---
title: "What's Sex"
date: 2010-02-18T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/whats-sex"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# What's Sex

Is oral sex really sex? What about mutual masturbation? This article offers an expansive definition of what “sex” can be, centered on pleasure and individual experience. Written for young people, but suitable for all ages.

> When we say "sex" we're talking about a very big picture. That's because what sex is or isn't for any given person or partnership not only differs a whole lot from person-to-person, it also can differ a whole lot from day-to-day for any one person: the way they had sex yesterday may not be the way they'll have sex next week.

[Read the full article ](https://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/whats_sex)

SOURCE: Scarleteen • AUTHOR: Heather Corinna • LAST UPDATED: December 16, 2023

![Dainis graveris sex fruit unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Dainis Graveris/Unsplash

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ sexualities, gender, and relationships](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexualities-gender-relationships)
- [ sex education](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/sex-education)
- [introductions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/introductions)
- [sexual activity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-activity)
- [sex education](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sex-education)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Low Sexual Desire Levels

While motherhood decreased SA’s desire to have sex, communicating with her husband and redefining what sex looks like for their relationship has been helpful.

![Steph](data:image/png;base64,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)

While motherhood decreased SA’s desire to have sex, communicating with her husband and redefining what sex looks like for their relationship has been helpful.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-low-desire-levels)

[ResourcesRead

## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.

![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.

![My Story- Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wanting-more-in-the-sex-ed-curriculum)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Setting Boundaries and Communicating

MB discusses how consent, communication, and boundaries as practiced in sexual relationships can also be useful in working relationships.

![My Story- Setting Boundaries and Communicating](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses how consent, communication, and boundaries as practiced in sexual relationships can also be useful in working relationships.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-setting-boundaries-and-communicating)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.

![My Story- Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-about-what-sex-ed-in-school-didnt-teach-me)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Being in a Relationship When You Don’t Like Your Body

"Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for."

![201711youngwoman](data:image/png;base64,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)

"Almost every girl I knew complained about her body—about her stretch marks, the size of her hips, her breasts, her thighs. I always kept quiet. I was chubby and felt like if I complained, I wouldn’t get the reassurance that so many girls were looking for."](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-being-in-a-relationship-when-you-dont-like-your-body)

[ResourcesWatch

## Busting Vaginal Myths

Jen Gunter on how female anatomy has been weaponized and how to end myths about our health and sexuality

![Sharon mccutcheon Ag OZ88 Buy MI unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Jen Gunter on how female anatomy has been weaponized and how to end myths about our health and sexuality](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/busting-vaginal-myths)

[ResourcesRead

## How Young Urban Women Experience Menstruation

We share findings from a recent qualitative study that explores how moving from rural areas to cities ends up affecting menstrual health in India.

![Three Indian school girls](data:image/png;base64,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)

We share findings from a recent qualitative study that explores how moving from rural areas to cities ends up affecting menstrual health in India.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menstruation-urban-india)