Introduction

Sex and Reproduction

Egg and sperm cells A weakening link Human reproduction and sexual intercourse between women and men were very closely linked in the past. However, modern science has loosened the connection, and today it is easier than ever before to have sexual intercourse without reproducing and to reproduce without sexual intercourse.

Human life is reproduced sexually, i.e. through a special form of sexual intercourse between women and men. The sex organs of females and males can easily be joined together, and, if they are sexually mature, such a joining (called copulation or coitus) provides an opportunity for the female sex cell (egg) and one male sex cell (sperm) to unite. This union results in a new cell which may grow inside the woman into a new human being.