Is there a certain age we should be before we have sex? How do we know when we're ready?
From a medical standpoint there is no official minimum age for sex, but you should be of an age where you can assess the pros and cons of sex, can mentally process the implications of sex and can consent to sex with a full understanding of what it entails. Only you know when you’re truly ready.
It might seem like everyone your age is having sex (TV, music, movies, friends...) but the truth is that only about half of high schoolers (53%) are having vaginal or anal sex. Give it a lot of thought, talk with your partner and know that, whatever your decision, you are in good company.
If you decide to have sex, remember a few things:
Females who have vaginal sex with males are at risk of pregnancy. If you do not want to create a baby, take precautions. Females have many different options for birth control (pill, patch, ring, depo, implant and IUD) but keep in mind that most of these will take at least a week to become effective. Guys, condoms are also a form of birth control.
ANY type of sex (oral, anal and vaginal) carries the risk of transmitting STIs. The only way to protect against transmitting STIs is barrier protection in the form of male condoms or dental dams. Male condoms should be used with penetrating vaginal, anal or oral sex in order to be most effective. Dental dams should be used on female genitalia for oral sex.
What if you get caught up in the moment and aren’t protected? What if the condom breaks? Plan B is one of the most common forms of emergency contraception for females. It works to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after sex. It is not free but is available in most drug stores. Anyone, any age can buy it, and it’s nice if your partner offers to help pay.
Once you start having sex, you should also know how often to get STI testing and what symptoms to look out for. (I posted on this recently.)
As you can see, there is still a fair amount of planning and preparation that goes into safe sex. So take your time, know your options and know yourself. It’s not about what’s right for everyone else—it’s about what’s right for you.
