Nearly everyone has an opinion about when you should have sex for the first time. However, there is no particular right time to have sex, it is different for everybody.
If you are thinking about having sex for the first time, it is important to make sure that you feel ready, that you are prepared (with your choice of contraception), and that you are safe. If you are unsure whether or not you feel ready, you should probably wait.
The legal age of consent
It is also important to make sure that you are not underage as per law to have sex . The law regarding consent is applicable to both the partners
16 is the age when most people have sex for the first time, but it is not unusual to decide that you want to wait until you are older. Many people decide that they want to wait for the right partner, or until they are married. Always remember that it is your choice.
Having sex for the first time is an important decision
Young people often feel pressurised into sex because:
* their friends have done it already,
* their partner wants them to,
* they feel that they should have had sex by now, or
* they feel scared to say no.
None of these are good reasons to have sex. The only good reason to have sex is because you want to and you feel ready to.
Having sex for the first time is an important decision. You may decide that you are not ready yet, and that you want to wait. If your partner respects you, they will respect your decision.
Many people believe that you should love someone before you have sex with them. Again, this is your choice. Remember though, sex does not mean love, and having sex with someone cannot make them love you.
It is usually a good idea to make sure that you and your partner feel the same way about each other, or have the same expectations about your relationship, before deciding to have sex.
You can always talk to someone about your concerns, such as a parent, or a family friend. If you feel that you cannot talk to someone you know, you can always talk to your GP. They will keep everything you talk about private, even if you are under the age of 16.
Staying safe
If you do decide to have sex, always make sure that you use contraception to prevent the risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Do not rely on your partner to provide contraception; your body is your responsibility. You can get many different kinds of contraception, and advice about how to use it, from your GP, or practice nurse, family planning clinic, or pharmacist.
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