Homepage > Relationships > Having sex
Should I have sex?
Deciding when and who to have sex with can be extremely difficult and you can often feel pressurised by your friends or your partner. The important thing to remember is that nobody should pressure you into having sex until you are ready. Relationships are strengthened by respect and if you decide that you are not ready, or wish to wait until you are married, your partner should respect your decision. Having sex is a mutual decision between you and your partner and you both need to feel relaxed and comfortable. Before having sex you should think about how the relationship could change after sex and whether this will strengthen your relationship or make it worse.Don't be rushed into sex - you don't want to do anything that you might end up regretting.
The facts
- Many young people lie about when they have had sex so do not worry about ‘keeping up’ with your friends or what you hear from the media.
- It is okay to change your mind and your partner should respect your decision.
- Having sex is not a sign of commitment or loving someone.
- By law you must be over 16 and give your full consent to sex.
- If you decide that you are ready, you can receive free condoms using a C-Card.
Rushing into sex
It is important that before you have sex that you and your partner seek further information and advice about sexual matters. You should be thinking about your relationship, contraception, unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Further support
Remember, you have a choice to refrain from sex and saying no means no! You don't have to have sex with anyone because you think you should or feel pressured to do so. If you're having problems with any relationships and are concerned about:
then contact your local Connexions Centre/One Stop Shop and speak with a Connexions Personal Adviser.
Help lines
Sexwise helpline - 0800 28 29 30 (a free confidential advice help line on sex, relationships and contraception for young people aged 18 or under. It's open from 7.00am to midnight 7 days a week).
R U Thinking
Facts about sex and contraception.
BBC - Relationships
Advice on sex and sexual health.
Make the right decision
This site gives further advice on sex, relationships and contraception.
Your Comments
Posted - 02:47, 18 Mar 2008
Thank you for commenting. We will take your comments into consideration when this article is reviewed. Regards Connexions
Posted - 02:41, 26 Aug 2008
i fink dis page is a gd idea bt needs more detail bout other things
Posted - 05:20, 27 Aug 2008
Thanks for your feedback, if you have any suggestions about topics that you think should go on to the site or would like to get involved in developing the site and learn more about writing for the web, please email the webmaster.
Posted - 04:59, 30 May 2009
You should talk more about the problems with having sex aswell but I think it is a great page
Posted - 09:22, 01 Jun 2009
Hi thanks for your comment your feedback is greatly appreciated. In addition to this page we have another article about the health aspects of having sex. You can read this article by clicking on 'Health > Sex' from the left hand navigation. Connexions Webmaster
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Posted - 01:32, 12 Mar 2008
Why not mention that although many relationships lead to sex, there is still the option of refraining from sex until marriage.Most young peolpe don't take that , unless the have a particular faith commitment, but it is an option, a good option.