Sexual Health: When Does It Count As 'Having Sex'?

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Good ‘Sexual health’ is when you have consenting, pleasurable, and safe sexual experiences with a partner. The act of having sex or indulging in sex does not always require a vagina and/or a penis. Sex can mean different things to different people and everyone may have their own ways of deriving gratification from it in their own way. All genders can have sex with each other in all kinds of ways.

However, it is important to have healthy sex that reduces the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or having an unplanned pregnancy. This also means that at any given point you are in charge of your body, health, and decisions about sex.

For many people, intercourse may not be accessible or an option. Many individuals may have physical or psychological conditions and barriers like vaginismus or a physical disability. For them, indulging in conventional methods of sex may not be an option. But guess what? there are many ways of deriving sexual pleasure. For people with a vagina or front holes, there is this myth that sex is supposed to be painful. Sex is supposed to be pleasurable and if there is pain, then it is an indicator that something is not right or not working for you.

How would you define sex?

The term sex is often used to mean “sexual activity”. Sex can vary largely between individuals. So there is no one definition of sex. Also, sex need not always be between a man and woman, or a penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex.

A person’s sexuality is influenced by their biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious, and spiritual experiences. A person can still be ‘sexual’ without actually having sex. Things like kissing, touching, rubbing, and stroking are all things that can make you feel good, and hence knowing the options can help make informed choices and decisions that work best for you.

What activities count as sex?

Sex means different things to different people. However, when most people talk about ‘having sex’ they are usually referring to sexual intercourse or penetrative sex that involves a penis and a vagina. But all genders can have sex with each other in all kinds of ways, including fingering, oral sex, and sex toys or by involving in outercourse. However, sex can be largely classified into two broad types- penetrative sex and non-penetrative sex.

What is penetrative sex?

Sexual activity when something (like a penis, finger, or a sex toy) goes inside someone else’s mouth, vagina, or anus is known as penetrative sex. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex are all types of penetrative sex. Many believe that if a sexual activity cannot cause pregnancy then it is not sex. Well, it is! Sexual health and planning of contraception methods as well as using condoms should all be discussed before engaging in any form of penetrative sex.

Oral sex

Using the mouth and tongue to stimulate a partner’s genitalia is called oral sex. Some believe that oral sex isn’t really sex but it is a type of sex. Even though one can’t get pregnant by having oral sex, the chances of sexually transmitted infections are the same.

Anal sex

Penetration of the anus by a sex toy or penis is called anal sex. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive system where solid waste comes out of the body.

Penis-In-Vagina sex

Sexual intercourse where a penis is inserted into a vagina. No matter how long the penetration lasts, even if it is for seconds, it is called sex. Even if the penis is inserted halfway, it is still sex or an attempt at sex.

Non-Penetrative sex

The act of lovemaking or deriving sexual gratification without penetration into a vagina or an anus constitutes non-penetrative sex. This is sex without involvement or penetration of the mouth, vagina, anus, fingers, or any sexual aid like sex toys. This type of sex allows partners to be sexual, increases intimacy, and even achieves orgasm without having sexual intercourse. There are different types of sex that can be had without penetration.

Kissing

When people use their lips for pleasure by touching each other’s lips, or other body parts with their lips is called kissing. Kissing can be with or without tongues. Read about the different types of kisses here.

Foreplay

Physical intimacy that involves romantic or sexual arousal of each other like kissing, massage, or touching that happens before intercourse is called foreplay. This helps in getting each other in the mood, helps in lubricating the vagina as well as helps the penis achieve an erection. Foreplay can make sex more enjoyable.

Mutual masturbation

When two or more people touch the sensitive parts of each other’s bodies to get aroused and achieve sexual gratification at the same time is called mutual masturbation. Different people find different things erotic. Body parts could include the clitoris, breasts, nipples, vagina, penis, or anus. This helps to explore your own body and is a good way to know what gets you on and off.

Cybersex

Cybersex is any type of sexual activity that uses the internet. This could include chat rooms, video chats, or using any platform which uses internet communication and involves a trusted partner.

Sexting

Indulging in sexual activity through texts by sending sexual thoughts and photos via text, email, chat, or social media to a trusted partner is called sexting. Sexting is a type of cybersex.

People in long-distance relationships or anxiously attached people may indulge in cybersex or sexting to feel closer to their partners. Some people may also use sexting to receive gratification while keeping a sexual partner at a distance or in the early phases of their relationships to check for sexual compatibility.

Though sex means different things to different people, what is important is how it makes you feel about the encounter. Getting consent is important in all sexual encounters, whether they are online or physical. Also discussing likes and dislikes and what type of sexual activities you enjoy with a partner helps in healthy sexual relationships and positive experiences. Any attempt at the forced sexual activity through penetration or non- non-penetrative sexual acts without consent is rape as ruled by law. Even if an act simulates sexual gratification to the accused, will be termed as rape.

For more on sexual health from Infano, click here.

Highlights

Acne-prone skin is one of the toughest skin types to care for. You have to put in extra effort when it comes to skincare or makeup.

It is one of the most common problems that people encounter nowadays and, therefore, there is an abundance of products catering to people’s needs.

Here is a list of nine products that work best for acne along with a few points that should be kept in mind before buying products for acne-prone skin.

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Acne-prone skin is one of the toughest skin types to care for. You have to put in extra effort when it comes to skincare or makeup. From diet to hormones to stress and even genetics can contribute to acne breakouts. It is one of the most common problems that people encounter nowadays and, therefore, there is an abundance of products catering to people’s needs.

Before we give you a list of nine products that work best for acne, let’s look at a few points that should be kept in mind before buying products for acne-prone skin types.

Quality- There should never be any compromise in terms of quality when skin care is concerned. Ensuring that the products are dermatologically approved and clinically tested is very necessary.

Ingredients– Ingredients play a very important role when dealing with acne-prone skin. Skin can be easily damaged by harsh and chemical ingredients. Therefore, it is always advised to use products with mild and gentle ingredients that are soothing for the skin. Products with parabens and alcohol should be absolutely avoided.

Exfoliation– Accumulation of dead skin also aids in increasing acne. Therefore, removing dead cells from the skin is a very important part of the skincare regime. Exfoliation is required to avoid dull and lifeless skin. Natural and mild exfoliants work best for acne-prone skin. Products that contain AHAs and BHAs can be used because they help in clearing dead skin cells and prevent acne.

Hydration And Moisturization– Excess oil production is one of the major causes of breaking out, but that does not mean that acne-prone skin shouldn’t be moisturized. Anything containing oils should be avoided; instead, water-based products containing Hyaluronic acid and glycerin will work best.

acne types — Types of acne on the skin or pimples illustration

Below is a list of products that are suitable for acne prone skin.

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser– It is one of the best, dermatologically tested cleansers that is helpful for removing oil from a combination or blemished skin. The cleanser is completely non-fragrant that gently removes oil, dirt, and skin debris through its foaming action. It also helps the dry skin to rejuvenate. While removing impurities, it has no effect on the skin’s barrier and instead helps to keep it moisturized. It is designed to be used as an anti-aging medication that does not clog pores.

Himalaya face wash-With the goodness of neem, nimba, turmeric and haridra, Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash is enriched with unique qualities and herbal ingredients to treat acne on the skin and keep it healthy. It helps to remove excessive oil from the skin without making it very dry and dehydrated. It’s a good, trusted product that women have used for years, and it’s also very affordable.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash– Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash’s oil-free formula effectively gets to the deepest of pores and cleanses them. To prevent future inflammations, the Salicylic acid present in this Oil-Free Acne Face Wash soothingly removes all acne and pimples without dehydrating the skin. It’s gentle on the skin and does not cause any irritation.

Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub– People do feel a little hesitant to use scrubs on their face when it is already acne-prone. They fear that it will break them out because of its harsh particles. But this scrub is an answer to all the anxiety. It is enriched with natural ingredients like Wheat Germ Oil and Crab Apple that do not leave your skin feeling all dry ripped of any moisture, or irritable.

Dermalogica Active Moist– You got to try this if you are looking for a dermatologically tested moisturizer that does not irritate or overly mattify your acne-prone skin. This moisturizer contains ingredients like lavender, antioxidant-rich Cucumber Fruit with Silk Amino Acids, and Mallow that helps in soothing your skin, giving it an intensely hydrating experience without making it too oily. It applies easily and sheerly without feeling tacky on the skin. Also, as a bonus point, it is absolutely vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion– Tea Tree has been a holy grail for people who have been struggling with acne-prone skin. Its medicinal properties destroy acne-causing bacteria and help in reducing swelling and redness. The Body Shop has created this lightweight and clean formula using the properties of tea tree to cleanse pores, clear blemishes, and reduce sebum production. It is formulated to keep the skin feeling soft without any appearance of greasiness or oil on the skin. People who have tried it have loved it.

Kaya Ultra Light Aquagel Sunscreen SPF 25– It is one of the best sunscreens with SPF 25 for acne-prone skin that helps in protecting the skin from damaging UV rays without leaving the skin greasy or clogging the pores. It is a gel-based formula that does not leave a white cast while giving superior sun protection and a weightless matte finish.

Salicylic Acid 2% by Minimalist– Salicylic Acid is famously known for its ability to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin. It can help with deep cleansing by penetrating through oily skin and clogged pores. Minimalist’s Salicylic Acid 2% is formulated with RonaCare Salicylic Acid Extra Pure and aloe vera juice, making it soothing for irritated skin in case of a breakout. It helps in exfoliation, giving skin a flawless matt look. It is fragrant-free, silicon-free, and oil-free.

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution- One of the most difficult and stressful issues with acne is scarring. This serum helps in fading acne scars, evens out the skin tone, and lightens the dark spots in less than two weeks. Since it has Activated C A potent next-generation actives and White Birch extracts, making it one of the best acne treatments for acne-prone skin.

Kama Ayurveda Nimrah Anti Acne Face Pack– The benefits of Ayurvedic products for acne-prone skin cannot be overstated. Kama Ayurveda Nimrah Anti Acne Pack is one of the top products that works as an acne treatment. It is an effectual mix of Ashwagandha, Red Sandalwood, Vetiver, Lodhra, Liquorice, and Coriander. All of these ingredients are well-known for their ability to treat acne, pimple scarring, and dark circles. This pack can be used twice a week for better results.