Am I Ready for Sex?
TeenHealthFx would like to begin by saying your feelings and curiosity about sex are completely normal at your age. Deciding when to have sex for the first time is a big decision that only you can make. It may be helpful to talk about this with someone you trust, who cares about you.
The world we live in today glamorizes sex. You might think that everyone your age is having sex, they’re probably not. In fact, many teens that have had sex wish they’d waited. Sex can be great, but there are emotional and physical risks like unintended pregnancy and STIs. Sex before you’re ready can be very stressful.
It’s important to think about your personal values. What are you comfortable doing? FX suggests you have an honest conversation with your boyfriend about the role of sex in your relationship. If you decide to become sexually active, it is important that you speak to your healthcare provider about birth control to protect against unintended pregnancies and the transmission of STI’s.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood.
