Opinion
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Gender
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4 comments
For
MrStrawHat5y ago
I think this is fairly obvious as a child is the ultimate outcome. Pleasure is a secondary benefit
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Commentary
freyaehope5y ago
**Do we have sex for procreation or recreation?**
• From a [biological perspective](https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/16/1/96/705754), many believe that the primary objective of sexual intercourse is reproduction because this is a possible and significant outcome.
• Many religions value sex highly partly because of its vital role in procreation. For example, many Jewish and Christian scholars interpret [Genesis 9:7 “Go forth and multiply”](file:///C:/Users/Freya%20Hope/Downloads/21300-Article%20Text-52210-1-10-20140109.pdf) as an order from God to procreate, emphasising this as the most important part of sex.
• However, others argue that if the primary objective of sex was reproduction, [every occurrence of sexual intercourse would result in pregnancy](https://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2008/02/is-sex-for-procreation/). For pre-menopausal female bodies, the ovulation period (during which time sex can potentially result in pregnancy) lasts for only one day on average per month, meaning that sex outside of this period will not result in pregnancy. Therefore, if someone were to have sex everyday for a month, there is a lower than 1 in 30 chance of it resulting in pregnancy (as the [chance of getting pregnant during ovulation](https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/timing#:~:text=If%20she%20has%20sex%20on,depend%20on%20a%20woman's%20age.) is then only 30%). Many argue that because female bodies are not biologically designed to reproduce every time they have sex, that reproduction is therefore not the main function of sex.
• Many might interpret this statement from a personal perspective: everyone has [different reasons](https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/age-un-innocence/201307/purposes-sex) for having sex. Many argue that the primary purpose of sex is to bond and create intimacy with your sexual partner. Others argue that the main objective of sex is to feel pleasure.
• Not all kinds of sex have the potential to lead to reproduction, such as sex between same-sex partners or non-penetrative sex. Many may argue therefore that reproduction cannot be the main objective of sex, at least in these cases.
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