The meaning of sex to you is not necessarily the same as other people

Most people probably think that sex must mean sexual relations between a man and a woman. In fact, according to a study, everyone turns out to have different views about the meaning of sex and what constitutes sexual activity.

Take a peek at the difference in the meaning of sex for everyone

Sex is often considered as an act of penetration, namely the entry of the penis into the vagina. However, there are also those who classify the activities of making out, oral sex, orpetting (rubbing genitals with each other) as a sexual activity. To be sure, everyone has different views about the meaning of sex.

A study published in the Journal of Sex Research, reported by Women's Health, tries to reveal what sex means to everyone by interviewing men and women, including LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) groups.

The study found that 90 percent of men perceive penetration either into the vagina or anus (anal sex) as sexual activity. These results apply to heterosexual, gay, and bisexual men. More than 50 percent of these male participants also considered that position 69, oral sex, and rimming (stimulating the anal canal with the tongue) is sex, whereas only 23 percent of men think that masturbation is sex.

Meanwhile, for women, especially women in the lesbian group, this study admitted that they did not find any clarity on the meaning of sex related to their sexual activity. There are 70 percent of women who say that position 69, oral sex, and use sex toys for the vagina and anus as sexual activity.

More than 50 percent of women consider stimulating the vagina with their hands, using a dildo on the anus, and rimming as sexual activities. Meanwhile, 40 percent and 23 percent considered that stimulation by hand on the anus and masturbating is not a sexual activity.

Why does each person have different meanings of sex?

According to Larry Cahill, a neurobiologist from the University of California School of Biology Science, when you try to compare the effect of sex on brain function in men and women, two different waves emerge. However, it is actually still interrelated, so that more variables are needed to determine the same or not the meaning of sex in women and men.

Generally, due to various factors, the meaning of sex will vary between men and women. At the moment there is no definite answer that can be given.

Everyone has their own sexual side, so in looking for a partner, that person will not only look for someone who suits their emotional and mental needs, but also a partner who suits their physical needs. Thus, having physical attraction is often one of the main factors, for both men and women, to have sexual intercourse.

So, what is the importance of this?

Knowing the meaning of sex is closely related to the sexual activity that a person will do. This is very useful for preventing venereal disease or sexually transmitted diseases caused by their choice of sexual activity. For someone, understanding the meaning of sex in a partner is very useful to help achieve mutual enjoyment because you know what your partner wants.