Pity Sex (also called sympathy sex or, colloquially, a mercy fuck) is a popular term used to describe sexual intercourse that is provided based solely on feelings of pity or sympathy that at least one partner feels for the other. One or all of those involved may lack any feelings of attraction toward the person(s) they have sex with, and there is a likely chance that the event will never be repeated (resulting in a one-night stand). Reasons for pity sex vary per person, but commonly, one individual may be considered more desirable or "lucky" in sexual experience than the other and feel remorse for their own success when compared to another who has suffered repeated frustration or failure. Consequently, they may feel that they are helping the less-fortunate individual by giving them "what they want". A less-than-noble motive may be the ease in which sex can be achieved when the opposite partner lacks self-esteem. While the word fuck, used literally, refers to sexual intercourse, it is commonly considered vulgar in this usage. ... It has been suggested that Sexual penetration be merged into this article or section. ... Pity is an emotion, usually resulting from an encounter with an unfortunate, injured, or pathetic person or creature. ... ... It has been suggested that Take someone home be merged into this article or section. ... In psychology, self-esteem or self-worth is a persons self-image at an emotional level; circumventing reason and logic. ...

The consequences of pity sex are also varied, but it is usually agreed that it often fails to help the less-fortunate individual as intended. Problems can arise simply based on whether the person was aware that they received "pity sex" to begin with. If they did know, then it can further fuel their depression with the assumption that they're so unattractive, the only way "scoring" was possible was through a "handout". If the person did not know that it was "pity sex", they may view their sexual encounter as a legitimate sign of intimacy and seek to pursue it. When the other person fails to respond similarly, it can lead to confusion, anger or further depression. Additionally, any friendship or comradery that existed between them beforehand may be lost forever. Even worse, sexual predators often use pity sex as a way of trapping victims. A handout is something given freely or distributed gratis (without compensation). ... A sexual predator is a person who obtains sex in a predatory manner. ...

There is still debate as to whether or not pity sex is morally acceptable. Some feel that it is barbaric and cruel, claiming that it takes advantage of a desperate individual or provides false hope. Some counter that "pity sex" can (even if temporarily) relieve sexual frustration that would otherwise cause serious damage to a long-term relationship. Others argue that the line drawn between "pity sex" and "casual sex" is open to interpretation. In the end, it may simply be a matter that is relative to every individual's unique situation. Sexual frustration describes the condition in which a person is in a state of agitation, tension or anxiety due to a quantity of sexual activity and/or sexual satisfaction that is less than the persons sex drive, or a state in which he/she is sexually aroused but unable... A relationship whether it be romantic or friendly, which has lasted, subjectively, a long period of time. ... Casual sex refers to promiscuous sexual activity, consisting of a range of informal sexual encounters. ...

According to http://sexnewsdaily.com, 26% of men and 36% of women have had "pity sex" with someone they felt sorry for. [1]

External sources

AskMen.com Article: "When Women Want Sympathy Sex"