Sexual stimulation is any stimulus (including, but not limited to, bodily contact) that leads to sexual arousal, ejaculation (including female ejaculation) and/or orgasm. The term often implies stimulation of the genitals but may also include stimulation of other areas of the body, stimulation of the senses (such as sight or hearing) and mental stimulation (i.e. from reading or fantasizing).

[edit] Physical sexual stimulation

Physical sexual stimulation usually consists of the touching of parts of the human body, especially erogenous zones. Masturbation, sexual intercourse, oral sex, and a handjob are considered types of sexual stimulation. Physiological reactions are usually triggered through sensitive nerves in these body parts, which cause the release of pleasure-causing chemicals that act as mental rewards to pursue such stimulation. Arousal is usually the term used to describe such a physiological reaction. Physical sexual stimulation may also involve the touching of other people's body parts and may trigger similar physiological reactions.

[edit] Sexual stimulation in modern society

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In modern society, sexual stimulation is a very profound subject that seems to drive a lot of actions and discourse in people's lives. From body piercings and tattoos to pornography and censorship, many different areas of thought and action are affected by the human depiction or action of sexual stimulation. Human development is an example of such an area, where the sexual development of children is widely debated in the context of sexual stimulation. Most psychologists today argue that children should be taught to understand their bodies and the role of sexual stimulation, both physical and mental, from an early age. This kind of sexual education is a controversial theory that has spawned vehement proponents and opponents. In the end, sexual stimulation continues to be a much debated action, and its effect on human development, history and culture continues to play an important role in the human condition.

[edit] References

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