What is sexual activity?

Any activity that involves one, two, or more persons that makes them feel aroused (sexually stimulated) is called sex. It may be verbal, tactile, or both. It doesn’t always need touching genitalia, although it may. When individuals discuss sex, they frequently refer to penetrating sex or sexual encounters. Every participant in a sexual activity should find it delightful, and permission should be given at all times.

What is sexual urge and where does it originate?

The urge to have sex is known as libido or sex drive. Our sex desire is influenced by hormones, stress levels, and our physical and emotional well-being (1, 2). Our thoughts about sex and pleasure might change throughout the course of our lives due to the impact of our sexual partners, family, friends, community, and faith or religion (1). The following drugs may have an impact on sexual desire by lowering libido or postponing orgasm (2, 3):

Anticholinergics are used to treat a variety of lung, bladder, intestinal, dizziness, and nausea/vomiting diseases.

Hormone treatment

prescription drugs for high blood pressure

prescription drugs for mental health, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

There is no evidence in the literature between sexual urge with hormonal birth control (3). Sexual health is complicated, though. See a healthcare professional if you believe that a drug you are taking is impacting your desire for sexual activity. Keep a log of your encounters with the Clue app. This might assist you in identifying any physical or libido affects your birth control may be having.

Orgasm and pleasure from sex

There is no one definition of sexual pleasure. Numerous things might make you happy and satisfied. An extreme ecstasy is known as an orgasm. Here’s one method for getting a good sex. When the penis hardens and enlarges, those with penises get orgasms. This happens when the body releases hormones in response to a desire for sexual activity. Usually, ejaculation happens during an orgasm. When the clitoris (and occasionally the inner and outer labia) are aroused and swell, people with vulvas have orgasms.

The clitoris contains a high concentration of nerve endings, just like the penis (4, 5). The body sends messages to the nerves by touching and rubbing these erogenous zones. Feelings of pleasure may be sent throughout the body via this. It’s critical to comprehend the anatomy of both you and your partner in order to maximize your enjoyment during sex.

Additionally, communication is essential. Something that is comfortable for you may not be for someone else. Discuss your likes and dislikes with your spouse. Experimenting to determine the most pleasurable touches may be entertaining. Intimacy may rise along with more communication. Another method that could assist you in understanding the optimal approaches to sexual satisfaction is masturbation.

Safer sexual practices

You can lower your risk of STIs and pregnancy by having safer sex. The primary kind of sexual activity that can result in pregnancy is penis-in-vagina. In addition, if semen enters the vagina during another type of sexual activity, pregnancy may result. During all types of intercourse when bodies and bodily fluids come into touch, STIs can be transferred.

The best defenses against STIs (sexually transmitted illnesses) are as follows:

1. Every time you have sex, use barrier techniques correctly. Use of barrier techniques on toys and body parts is advised for any oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse.

Among the barrier techniques are:

External condoms, sometimes referred to as “male” condoms,

Condoms inside (sometimes referred to as “female” condoms)

Nitrile or latex gloves

dental dams

2. Make liberal use of condom-safe lubricant

3. Before alternating between anal, vaginal, or oral intercourse, change condoms.

4. When exchanging sex toys, use sterile or freshly condoms.

5. Regularly check for any STIs, and urge your partner to do the same

The risk of contracting a STI is greatly reduced by barrier techniques (6). They function by keeping the genitalia and bodily fluids of each partner away from the body of the other (7). Condoms can also prevent conception around 98% of the time with perfect use and 87% of the time with normal use when used consistently (8). Unless both partners have recently tested negative for a STI and you are both positive and have not had intercourse with anyone else since the test, you should always utilize a barrier technique. Use a condom each time you have sex if you want to avoid getting pregnant.

What happens if my spouse refuses to wear a condom?

It’s critical to safeguard your health and enjoy all aspects of sexual activity. Communicate honestly and openly with your spouse. Consider if you want to be with them if they push you to have risky sexual relations.

STIs and STDs: symptoms, treatments, and prevention

Over a million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are contracted globally each day (9). STIs are quite widespread, but how much do you really know about them? Were you aware that there are precautions you may take to avoid getting STIs? Did you know that a lot of sexually transmitted infections have minimal or no symptoms?

You can modify the safety measures you use regarding sex in your own life if you are aware of some simple facts.