Small word. Big expectations.

SEX. It’s amazing how such a small word can seem so huge. Sex can make us feel curious and excited. It can also make us nervous, embarrassed, and clueless. Sometimes it can feel like everyone you know is either doing it, has done it, or at least knows a whole lot more about it than you do.

You know what? No matter how clued up someone might seem, they probably have just as many questions and worries as you do. Let’s look into this sex business a bit more.
The word ‘sex’ refers to activities that involve the penis, vagina or anus (bum). It can also include other body parts like breasts, nipples and testicles. Sex should be safe, feel good and be consensual (that means everyone involved agrees to it). So, what are some of the different ways people enjoy sex?

There is no right or wrong way to have sex. As long as its safe and enjoyable!

• Masturbation: Touching or stimulating parts of your own body. Masturbating, or self-pleasuring, is a great way to explore your body and discover what feels good. It’s also totally normal for guys and girls
• Mutual masturbation: This is when two people touch or stimulate each other’s body parts. You might be familiar with words like fingering and handjobs
• Fingering: Using fingers to stimulate your own or another’s body parts. It usually refers to inserting fingers inside the vagina
• Oral sex: Pleasuring another person’s genitals with the mouth or tongue. It’s sometimes also called going down on someone (girls and guys) or a blowjob (guys)
• Sexual intercourse: Sex that involves the penetration of the vagina or anus (bum), for example with a penis or a sex toy. It’s also called penetrative sex
• Vaginal sex: Where an erect penis, fingers or sex toy goes into the vagina
• Anal sex: When an erect a penis, fingers or sex toy go into the anus (bum)

Finding out what you like in a safe and comfortable way is really important. So is learning how to tell your sex partner what you like and don’t like is all part of exploring and growing into your sexuality. And, if you’re not having sex, for whatever reason you choose, that’s great too.

And remember, Play Safe by using condoms and getting tested for STIs.

If you want to know more you can ring 1800 451 624 between 9:00am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday to talk with a sexual health nurse. It’s confidential and free if you call from a landline.