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in heat
Not to be confused with heat (temperature)
"In heat" describes a period of "sexual receptivity" called estrus or oestrus experienced in cycles by the females of several mammal species when ovulating and ready for attempts at reproduction. The male counterpart to being "in heat" is being in rut.
Note: The tag in_heat is frequently misused when applied to anthro and animal humanoid characters - in most cases aroused is the more appropriate tag to use. Even if the character is showing physical signs of intense arousal, such as a reddened vulva, and visible vaginal wetness, these are common to both "human-like arousal" and estrus, not a sign of being in heat specifically.
What does being "in heat" mean?
The exact signs of being "in heat" differs from species to species, however, some common to multiple species include:
- the lordosis reflex - the female raises and presents her hindquarters, and may raise her tail
- vocalizations (barking, squealing, meowing)
- behavioural changes, becoming unusually aggressive or friendly
- reddening or swelling of the vulva, vaginal secretions or bleeding
- frequent urination
The human menstrual cycle is somewhat analogous to estrus, but differs significantly, humans have no changes in physiology to signal ovulation and there are few, if any changes in humans behaviour during ovulation. Whether those behavioural changes exist at all is subject to debate, and with few studies, the scientific evidence is weak. In most cases, anthropomorphic characters heavily skew towards human sexuality, rather than the estrus cycle of their non-anthropomorphic counterparts.
Depictions of Being "In Heat"
Outside of the real-life signs above, depicting a character in heat, regardless of being feral, anthro, or humanoid, often involves artistic license and recycles elements artists use when depicting typical arousal:
- clouds of musk or steam, emanating lines, and symbols such as hearts around the genitalia
- profuse blushing
- drooling
- panting
Taking "In Heat" Literally
Artists often interpret being "in heat" by depicting a character showings signs of feeling literal heat or that the character themselves is overheating:
- symbols such as flames, thermometers, and temperature gauges used to represent the character being "in heat"
- excessive sweat
- steam clouds around the character
- similar clouds of steamy breath
Behaviour
- characters implied to have emotional changes - e.g. a normally confident, aggressive character being flustered or demure while making sexual advances
- aggressive, desperate, or "crazed" behaviour in pursuit of sex
- extremely forward propositions for sex
- references to being in heat, sexual frustration, needing "relief"
Related Tags:
See also
The following tags are aliased to this tag: estrus (learn more).
