This is it. Our fifth issue marks the end of the first In Focus semester. For the semester finale a topic that raises eyebrows and affects all: Sex.

The idea that sex would be the first topic that truly applies to everyone had not occurred to me until a friend mentioned it last week.

Indeed, whether you are a member of the GLBTQ community, abstinent, sexually active, single or married, sex can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

While the negative consequences of sex include such things as sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy, there are other consequences overlooked by many.

Even those who do not have sex pay taxes and health insurance.

Tax dollars get funneled into many sex-related issues, including the development of microbicides, STI prevention products currently undergoing testing.

Health insurance companies in some cases help women purchase birth control and other sex-related drugs, such as treatments for STIs.

Of course, many are not concerned with such consequences. They may be more concerned with first finding a partner to fall in love with.

Truly, understanding the opposite sex is a life-long jigsaw puzzle. Finding the piece that fits often means several broken hearts. It takes patience, determination and sacrifice.

Thankfully there are some standard dos and don’ts – as our cover story demonstrates. While cheesy pickup lines are always unattractive, some may be surprised that aggressiveness or cockiness are also a consistent turn off.

Once that partner is found, when it comes to sex you have to use your best judgment. Do not do something you will regret or that goes against your beliefs and values. This will most definitely ensure you pleasing sexual experiences.

I guess the most prevalent way in which sex affects us is by being the way nearly all of us were brought to this Earth.

It is also the way our baby falcons will be born.