Adolescence - Having a healthy sex life - Social Emotional

Are You Ready for Sex?

Sex can change your life and relationships. Having sex may affect the way you feel about yourself or how others feel about you.

The right time is different for each teen. For example, some teens may want to wait until they are older (adults); other teens may want to wait until they feel their relationship is ready. 

You may feel that your relationship is ready when:

• You can be completely honest and trust the other person, and the other person can trust you. 
• You can talk with the person about difficult topics, such as feelings, other relationships, and if the person has had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 
• You can be responsible, protecting yourself and your partner against STIs and pregnancy with condoms and birth control. 
• You can respect the other person's decisions about not having sex and about using protection.

However, if you are in love or really like someone, you may ignore the signs of an unhealthy relationship. 

The following signs mean your relationship is not ready for sex:

• Your partner is jealous or possessive. For example, your partner prevents you from spending time with your family or other friends, texts or instant messages you constantly, or checks your cell phone to see who you are talking with.
• Your partner pressures you to have sex and refuses to see your point of view.
• Your partner manipulates you by either bullying you or threatening to hurt himself if you end the relationship.