Sexual activity
Hear this word Sexual activity
Also known as: Sex, hooking up, getting it on, sexy times
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
When people do activities alone or with consenting partners to increase or create sexual arousal.
Sexual activity includes, but is not limited to, kissing or “making out,” rubbing another person’s body (such as their chest, breasts, thighs, buttocks, or genitals); or inserting fingers, a sex toy, tongue or penis into a partner’s vagina, mouth, or anus.
Image description: Illustration of two sexual partners kissing.
Image description: Illustration of a figure with a vulva masturbating.
Image description: Illustration of a figure with a penis masturbating.
Image description: Illustration of two figures representing sexual partners performing fingering.
Image description: Illustration of two figures representing sexual partners having oral sex.
Image description: Illustration of two figures representing sexual partners having vaginal sex.
An Example
Riley and Lindsey are partners and talk to each other about what kinds of sexual activities they are and are not okay with doing together. Sometimes they agree, and sometimes they have different opinions. They communicate to make sure they are both happy and comfortable with the sexual activities they do.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Sexual activity with another person requires consent. Consent is important before and during any sexual activity,
- It’s important to be clear about what each person does or does not want to do with their partner.
- There are many different sexual activities. People get to choose which activities they want to do and which they do not want to do.
- Sexual activity can be done simply because it feels good. Make sure to be in a private place when engaging in sexual activities.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
What did you learn about sexual activity?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What do you want to learn more about?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.
