Discuss the significance of sexual intercourse and the range of meanings it may have.

Sexual intercourse is the most appealing of sexual activities to most Americans. Sexual intercourse has intense personal meaning. It is a source of pleasure, communication, and love. Its meaning depends on the context in which it is engaged. The significance of sexual intercourse differs between men and women. For men, it is one of several activities they enjoy. For many heterosexual women, intercourse is central to sexual satisfaction. Women feel a greater sense of shared intimacy than they do in other sexual activities. More than any other activity, sexual intercourse involves the equal participation of both partners.