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:

Different ways of having sex

You can have sex in many different ways

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. 

Couple talking in bed

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. 

Some people are not interested in sexual feelings or activities. They are asexual. One can be asexual throughout life or for shorter periods. 

People of the same sex can also have sex with each other. For some this is an expression of their sexual orientation (homosexuality), but others might have sex with people of the same gender without considering themselves homosexual

Lesbian couple having sex

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.

A woman and a man lying in bed. They both agree to have sex with each other.

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