This three-letter word gets lots of attention. We often use slang when we talk about sex, but one downside of using slang is that it can be difficult to know what everyone's talking about, since not everybody uses the same slang.

This section will cover the what, where, how and why about sex to help answer questions that many of us have.

Just because we list different kinds of sex does not mean everybody does them! Some people may think that certain things are gross. That's okay. As with any other decision you make about yourself, it's most important to feel comfortable with your own choices and try not to judge others for their choices.

If you'd like more information than what we have here, you can check out human sexuality books in the library for more information, or ask us a specific question.

People have sex for different reasons. Many people who are ready for sex find sexual activities like kissing, touching, or intercourse a great way to share love, desire, and intimacy with someone special. It's important not to feel pressured into having sex. It's normal to feel nervous when having sex, particularly if it's the first time. But it's also important to be comfortable with the decision you made. Do it when you and your partner have thought carefully about it and have made the decision together.

Some not-so-good reasons for having sex:

• To keep a boyfriend/girlfriend
• To prove you aren't gay
• Because you think everyone else is doing it
• To feel like you are an adult man or woman
• You feel pressured by partner or friends

"Sex can be great because it's an intimate moment between two people and it can allow them to express how much they care about each other."
Male, 19

" For me, I think sex is simply a magnification of what is already there or of what is lacking. If there is closeness, sex will just make it more evident. If there is no closeness, sex does not cure it."
Female, 20

Back to Top