Is it normal to feel like this?
I’m not sure I’m ready to have sex.
Don’t rush into this decision. You will always remember the first time you had sex and you want this to be a positive experience.
Don’t just agree to have sex because you’re worried your partner will dump you if you don’t or you think everyone else is doing it.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I trust my girlfriend / boyfriend?
- Does he/she make me feel happy?
- Do I feel ready?
- Have we discussed contraception?
Finally, don’t forget that if you do decide to have sex, make sure you use a condom. Condoms will help protect you and your partner against some sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy if used correctly. Condoms are FREE to young people with a C Card.
I’m 15 and all my friends have had sex but I haven’t.
- 3 out of 5 people under the age of 16 have not had sex
- Sex under the age of 16 is illegal. However, if you do decide to have sex under the age of 16, you can still access free and confidential advice and contraception
- You should have sex when you and your partner are both ready
Questioning your sexuality?
It can be difficult to know if you are attracted to someone of the same sex; it differs for everyone. It could take a while to know whether you are or are not attracted to people of the same sex, so there is no need to rush. Some gay, lesbian and bisexual people say they ‘felt different’ from time to time when they were young. They had crushes on friends, but it took a while for them to think of themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual.
If you want more information about coming out or think you might be gay, lesbian, bisexual or just curious click here or here for more information.
Want more help and advice?
BROOK
1 Unity Street, Bristol BS1 5HH
Brook Young People’s Clinic offer free, confidential counselling to young people under 25 at their clinic.
Monday and Thursday 2.00 – 6.00pm (call to make an appointment)
0117 929 0090
Could you spot abuse?
thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk
Childline
Helpline 0800 11 11
Counsellors can talk with you about any problem if you are 18 or younger
www.childline.org.uk
Worth Talking About
Helpline 0800 28 29 30
Information for 12-18 year olds on sexual health, sex and relationships
NHS Choices Youth website
Safe Link
Free and confidential help for those that have experienced sexual assault or rape.
0117 925 0680
www.safelinksupport.co.uk
Broken Rainbow
Offering advice, support and referral services to LGBT people experiencing homophobic, transphobic and same sex domestic violence.
Mon 2-8pm, Wed 10-5pm, Thur 2-8pm
0300 999 5428
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
Womankind helpline
0845 458 2914
Talk to another women for confidential, non-judgemental listening.
This is not a 24-hour helpline – check Womankind’s website for when the helpline is open.
Counselling Services
www.counselling-directory.org.uk