Sex

“In general use in many languages,
the term sex is often used to mean “sexual activity”,
but…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Sex Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Coitus
  • Consummation
  • Copulation
  • Intercourse
  • Sex
  • Sexual Intercourse
  • Vaginal Intercourse

Sex Definition

What is sex?

DotS the definition of sex may vary. In Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH): Working Definitions – Sex the World Health Organization’s (WHO) working definition of sex is:

“Sex refers to the biological characteristics that define humans as female or male. While these sets of biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive, as there are individuals who possess both, they tend to differentiate humans as males and females”.2

Sexual Activity Definition

What is sexual activity?

DotS the definition of sexual activity may vary. In Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH): Working Definitions – Sex the WHO also note:

“In general use in many languages, the term sex is often used to mean “sexual activity”, but for technical purposes in the context of sexuality and sexual health discussions, the above definition is preferred”.3

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with sex?

If you would like help with sex, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Sex?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Sex?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

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  26. ISSWSH Find a Provider Directory [International Society for Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)]
  27. International Society for Sexual Medicine
  28. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  29. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
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    Sex
  90. Yeast Infection (Vaginal)

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH): Working Definitions – Sex. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research/key-areas-of-work/sexual-health/defining-sexual-health Accessed: 20 March 2026
  2. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH): Working Definitions – Sex. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research/key-areas-of-work/sexual-health/defining-sexual-health Accessed: 20 March 2026
Topic Last Updated: 20 March 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 20 March 2026

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