How can I tell if I’m ready for sex? The average age for young men and women having sexual intercourse for the first time is 16 in the UK, but many wait until they are older. Some young people say that they’re having sex when they’re not at all. Don’t feel pressurised into having sex just because your friends say they are. Often young people who have sex under the age of 16 regret it and wish they had waited longer. People often find that changing a relationship to a sexual one is a bigger step than they think. Think carefully before you make this step and don’t be pushed into doing something you don’t want. Ready to have sex checklist See the adjacent checklist. YOU'RE PROBABLY READY WHEN YOU CAN ANSWER “YES” TO AT LEAST MOST OF THESE. Remember Don’t do anything you don’t want to do and don’t pressurise someone into doing something they don’t want to do. It’s fine to change your mind – if you start having sex and want to stop, you’re not being a tease. Having sex once doesn’t mean you have to do it again - this can be with a current partner, or with future partners. The Law The age at which young people can agree, or consent, to have sex is 16 in England, Wales and Scotland and 17 in Northern Ireland. This is the same whether you are gay, straight or bisexual.

Checklist for when you might be ready to have sex • You feel you could say no and that would be OK - but you still want to do it. • You have made a special connection with someone - and both feel it. • You know your own mind and know it's right. • You may have some anxieties about it – but not any fear • Nobody's forcing you or pressurising you. • You know you won't regret it. • You don't need someone else's permission. • You're not doing it just to keep up with your friends. • You've agreed you're both in love and want to take this next step together • You've been going out for months and have done everything but and can't wait • You aren't wanting to have sex to keep a boyfrield/girlfriend or just to make you popular • You have talked about it together, discussed using contraception, and agreed what happens next and whether or not to tell your friends afterwards • You each want it for yourselves – not just because the other person does or to please them. Copyright Jo Adams.