Am I Ready to Have Sex?
Am I ready to have sex? It’s a question that crosses everyone’s mind at one point or another, and it’s a big decision, so it’s perfectly acceptable (and healthy!) to take time to really think this through before making the decision.
Having sex is a big deal, and there are lots of potential consequences that come with being sexually active. It’s important to know that just because you’ve done it once doesn’t mean you’re obligated to continue doing it. It’s also important to evaluate your personal boundaries and to communicate them to your partner.
You deserve to have your boundaries respected.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when determining if you’re ready to take things to the next level:
Am I being pressured to have sex?
Sex is not something to do for someone else. You have the right to say no. You have the right to change your mind at any time. And you have the right to have your boundaries respected.
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one not having sex, but statistics show that a large number of young adults are not having sex at all [1], so rest assured that you’re not alone if you decide to wait.
Is this in line with my values?
Try to step back from the situation, and evaluate how you feel about sex as a whole: do you think it should take place in casual relationships or only in committed relationship? Should it only take place when you’re in love? Should it only take place when you’re married?
Are my partner and I prepared to discuss – and accept – the possible consequences of sex?
Being sexually active comes with possible consequences that can affect your physical and emotional wellbeing. It’s important to talk openly with your partner before having sex about your expectations of one another, what you’re comfortable with, and how you’ll deal with potential outcomes such as an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease.
Do I know my partner’s sexual history? Have we both been tested for STIs?
Your health and safety should be top priority, and that means making sure you and your partner have both been open and honest about your sexual history and have been tested recently for STIs. Many STIs have no symptoms, so it’s very important to be tested regularly if you are sexually active.
Talk It Over
Like all of life’s big decisions, it’s a good idea to talk it out with a trusted adult.At PLL, we offer confidential STI testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea at no cost. If you’d like to come in (with or without your partner) to get tested, reach out today. Our caring, professional staff is happy to help answer all of your questions as you navigate this big decision.
Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources:
1. The Statement 2021 Sex Survey. The Michigan Daily. (2021, December 8). https://www.michigandaily.com/statement/the-statement-2021-sex-survey/