Types of Sex

What is sex?

There are many forms of sex and lots of ways to be intimate (sexually close) with your partner. Some common types of sex include:

Vaginal Sex

This is when a penis (or other object) is inserted into the vagina for sexual pleasure.

Risk of STI’s? Yes, if done without a condom.

Risk of pregnancy? Yes, if done without contraception.

Oral sex

This means using your mouth on another person’s genitals for sexual pleasure (often called a ‘blow job’ or ‘going down on’ somebody.

Risk of STI’s? Yes, if done without using a condom (flavoured condoms are available for this).

Risk of pregnancy? No.

Anal sex

This is when a penis (or other object) is inserted into the anus (bum) for sexual pleasure.

Risk of STI’s? Yes, if done without a condom.

Risk of pregnancy? Very low risk, especially if condoms are used and sperm is kept away from the vagina.

Masturbation

Touching your genitals (or somebody else’s) for sexual pleasure.

Risk of STI’s? Low risk, but possible if you or your partner have had other sexual partners.

Risk of pregnancy? Very low risk as long as any sperm is kept away from the vagina.

It’s worth remembering that some people choose to masturbate, others choose not to.  It can be a safe way of finding out how and where you like to be touched, without the presence of another person.

With a partner it can also be a good alternative to other types of sex and means you can be intimate with them without the risk of pregnancy and much lower risk of STI’s.