What is Sex?

Our urge to have sex is instinctive, experienced as powerful and exciting feelings of attraction and arousal.

The natural objective and outcome of having sex is pregnancy.

The decision to have sex is a big deal and potentially life-changing.  It must be consensual and carefully considered.  Respect is a must on the part of both parties.

Being able to make a decision is a very human thing.  We are able to rationalise and make decisions that go beyond instinctive behaviour. 

We can control our feelings and behaviour, which means having sex is a matter of choice.  

Whether to have a baby or purely to enjoy the emotions, feelings and physical sensations of having sex, it doesn't just happen.  Taking off your clothes and becoming sexually intimate with a partner requires a deliberate decision.

Pregnancy is always possible and, when appropriate, precautions should be taken with any sexual encounter. Many types of contraceptive are available which reduce the chance of pregnancy, but none are 100% guaranteed, and only condoms reduce the chance of catching a sexually transmitted disease. 

Avoiding pregnancy, however, is just one thing to be considered before deciding to have sex and the decision to say "No" must be respected.

It's essential to recognise that sex is far broader than sexual intercourse and penetration.  Oral sex, for example, is just equally intimate and requires the same degree of consent and respect.  

Our books discuss the realities that young people face - frankly. Risks are highlighted as well as the flip-side - learning to appreciate sex as an intimate and highly pleasurable experience.