Sexual intercourse, also known as copulation or coitus, commonly refers to the act in which a male's penis enters a female's vagina for the purposes of sexual pleasure or reproduction. The term may also describe other sexual penetrative acts, such as anal sex, oral sex and fingering, which can be practiced by both heterosexual and homosexual pairings.
Sexual intercourse typically plays a powerful role in human bonding, often being used solely for pleasure and leading to stronger emotional bonds. Non-penetrative sex (for example, non-penetrative cunnilingus) has been referred to as "outercourse", but may also be among the sexual acts contributing to human bonding and considered intercourse. The term sex can be taken to mean any mutual genital stimulation or to mean any form of sexual activity (i.e. all forms of intercourse and "outercourse"). As with most forms of sexual interaction, individuals are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and thus safe sex practices are advised.
In human societies, some jurisdictions have placed various restrictive laws against certain sexual activities such as gay sex, sex with minors, incest, extramarital sex, position-of-trust sex, pornography, prostitution, sodomy, public lewdness and non-consensual sex. Religious beliefs can play a role in decisions about sex, or its purpose, as well; for example, with virginity pledges. Some sections of Christianity commonly view sex between a married couple for the purpose of reproduction as holy, while other sections may not. Modern Judaism and Islam view sexual intercourse between husband and wife as a spiritual and edifying action. Hinduism and Buddhism views on sexuality have differing interpretations.
