Sex refers to all acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse. It also includes kissing, caressing and oral sex, among others. You can also have sex with yourself (this is called masturbation).
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human. It is a normal and positive way to express yourself. Sexuality involves not only sex but also other matters like for example: sexual pleasure and intimacy, anatomy and having children, as well as taboos and values on sexual orientation.
Reasons for having sex
You can have sex for different reasons, for example because you want to:
- have children;
- experience sexual pleasure;
- express love and other feelings;
- experience intimacy;
- relax…
Different ways of having sex
You can have sex in many different ways:
- sexual intercourse;
- caressing;
- cuddling;
- kissing;
- licking;
- stimulating erogenous zones of the body…
You can have sex with someone else or with yourself (masturbation).
Sex is not only about the right techniques. Paying attention to each other’s feelings and wishes, sharing intimacy and creating the right atmosphere are also important.
Experiment and find out what you and your partner like best. Talk about your desires and feelings with your partner. You can also experiment on your own.
Sex can be different every time.
People’s sex life can change during their lifetime, for example because their body or longing for sex (libido) changes. This is normal. Some people do not have sex for a shorter or longer period of time.
Different relationships and sex lives
People have many different kinds of relationships and sex lives. For example: some people have sex before marriage, and others wait until afterwards. Some people only have one partner, others have several.
People of the same sex can also have sex with each other (homosexuality).
Sexual consent
Each time you have sex you should give your consent and feel ready. Consent means that both people in a sexual contact must agree to it and either person may decide at any time that they want to stop.
Do not let anyone coerce you into having sex.
