Sexual activity includes a wide range of behaviors. Some sexual activities are more common than others. Talking with a partner about sexual behaviors may seem difficult, but it can help increase closeness, trust, and pleasure. Many of us find that sexual activity is an important way to connect with ourselves and other people. But even though sexual activity is very common and images of sex are all around us, people often have many questions about it. It is normal and common to have questions about sexual activity. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we hear about it. - See more at: www.plannedparenthood.org What Is Sexual Activity? Sexual activity is any voluntary sexual behavior we do. Some we do by ourselves, like masturbation. Other sexual activities we do with other people. This page focuses on the kinds of sexual activity we do with other people. - See more at: www.plannedparenthood.org What Are Some Common Sexual Activities? There are many common ways that people have sex. Here are just a few examples: masturbation or mutual masturbation — people masturbating together kissing — on the mouth, with the tongue, on body parts massages —touching someone’s body in an erotic way touching a partner’s nipples, breasts, or sex organs sex talk — phone sex, cybersex, “talking dirty” during sex rubbing bodies together — with or without clothing watching or reading erotica anal and vaginal intercourse oral sex — stimulating a partner’s sex organs with the mouth using sex toys, alone or with a partner - See more at: www.plannedparenthood.org What Are Some Less Common Sexual Activities? Some sexual behaviors are less common. Here are some examples of less common sexual behaviors: SM (sadomasochism) — the use of domination and/or pain for sexual arousal. BD (bondage and discipline) — sexual role play that includes

Masturbation at a Glance Masturbation is commonly defined as touching one’s own body, including sex organs, for sexual pleasure. Masturbation is a common and safe way to get sexual pleasure. Masturbation has many health benefits. For many of us, masturbation is a taboo topic. There are many harmful myths about masturbation that may cause us to feel uncomfortable about it. These myths can cause guilt, shame, and fear. Let’s get the facts straight. Masturbation is a natural and common activity for both women and men. Here are some common questions people ask about masturbation. We hope you find the answers helpful. - See more at: www.plannedparenthood.org What Is Masturbation? Masturbation is commonly defined as touching one’s own body, including sex organs, for sexual pleasure. There are many slang terms for masturbation, including jacking off jilling off jerking off spanking the monkey double clicking the mouse self-love Masturbation often ends in orgasm, but not always. - See more at: www.plannedparenthood.org How Common Is Masturbation? Masturbation is very common. Studies show that about 7 out of 10 adult men and more than 5 out of 10 adult women masturbate. It’s also common for children and teens to masturbate.- See more at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexuality/masturbation#sthash.mweZ6a5T.dpuf When Do People Usually Begin Masturbating? People may start masturbating at any time in their lives. Many children begin masturbating as they grow and explore their changing bodies. They often discover early that it feels good to touch their genitals. Children usually begin masturbating long before puberty. Young children do not have sexual fantasies while masturbating, but during adolescence it becomes much more sexual.It’s important for children to learn that masturbating is normal, is not harmful,