vary widely.

When this involves having sex with, or performing certain actual sexual acts for another person in exchange for money or something of value, it is called prostitution.

[62][63] The relation between gender equality and sexual expression is recognized, and promotion of equity between men and women is crucial for attaining sexual and reproductive health, as stated by the UN International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action:[64] BDSM is a variety of erotic practices or roleplaying involving bondage, dominance and submission, sadomasochism, and other interpersonal dynamics.

[67] In a 2013 study, researchers stated that BDSM is a sexual act where participants play role games, use restraint, use power exchange, use suppression and pain is sometimes involved depending on individual(s).

They discuss how long the play will last, the intensity, their actions, what each participant needs or desires, and what, if any, sexual activities may be included.

[68] In a 2015 study, interviewed BDSM participants have mentioned that the activities have helped to create higher levels of connection, intimacy, trust and communication between partners.

The participants have also mentioned improvements in their personal growth, romantic relationships, sense of community and self, the dominant's confidence, and their coping with everyday things by giving them a psychological release.

In many Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan,[69] Afghanistan,[70][71][72] Iran,[72] Kuwait,[73] Maldives,[74] Morocco,[75] Oman,[76] Mauritania,[77] United Arab Emirates,[78][79] Sudan,[80] and Yemen,[81] any form of sexual activity outside marriage is illegal.

Those found guilty, especially women, may be forced to wed the sexual partner, may be publicly beaten, or may be stoned to death.

[82] In many African and native tribes, sexual activity is not viewed as a privilege or right of a married couple, but rather as the unification of bodies and is thus not frowned upon.

Adolescents were asked how they felt about oral and vaginal sex in relation to their health, social, and emotional well-being.

[84] The laws of each jurisdiction set the minimum age at which a young person is allowed to engage in sexual activity.

Age of consent may vary by the type of sexual act, the sex of the actors, or other restrictions such as abuse of a position of trust.