Think about whether you're ready Deciding to have sex for the first time is a pretty big deal. Make sure you’re ready, and that you’ve thought through the following: Is sex something you really want to do, or do you feel you're being pressured into it? What are you comfortable doing, and what is 'off limits'? Do you want to be in a committed relationship with the person you have sex with? If you’re not sure if you’re 100% ready, it can help to talk with someone you trust, such as a trusted friend or family member, or a mental health professional. If you’re in a relationship, it’s very important that you talk to your partner about how you both feel, and to make sure that you both consent. Sexual consent must be explicit, which means that both people say that they really want to have sex. Read up on five things you need to know about sexual consent here.