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Human sexual behaviour can be either individual, couple or group behaviour that results in sexual arousal. Individuals may be sexually aroused by a variety of different objects and behaviours. Some behaviours may initially seem to have little to do with procreation and are done for pleasure and / or the expression of love. However, these non procreative sexual behaviors may increase the possibility of sexual reproduction at some later time.
Human sexual behavior is driven by our biological instincts which are regulated by social customs. Thus, a certain behavior may be normal in some cultures or at some time in the past, and yet deviant in other cultures / at other times. Currently (in most countries) pedophilia, bestiality, incest and rape are considered forms of sexual abuse.
In Judeo-Christian culture, sex has traditionally been tied to the purpose of procreation. Thus the union of penis and vagina was declared to be the only natural form of sexual intercourse. Manual and oral stimulation was sometimes permitted, as long as the partners intended it to lead to coitus. Without this intention, however, such sexual contact was always considered sinful and 'unnatural'. [1]
From an evolutionary perspective, the many different types of human sexual behavior, including the paraphilias, can be seen as having species survival value. These atypical sexual behaviors all, in some way enhance the general level of sexual excitation in society and therefore increase the likelihood that people will engage in sexual activities that lead to procreation. Basic differences between men and women can also be understood with evolution. i.e. The human body is the survival machine for our sperm and ova, which are basically housings for our DNA. The sexual act is the step by which DNA replications are transmitted to the next generation of housing machines (our children). All the things we do in our lives can be viewed as steps toward this end. Just about every activity of our daily lives, throughout the 24-hour cycle, can be viewed as attempts to either protect and preserve our DNA or as a step toward its transmission.
What about art and music? Here again they might not initially appear to fit this scheme. However, art is used to enhance female and male attractiveness (in clothing styles and cosmetics) and the artist, in part, wants to impress others of their choosing. Or, the artist may wish to earn money, again in the service of providing food, clothing, and shelter - which all serve in the survival of the temporary machine in which the genes are housed. [2]
Types of Sexual Behaviours
Sexual intercourse is any communication between persons that involves a sexual response. Human sexual activities may be classified as self-stimulation (masturbation), heterosexual intercourse and homosexual intercourse. Some heterosexual and homosexual sexual practices include;
Manual intercourse (from Latin manus: hand) when the sex organs of one partner are in contact with the hand(s) of the other.
Oral intercourse (from Latin os: mouth) when the genitals of one partner are in contact with the mouth of the other. Cunnilingus (vagina is stimulated by mouth) and Fellatio (penis is stimulated by mouth).
Vaginal intercourse - Coitus is the human form of copulation. To engage in coitus, the erect penis is inserted into the vagina.
Genital intercourse (from Latin genitalia: organs of generation) when the sex organs of one partner are in contact with the sex organs of the other.
Anal intercourse (from Latin anus: rectal opening) when the sex organs of one partner are in contact with the anus of the other. [1]
Sexual positions. e.g. Missionary (man on top), woman on top, 'doggy style' (man's penis enters woman's vagina from behind).
Sensual Touching and Foreplay. e.g. Kissing, Cuddling / Hugging / Embracing, Holding Hands, Massage.
Use of Sex Toys - Dildo, Vibrator, Anal Beads, Butt Plugs, Cock Rings, Nipple Clamps.
Mutual masturbation is a sexual act where two or more people stimulate themselves or one another sexually, usually with the hands.
Frottage (dry humping), is the act of achieving sexual pleasure with a partner, whether naked or clothed, without penetration.
Sexual Abstinence - Refraining from any sexual stimulation.
Prostitution - A prostitute or sex worker provides a client with the use of his or her body in return for material gain.
Pornography - Many people enjoy watching pornography (visual stimulation) for sexual arousal, e.g. masturbation and / or creating an erotic environment for couples.
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Editor: Karene Jade Howie
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