Sexual penetration

Sexual penetration is the penetration of a bodily orifice, such as the vagina, anus or mouth, with a body part or another object, as part of a sexual activity.

When the penis is used to penetrate the vagina or anus, it is called sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal intercourse). Penetration of the mouth with the penis is called fellatio. If one or more fingers are used this is called digital penetration. Penetration of an orifice can also be done with an object, such as a dildo, vibrator or other sex toy. Penetration with the tongue is also possible.

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

When sexual penetration takes place without the consent of one of the parties, it constitutes the crime of rape or sexual assault. The terms are most frequently used in relation to forced penetration of the vagina or anus by the penis, but they can also refer to other forms of sexual penetration.

ee also

*Non-penetrative sex