Are You Ready For Sex?

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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You feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about any of this with your partner.

Find help in your local area

Find help in your local area

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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