Sexual practices

Sexual practices are the many ways people express and share their sexuality, alone or with others. There is no list of “correct” acts: what makes a practice healthy is that it rests on three pillars – consent, looking after your health and communication. This entry is educational and non-explicit.

What we mean by sexual practices

Human sexuality is diverse. It includes intimacy with a partner, solo sexuality, touching, kissing and many other forms of affection. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It calls for a positive, respectful approach and the possibility of pleasurable and safe experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. From a health point of view, what matters is not labelling behaviours but the conditions in which they happen. For the wider picture, see our entry on sexuality.

Consent comes first

Consent is the starting point of any healthy practice. It is not a single “yes” that covers everything, but an ongoing agreement. It is usually described as:

• Freely given: no pressure, blackmail or coercion.
• Informed: you know what you are agreeing to, including whether protection will be used.
• Specific: agreeing to one thing does not mean agreeing to everything.
• Reversible: it can be withdrawn at any moment, including part-way through.
• Enthusiastic: an active agreement, not just the absence of a “no”.

To consent, a person has to be able to decide. Someone who is asleep, unconscious or heavily affected by alcohol or drugs cannot consent, and nor can anyone under the legal age. In Spain, for example, the Criminal Code (reformed by Organic Law 10/2022) states that there is only consent when it has been freely expressed through actions that clearly show the person’s will.

Looking after your health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common. According to the WHO (2025), more than one million curable STIs are acquired every day worldwide among people aged 15 to 49, and most cause no symptoms. That is why prevention combines several measures:

• Condoms (external or internal), used correctly for every vaginal, anal or oral contact. They are one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs, including HIV, though they protect less against infections affecting uncovered skin, such as genital herpes or syphilis. See common condom mistakes.
• Vaccines: safe, highly effective vaccines exist against HPV and hepatitis B.
• Regular testing suited to your situation: read how often to get tested for STIs.
• Contraception whenever pregnancy is possible and not wanted.
• For HIV, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an option for people at higher risk; ask your sexual health clinic.

Protecting yourself does not kill spontaneity: it is a way of respecting yourself and others.

Communication and diversity

Talking before, during and after improves both the experience and safety. Sharing wishes, limits and doubts avoids misunderstandings and builds trust. If it feels hard to start, our article on how to talk to your partner about trying something new may help. Everyone has different preferences, and that diversity is normal: there are no “compulsory” practices and no ranking of what you “should” want. It is also normal to go through periods with little or no interest in sex.

Common myths

• “There is one normal way and everything else is odd”: within consent and respect, diversity is the norm.
• “Talking spoils the mood”: communication usually improves connection and pleasure.
• “Asking for protection means you don’t trust me”: mutual care is respect, not suspicion.
• “Once they’ve said yes, they can’t change their mind”: consent can be withdrawn at any time.
• “No symptoms means no infection”: most STIs show no signs; only a test can tell.

Limits, comfort and aftercare

Healthy intimacy also pays attention to comfort. Limits are not obstacles but self-knowledge: knowing what feels good, what does not and what you are unsure about. Pain should never be normalised or pushed through. Many people also value aftercare – a moment of closeness, calm or conversation afterwards – which strengthens trust. It is not a fixed script, simply attention to yourself and the other person.

When to seek help

Contact your GP or a sexual health clinic if you notice unusual discharge, sores, genital itching or burning, or if you have had sex without protection or a condom has split: some urgent measures work best the sooner they are used, such as emergency contraception or HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (within 72 hours). Ask for advice too if pain during sex keeps happening. And if you have experienced something you did not consent to, it is not your fault: you can go to A&E or contact a sexual assault referral centre or local support service.