Feeling ready for sex

Sometimes it can feel like sex is everywhere. It's in the papers, in music, in magazines, on your favourite TV shows and even in your daily life.

But just because it may seem like it's everywhere, it doesn't mean everyone is doing it. Research shows that most people people in the UK have for the first time when they are 16, which is the legal age for consent.  Some people have sex before they're 16, and some people wait until a while after, even years after. So, there really is no need to rush, whatever anyone says.

And if you thinking about having sex, whether it's for the first time, the second time or even the hundredth time, you still need to think about the same important things, read on for more information.

Talking about it

If you're not sure whether you're ready to have sex with someone, speaking to your friends or someone you trust might help you get your thoughts straight.

Try talking to your partner too, after all, if you decide to have sex, it will be between the two of you. Even if you don't consider your partner to be your boyfriend or girlfriend, communication is still key so that you both know where you stand.

And once you've decided to have sex you still have every right to change your mind. Even if you change your mind halfway through, it's completely fine if you want to stop.

Being prepared

If a man and a woman have vaginal sex without using contraception, then there's a risk the woman could get pregnant. So before you have sex, you need to sort out a method of contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

Also, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be passed from person to person through oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex, whether you're a boy or a girl, so it's really important that you get the facts on protecting yourself against STIs too.

If you need to talk, but don't want to talk to anyone you know, don't forget that anyone under 25 can come and talk to Brook, even if you are under 16.

If you have any questions or you are worried about something you can also speak to an Ask Brook advisor on 0808 802 1234. Your call will be free and confidential which means that no one will be told about it.