Makeup sex is an informal term for

sexual intercourse Sexual intercourse (or coitus or copulation) is a sexual activity typically involving the insertion and thrusting of the penis into the vagina for sexual pleasure or reproduction.Sexual intercourse most commonly means penile–vaginal penetrat ...

which may be experienced after conflict in an intimate personal relationship. These conflicts may range from minor arguments to

relationship breakup A relationship breakup, breakup, or break-up is the termination of a relationship. The act is commonly termed "dumping omeone in slang when it is initiated by one partner. The term is less likely to be applied to a married couple, where a brea ...

s. Sex under these circumstances may be more gratifying and invested with additional

emotion Emotions are mental states brought on by neurophysiological changes, variously associated with thoughts, feelings, behavioral responses, and a degree of pleasure or displeasure. There is currently no scientific consensus on a definition. ...

al significance. It is sometimes conceived as a physical expression of reconciliation and rediscovery of one's partner following the

cathartic In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that ''accelerates'' defecation. This is similar to a laxative, which is a substance that ''eases'' defecation, usually by softening feces. It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathart ...

experience of a fight and may resolve underlying conflicts. Makeup sex has been attributed to increased sexual desires stemming from romantic conflict. After conflict during a relationship, arousal transfer may occur which shifts anger into arousal. Experts disagree on the outlook of makeup sex, some believe makeup sex is unhealthy as it rewards "fighting, drama, and generally bad behavior". Sexologist and television personality Jessica O’Reilly describes makeup sex as positive, settling conflicts which can only be resolved through sex. Makeup sex may be more intense, as it may assist in releasing underlying emotions.

Breakup sex

While makeup sex often seen as a form of reconciliation, breakup sex has been described as "more like one last 'hurrah' before you part ways". Both may have positive and negative consequences. Breakup sex "can confuse boundaries and postpone the inevitable separation".

References

{{reflist Human sexuality