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Are You Ready For Sex?

Working out whether you're ready for sex is one of life’s big decisions.

It might feel like everyone around you is having sex, because that’s what they are saying, but they could be making it up. Never feel pressured into having sex with anyone until both of you are ready.

If you're thinking about losing your virginity or having sex with a new partner, here are 7 things to think about:

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1. It's your decision
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Remember, only you can decide whether or not you’re ready to have sex, and it’s ok to say no.

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2. No means no
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It’s important not to pressurise anyone else to be sexually active if they don’t want to be. You must respect that. No means no.

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3. Do you know about the law?
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The legal age of consent is 16; any younger than that and it’s against the law for you to be having sex.

But when you get to 16, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right age for you to start having sex.

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4. Non-consensual sex with a person who is drunk or under the influence of drugs is rape
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If a person is unconscious, or if their judgement is impaired by alcohol or drugs, legally they are unable to give consent to sex.

Having non-consensual sex with a person who is drunk or under the influence of drugs is rape.

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5. Communicate with your partner about sex
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It’s really important to communicate with your partner about being sexually intimate so you can find out each other’s likes and dislikes.

What one person likes might make the other feel uncomfortable. It’s also important to wait until you’re ready to progress to sex

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6. Talk about safe sex
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It’s vital that you talk about safe sex; you need to protect yourself from STIs and the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

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7. You might not be ready to have sex if.....
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You feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about any of this with your partner.

how to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

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Find out what services are available to you in your area. Remember your school nurse is always there to give you confidential help and support.

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