How to Know if You're Ready For Sex

Here is how:

• Know yourself - ask yourself if the situation "feels right" and if you really trust those feelings.
• Know your would be partner - ask yourself how well you know the person you are thinking of being with and if you care for them and trust them.
• Know your reasons - whatever your reason be sure it is worth giving something away that you will never get back.
• Know how your parents feel about you having sex - you may need/want their support and confidence someday, make sure that you have it well in advance.
• Know the risks - heart break, regret, pregnancy, STDs, and HIV (AIDS) can all happen the first time you have sex.
• Know how to protect yourself - condoms with spermicide are the best protection for sexually active teens. The Pill only protects from pregnancy.
• Know that there is no 100% protection against unwanted outcomes if you have sex, only abstinence can totally protect you.
• Know the law - in many states you have to be a certain age before you can legally agree to have sex and there are some sex acts that are illegal.
• Know what sex is - oral sex, anal sex, lying on top of each other naked and heavy petting are all sexual contact that can result in STDs or HIV (AIDS). Wear a condom!
• Know there is NO going back - once you let go of your virginity it is gone forever! Make sure you are ready to say good bye to that part of yourself.

Tips:

• If you have any second thoughts STOP immediately until you are completely sure.
• If you can't say "penis", "vagina", "condom", or "intercourse" without laughing you probably aren't ready.
• You can NOT get pregnant through oral or anal sex, but you can get STDs.
• The age at which you are "allowed" to have sex is called the age of consent and is different depending on where you live and your sexual orientation.
• Sex is not bad, dirty or wrong, but it is a BIG step to take. If you can't be mature about protecting yourself from risks, you shouldn't be "doing it".

Also see: How to Say NO to Sex