EN
The phenomenon of prostitution raises a lot of controversy. It is a social phe-nomenon which is difficult to define unambiguously, due to the dynamics and the variety of forms which it presents. Over the years there are greater nad newer forms of this phenomenon. This article presents the diversity of definitions of prostitution among authors from different fields of science. Particular attention should be paid to individual and social causes of prostitution and effects of taking this practice by wo-men.