Sexual Interaction

1. Masturbation 

Masturbation is the act of touching or stimulating your own body, especially the genitals, for pleasure. It’s a natural and common way people explore what feels good. Some do it often, some occasionally, and others not at all—every experience is different, and that’s okay. 

Masturbation can be a way to better understand your body. It’s completely normal, and a personal choice. What matters most is feeling comfortable with yourself and your decisions. 

2. Kissing 

Kissing means touching a partner’s lips with your lips. This could be either with your mouth closed or with your mouth open and using your tongue.  

3. Fingering 

Fingering means touching the clitoris, vagina or anus with your fingers. When a person does this to themselves, it’s called masturbating.  

4. Oral sex 

Oral sex is when someone uses their mouth, lips, or tongue to stimulate a partner’s genitals. This can include licking, sucking, or kissing the vulva, clitoris, penis, or testicles. Some people enjoy oral sex as a way to explore intimacy and pleasure. Using protection like condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs. 

5. Vaginal sex 

Vaginal sex happens when something enters the vagina, like a penis, fingers, or a sex toy. It can be a pleasurable experience when both partners are comfortable and consenting. Vaginal sex is also how pregnancy can happen if a penis is involved, so using contraception like condoms, the pill, or an IUD can help prevent pregnancy. Condoms also help reduce the risk of STIs. 

6. Anal sex 

Anal sex involves inserting a penis, fingers, or a sex toy into the anus. Because the anus is more sensitive and doesn’t naturally produce lubrication, using plenty of lube and going slow can make it more comfortable. Condoms help prevent STIs, and communication with your partner is important to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.

7. Mutual touching (Masturbation together) 

This is when partners touch themselves or each other to explore pleasure together. It can include using hands, sex toys, or rubbing against each other. It’s a great way to connect intimately without penetration, and there’s no risk of pregnancy. 

8. Sex toys

Sex toys are objects designed to enhance pleasure, exploration, and intimacy, used alone or with a partner. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as vibrators and dildos, for example. Always clean toys before and after use with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner. Use body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone and condoms if you are sharing toys with others.  

9. Other ways to be intimate 

Sex isn’t just about intercourse – there are many ways to feel close to someone. Kissing, cuddling, and exploring each other’s bodies at your own pace can all be meaningful forms of intimacy. What’s important is that both people feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. 

Gay sex

Sex between men can involve many forms of intimacy, including oral sex, mutual masturbation, and anal sex. Everyone explores pleasure in different ways. Using condoms with plenty of lubricant reduces the chance of STIs and increases comfort and pleasure. Communication and consent help create a positive experience. Men who have sex with men are advised to test regularly, every 6 months, for STIs. You can access testing for free at the Center for Sexual Health Curaçao (CSGC).  

Lesbian sex 

Sex between women can include oral sex, mutual masturbating, fingering, and the use of sex toys. Some people also enjoy body-to-body contact to stimulate each other. Barriers, like a cut open condom, can be used for STI protection during oral sex, and communication is key to understanding what feels good for both partners. 

Orgasm

An orgasm is a wave of intense pleasure that happens when sexual excitement reaches its peak. It can feel like a rush, a release, or a series of tingly pulses through your body. Some orgasms are strong and full-body, while others are more subtle – everyone’s experience is different. 

People can orgasm in different ways, like through touching themselves, being with a partner, or even just fantasizing. Some reach orgasm easily, while for others, it takes time (or may not happen at all – and that’s okay!). 

Orgasms can feel amazing, but they’re not the goal of every sexual experience. What matters most is feeling good, exploring at your own pace, and enjoying what feels right for you.