Question

What is sexual intercourse?

Answer 1

Hint: Sexual intercourse is the first step of the reproduction process. The sperms enter the female system through this process. It involves the copulation of the male external genital into the female body.

Complete Answer:
- Sexual intercourse is also known as copulation. It involves insertion or penetration of the penis into the vagina both for sexual pleasure and reproduction. It involves the physical intimacy between two or more partners.
- Sexual activity involves various sexually stimulating factors which includes both physiological and psychological stimulations.
- Human reproduction involves penis- vagina penetration. The male ejaculates the semen which contains the male gametes or the sperms. The sperm passes through the external genital and reaches the fallopian tube where it fertilises with the egg.
- The fertilized egg gets implanted in the uterus and stays there till the child's birth.
- Reproductive sexual intercourse between animals is called copulation. The sperm is introduced into the female reproductive tract. Mating and copulation occurs during the most fertile period of the reproductive cycle.

Additional information: Some times, the sperm is not naturally introduced in the female body. It is done through sperm banks using reproductive assisted techniques just for the sake of impregnating the female. This is known as artificial insemination.

Note: It is a source of physical or emotional pleasure and contributes to human bonding. In animals the sexual intercourse is for pleasure and also a way of social bonds. Sexually transmitted diseases or STIs like AIDS can be transferred by sexual intercourse. Use of physical barrier contraception or Condoms during intercourse can help in the spread of STDs.