Sexual penetration

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Sexual penetration is the penetration of a bodily orifice (usually the vagina, anus or mouth) with a body part or another object, as a sexual activity. The penis can be used to penetrate the vagina or anus, this is called sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal intercourse); penetration is easiest in the case of an erection. Penetration of the mouth with the penis, is, described as act of the person being penetrated, performing fellatio.

If one or more fingers are used this is called digital penetration. Also the tongue can be used. Penetration of an orifice can also be done with a dildo, vibrator or other sex toy, or with other objects inserted for sexual purposes.

Another possibility is erotic penetration of a bodily orifice with the toes or feet.

Those with spinal cord injuries, and other diseases and disorders that result in a loss of sensation at the extremities or torso may consider penetration of the mouth or ear with the tongue or fingers to be forms of sexual penetration.

The word rape can refer to forced sexual penetration. The term is most frequently thought of as referring to forced penile penetration of the vagina or anus, but it can also refer to other forms of forced sexual penetration.

See also

• Non-penetrative sex