Under age 25

    Are you ready for sex?

    Young people and STIs

    Talking to your parents

    Talking to your your healthcare provider

Are you ready for sex?

The decision to have sex is a deeply personal one. Sexual expression is an amazing part of human life, and it can be very fulfilling. However, the emotions and effects of sexual activity can be difficult to deal with. Your reaction to sexual expression is uniquely yours, and there is no prescription that can tell you when you’re ready to have sex. It’s important to remember that sex involves both the body and the mind; making the decision to have sex for the first time should involve thinking about your own feelings about yourself, your partner, and your body. Remember that, just as having sex is a choice that you can make, the decision not to have sex (also known as abstinence) is also a perfectly fine choice if it’s right for you.

Know your limits

Having sex for the first time can come with a lot of pressure. You may feel that your friends or peers have certain expectations of you; you might also feel pressure from your partner. It’s extremely important to define your own limits, and to reserve your right to say “no” to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Choosing to engage in one kind of sexual activity doesn’t automatically mean that you’re up for anything. The best way to make sure that your limits are understood and respected is to choose a partner who not only respects you and your body, but who will talk with you before you have sex about your concerns and boundaries. Communicating these things before you’re actually in a sexual situation can be very helpful in making sure that you are both on the same page.

Deciding to have sex for the first time can be a particularly difficult decision, because there are so many uncertainties. Make sure that you create some time to think about how to prepare yourself for an experience that can be wonderful, but can also be hard emotionally. These questions can be helpful:

• How will you feel about yourself after you have sex?
• Why is it a good idea to have sex now, with this person?
• How will you feel about your partner after you have sex?
• Can you talk to that person about how you will protect yourself against pregnancy and STDs/STIs?
• Have you spoken with a trusted adult about how to find and use that protection (i.e. birth control pills, condoms, etc.) correctly?

Making the decision to protect yourself and your partner from STDs/STIs is an important part of respecting your body and theirs. Abstinence (which is not having any kind of sex – oral, vaginal, or anal) is definitely the best way to prevent STDs/STIs, but there are still effective options for those who choose to be sexually active to reduce their risk.