Sexual pleasure is something that is good for you both physically and mentally, and everyone deserves to have it in their lives if they want it. Sexual pleasure can be experienced in many different ways, and what you enjoy sexually is unique to you. Pleasure is what makes masturbation or sex feel good, and feeling good is an important part of your sexual health, and your health generally.
How much or how little sexual pleasure you like to have in your life is completely up to you. Everyone’s sex drive is different and if you do not feel interested in sexual pleasure there is nothing wrong with that. How you feel about sex and pleasure can change and evolve with time, as can your relationships with your body and sexuality. You get to decide what is right for you and no one should pressure you or make you feel embarrassed about enjoying the life you like.
Take our quiz to test your knowledge of sexual pleasure and how it can be of benefit to your physical, sexual and mental health.
Sexual pleasure is...
Sexual pleasure is something that is good for you both physically and mentally, and everyone deserves to have it in their lives if they want it. Sexual pleasure can be experienced in many different ways, and what you enjoy sexually is unique to you. Pleasure is what makes masturbation or sex feel good, and feeling good is an important part of your sexual health, and your health generally.
Your sex drive, or libido, is your desire to be sexual and can include:
Your sex drive, or libido, is your desire to be sexual and can include your sexual thoughts and fantasies, your desire to masturbate and have self-pleasure, and your desire to have sexual experiences with others. Everyone’s sex drive is unique to themselves and there is no certain level of desire or arousal that you should experience. Your sex drive can change with time and be impacted by many different things. It is personal to you, and no one should ever make you feel embarrassed or ashamed about your level of sexual desire.
True or False? Sex is meant to hurt
Having sex is an experience that should be enjoyable and if you are experiencing pain when having sex it can be a way of your body telling you that something isn’t quite right. If you are experiencing pain during sex, stop and let your partner(s) know how you are feeling. There may be something you can do in the moment to make having sex no longer hurt. You may need to try a few different things before you find a solution that makes sex enjoyable.
Masturbating can...
Masturbation can be good for your health both mentally and physically. Masturbation can be a pleasurable experience where you discover what you like sexually, connect with your own body, and develop good sexual health and attitudes. It can also be a great way to relax and can bring happiness and enjoyment to your life.
Having sex can include...
Having sex includes oral sex, anal sex, sex using your hands and vaginal sex. Sex can be mutual masturbation, sexual rubbing or whatever you experience sexual pleasure from. Sex can be between people of different genders, sexualities and abilities and you do not have to have a certain type of sex due to your sexuality or gender. For example, just because you are a gay man does not mean you have to have anal sex. Moving beyond defining sex as only penetrative can allow you to discover lots of different ways you enjoy connecting with others and experiencing pleasure.
Using lube during sex...
Lube is a type of liquid that can be used during sex to help increase sexual pleasure, comfort and safety. Lube can be used for any type of sexual contact, including sexual activity by yourself. You might use lube for vaginal sex, anal sex, sex using hands and oral sex as well as masturbation and massage. It is recommended that water-based lube is always used when using condoms as it also helps to decrease the chance of the condom ripping.
Sex toys can...
Sex toys can be used alone for masturbation, and also with others as part of sex. Anyone can use sex toys, and they can be helpful in enhancing sexual pleasure if you masturbate or have sex with others. There are many different types of sex toys, and finding the type of toy you like can take time and practice. Deciding whether or not you would like to use or try sex toys is completely up to you, and you should not feel pressured by anyone to try them unless you want to.
When should you have sex?
Whether you are considering having sex for the first time or having it with a new partner, you may be feeling a range of different ways. What is important to remember when considering having sex, is that the choice should be completely your own. If you are feeling pressured by someone to have sex, or feel you should have sex because you are a certain age, have been seeing someone for a while, or because those around you are doing it, these are not the right reasons.
The benefits of sexual pleasure can include...
Experiencing sexual pleasure is good for you both emotionally and physically and is something you can enjoy by yourself as well as with other people. Understanding that sexual pleasure is something you deserve and that can bring benefits to your overall health and wellbeing can help you to create a healthy relationship with your own sexual desires.
