What is sex?

Sex encompasses various dimensions:

• Biological Sex: Refers to the chromosomal, hormonal, and anatomical traits that distinguish males, females, and intersex individuals. This includes chromosomes (typically XX for females and XY for males), gonads (ovaries or testes), and secondary sex characteristics. For more information, see Biological Sex.

• Gender Identity: An individual's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. It is distinct from biological sex. Learn more about Gender Identity.

• Sexual Orientation: Describes a person's enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to other people. Common orientations include heterosexual (attraction to the opposite sex), homosexual (attraction to the same sex), bisexual (attraction to both sexes), and asexual (lack of sexual attraction). Explore Sexual Orientation for deeper insights.

• Sexual Activity: Refers to behaviors involving sexual contact, often for pleasure or reproduction. It can involve a wide range of activities, including intercourse, oral sex, and masturbation. Information about Sexual Activity is available here.

• Reproduction: The biological process by which new individual organisms ("offspring") are produced from their "parents". Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) to create a zygote. Discover more about Reproduction.

• Sexual Health: Encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. It includes aspects such as sexual function, reproductive health, prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and healthy relationships. Get informed about Sexual Health.