Learn to Talk About Sex

If you feel ready for sex, here are some of the things you could talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend about. (It’s not easy, but being open and honest with each other is the secret to a great relationship)

1. What sort of contraception are you going to use? (Remember only condoms can protect you against both pregnancy and STIs)
2. Find out if he or she is a virgin or not.
3. Find out if either of you have any worries about sex. Are you confident about using a condom? Are you worried that it will hurt? Do you know what to do other than what you've seen in a biology text book? Everyone says that they're confident when it comes to sex but the truth is lots of people aren't. Talking openly to a partner you can trust is key to a healthy, happy sex life.
4. Talk about what will happen after you have sex. Are you going to be honest with each other about how it felt? Or is one of you going to leap out of bed and never say another word?
5. What are you going to do if you get pregnant?

Maybe you’re not doing it for the right reasons if you think

• Your boyfriend/girlfriend will finish with you if you don’t.
• Your boyfriend/girlfriend will love you more if you sleep with them.
• Doing it will annoy your parents.
• You’re too old to be a virgin.
• It will give you something to say when people talk about sex.
• Your life would be better with a baby.
• Your parents are out on Saturday and you won’t get another chance for ages.
• You’re going to be left behind if you don’t do it soon.

You’re probably doing it for the right reasons if.

• You trust and respect your boyfriend/girlfriend
• You really care about them and you can handle talking about why you want to have sex with each other
• You've thought about contraception and protecting yourselves from STIs