Thinking of Having Sex

Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking about becoming sexually active.

• How do you feel about your partner? Do you respect and trust her/him?
• Are you comfortable talking openly with your partner? Are you able to tell your partner what pleases you, and also what doesn't?
• Do you feel pressured to have sexual intercourse by your partner or social standards?
• Are you self-confident enough to clearly express your wishes or to say "no" when you don't want to do something? Low self-esteem often contributes to poor decision making about sex and the inability to communicate about your needs.
• Why do you want to have sex? Are you concerned that your partner will find someone else, or that you are the only virgin you know?
• What are your moral viewpoints on sex?
• Have you considered various methods of contraception?
• Do you understand male and female anatomy, especially the functions of the reproductive organs?
• Are you aware of how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted and how to recognise symptoms?
• Are you willing to risk unplanned pregnancy and have you considered what you would do if you or your partner became pregnant?