It's normal to have lots of questions about sex. Whether you've had sex or not, it's important to find out about contraception and consent so you can make decisions that feel right for you.
It can sometimes feel awkward talking about sex.
You might feel worried about being judged for having sex or not. Or feel silly for not knowing something.
Everyone has questions about sex. And you should always be able to ask about sex without being embarrassed.
If you're unsure about sex, consent or how to get support, we've got advice for you.
5 facts about consent
feeling
pressured
You might be worried about being left out, not being seen as mature or like you need to have sex to prove that you care about someone. Or people around you might be making you feel like you should have sex.
The only person who can decide if you're ready is you. If you're thinking about having sex, you should ask yourself:
If you answer no to any of those questions, you may not be ready to have sex. You should never feel pressured into doing something sexual until you're ready and your should not put yourself at risk.
not sure
if I'm
Ready
Sexual consent is when you agree to be involved in anything sexual without feeling pressured, scared or drunk. It can include sex, touching, taking pictures or any sexual activity.
Nobody should ever do something sexual without your full consent. If they do, it's called sexual assault and rape.
Understanding whether or not someone consents can be confusing sometimes, but there are things that are important to remember.
It's illegal to have sex or do sexual things with anyone without someone's full consent.
That includes if:
The age of consent is 16. This means that it's illegal to have sex with anyone who's under 16 years old. This is the same no matter what your sexuality is.
It's important to remember that the law is there to protect children and young people, not punish them.
If you're both under 16 and you consent to doing things, it's still against the law. But it's unlikely you would be punished legally.
When someone over 16 is having sex with someone under 16, they're also breaking the law. They may be arrested even if everyone has consented.
Sex can feel different depending on who you're with. Lots of people have an emotional connection with the person they're with as well as a physical attraction.
Whether it's your first time having sex or you've had it before, it's important to feel comfortable before you do anything.
Try our tips to feel more comfortable:
Masturbation is when you touch your body and your genitals because it feels good or pleasurable. Both girls and boys masturbate and it's completely natural.
If you want to know more – check out the information on our facts about puberty page.
Other places you can get advice:
Want more advice about sex? These sites can help.
