Definition: Sexually Active
What does it actually mean to be “sexually active”? This isn’t just a term that confuses teens. “Sexually active” is a term that has long confounded many an individual. It’s time to unshroud the mystery. From a medical stand point “sexually active” is used most often when doctors ask patients about activities that could potentially put them at a risk for an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) or pregnancy in order to determine whether the patient should have an STI screening, or in the case of a female, look into different hormonal contraceptives. These activities include both vaginal and anal intercourse, oral contact with genitalia and manual contact with genitalia. All of the above activities can put you at a risk for STIs, some a much higher risk than others. Sometimes “sexually active” is used as a slang term for how much intercourse one partakes in, however in most cases the phrase is used in medical situations. Another confusing aspect of being “sexually active” is timing. When doctors ask if you’re “sexually active” it may not be clear whether they mean have you ever been or they are asking just for recent encounters. STIs may not start affecting the body immediately after the encounter. An STI may take months to start showing symptoms. It is best to tell your health care professional if you have ever been sexually active, even if it hasn’t been recent, just to make sure your safety isn’t at risk.
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