6.2 Partnered Sexual Activities

Sexual activities come in many forms, from intimate non-penetrative acts to various types of penetrative sex. Partners can explore kissing, manual stimulation, and outercourse to build arousal and connection. These activities often serve as foreplay, enhancing pleasure and emotional bonding.

Penetrative sex includes vaginal and anal intercourse, as well as oral stimulation. Each type offers unique sensations and requires specific considerations for safety and pleasure. Some couples may also explore kink practices or group encounters, which involve clear communication and consent.

Sexual Activities

Intimate Non-Penetrative Acts

Top images from around the web for Intimate Non-Penetrative Acts

• 

  Intimate partner sexual violence and the courts | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Behavior | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexuality – The Inclusive Historian’s Handbook View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Intimate partner sexual violence and the courts | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Behavior | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Intimate Non-Penetrative Acts

• 

  Intimate partner sexual violence and the courts | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Behavior | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexuality – The Inclusive Historian’s Handbook View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Intimate partner sexual violence and the courts | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Behavior | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Foreplay encompasses activities that build sexual arousal and anticipation before intercourse
  • Includes verbal and physical acts like flirting, teasing, and sensual touching
  • Serves to increase arousal, lubrication, and emotional connection
• Kissing involves lip-to-lip contact or lip-to-body contact
  • Releases oxytocin and dopamine, enhancing bonding and pleasure
  • Varies in intensity from light pecks to deep, passionate "French" kissing
• Manual stimulation involves using hands to sexually arouse a partner
  • Includes touching, rubbing, or massaging erogenous zones (breasts, genitals)
  • Can lead to orgasm through techniques like fingering or handjobs

Shared Self-Pleasure and Non-Penetrative Intimacy

• Mutual masturbation occurs when partners stimulate themselves in each other's presence
  • Allows partners to learn about each other's preferences and arousal patterns
  • Can reduce performance anxiety associated with penetrative sex
• Outercourse refers to sexual activities that don't involve penetration
  • Includes dry humping, body rubbing, and intercrural sex (between the thighs)
  • Provides sexual pleasure while potentially reducing STI transmission risk

Penetrative Sex

Vaginal and Anal Intercourse

• Vaginal intercourse involves penis-in-vagina penetration
  • Stimulates nerve endings in both partners' genitals
  • Can lead to pregnancy if unprotected
  • Typically involves thrusting motions, with various positions possible (missionary, cowgirl)
• Anal intercourse involves penis-in-anus penetration
  • Requires extra lubrication and careful preparation due to lack of natural lubrication
  • Stimulates nerve endings in the anus and rectum
  • Carries higher STI transmission risk compared to vaginal intercourse

Oral Stimulation

• Oral sex involves mouth-to-genital contact for sexual stimulation
  • Fellatio refers to oral stimulation of the penis
  • Cunnilingus involves oral stimulation of the vulva and clitoris
  • Anilingus (rimming) is oral-anal stimulation
  • Provides direct clitoral or penile stimulation, often leading to orgasm
  • Requires attention to dental dams or condoms for STI prevention

Kink and Group Sex

BDSM Practices

• BDSM stands for Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism
  • Involves power exchange dynamics and intense sensations
  • Bondage restricts movement using ropes, handcuffs, or other restraints
  • Discipline involves rules and punishments within a consensual framework
  • Dominance and submission explore power dynamics in sexual contexts
  • Sadism and masochism involve deriving pleasure from giving or receiving pain
• Requires explicit consent, negotiation, and established safe words
• Emphasizes aftercare to ensure emotional well-being post-scene

Multiple Partner Encounters

• Group sex involves sexual activity with more than two participants
  • Threesomes involve three participants (various gender combinations possible)
  • Orgies refer to larger group sexual encounters
  • Swinging involves committed couples exchanging partners
• Requires clear communication about boundaries, safer sex practices, and consent
• Can involve a mix of penetrative and non-penetrative activities
• May present increased emotional and physical health considerations