What is Sex, Exactly?

Think "sex" only means one thing? Think again! The word "sex" encompasses a lot of different types of sexual activities. The definitions of the main ones are below, along with how risky they are. If you want to learn more, follow the really useful links under each heading.

1. Vaginal Sex

Vaginal sex is what most people think of as "sex" - specifically, when a man's penis enters a woman's vagina. It's the only form of sex that can lead to pregnancy, and it can spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), too.

2. Oral Sex

Oral sex is any kind of sex that involves contact between mouth and genitals. Oral sex can't get you pregnant, but it can spread the same STDs that vaginal sex can - which means that if you want to do it safely, you must use a condom or dental dam.

3. Anal Sex

Anal sex is any type of sex that involves pentrating someone's anus. It carries the same risks of disease as vaginal sex and oral sex.

4. Masturbation

Masturbation means touching yourself in order to feel sexual pleasure. Since you're doing it by yourself, there's no risk of pregnancy or STD - making masturbation the safest form of sex there is.

5. Mutual Masturbation

Mutual masturbation means masturbating in front of a partner. Since there's no genital contact between you and the other person, it's a safe form of sex that can't spread STDs or lead to pregnancy.