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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Sexuality, General > Sexually active
    Posted on: 09/22/2005

    Question

    I was looking for the answer to a question under already answered ones and I came across the term "sexually active." How exactly would you define "sexually active"? Does that include anything other than intercourse and oral sex?

    Answer

    Thanks for asking this question! I think people define "sexually active" differently. Some people think only of vaginal or anal intercourse as sexually active, but I define sexually active to include any sexual activity that includes the exchange of body fluids (other than saliva). For example, oral sex is definitely sexual activity, as is putting fingers into a vagina, rubbing against each other until orgasm, and even using a hand to masturbate a partner to orgasm.

    All of these things not only include the exchange of body fluid, and therefore have a disease risk, but they also include access to one's personal space. Therefore these activities require a high level of trust and intimacy. If you are choosing to engage in any of these activities, please make sure you have thought about the risks and are protecting yourself from disease and emotional pain!


    Answered By:
    Nancy Brown , Ed.S, M.A., Ph.D.


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