Questionnaire: Am I Ready to Have Sex?

Questionnaire: Am I Ready to Have Sex?

Having sex with someone for the first time is a significant moment, whether you have had previous partners or not. Feeling ready involves more than just wanting to do it. You need to feel emotionally prepared, able to communicate openly, and willing to take responsibility for your health and your partner's.

In the UK, the legal age of consent is 16. But being legally old enough is separate from feeling personally ready. Asking yourself some honest questions can help you work out where you stand.

Questions to ask yourself

Read through these questions and answer yes or no to each one. Be honest with yourself.

• Have you talked about sex with the person you are thinking of having sex with?
• Have you discussed how you will protect yourselves from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections?
• Can you picture being physically intimate with this person without feeling anxious or uncomfortable?
• Are you able to talk about body parts and sex using straightforward terms without feeling awkward?
• Could you buy condoms or arrange contraception without feeling embarrassed?
• Have you already sorted out contraception or protection?
• Are you aware of how STIs can be transmitted during oral, vaginal and anal sex?
• Do you know that not having sex is the only way to completely avoid STIs and pregnancy?
• Are you doing this because you genuinely want to, not because you feel pressured?
• Would you feel comfortable saying no or stopping at any point if you changed your mind?

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What your answers might mean

If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, you have thought things through and taken practical steps. That said, feeling ready now does not mean you cannot change your mind later. Keep talking to your partner as things progress.

If you answered no to several questions, it might be worth waiting. This does not mean anything is wrong with you. It simply means you may not feel fully prepared yet, and that is completely fine.

Sex is not something you should rush into because of pressure from a partner, friends, or feeling like everyone else is doing it. The right time is different for everyone.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Practical things to sort out

Before having sex, you should have a plan for contraception and protection against STIs. Condoms are the most accessible method that reduces the risk of both pregnancy and infections. Other barrier methods like dental dams can help reduce STI transmission during oral sex. Other forms of contraception, such as the pill or IUD, prevent pregnancy but do not protect against STIs.

You can get free condoms from sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries, and many pharmacies. In many areas, C-Card schemes provide free condoms to young people. Availability varies by region, so check what is offered locally.

If you want to discuss contraception options, your local sexual health service can help. You can also speak to your GP. Brook offers advice for people under 25, and their website can help you find services in your area. These services are confidential.

Getting tested for STIs before having sex with a new partner is a sensible step. Many infections show no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know for certain. Free testing is available through the NHS, though services vary by area. Check your local NHS website for details.

Where to get more help

If you have questions about sex, relationships or sexual health, Brook offers free advice for young people. The NHS website has clear information on contraception, STIs and where to find local clinics.

Consent matters every time. Everyone involved must agree freely, and anyone can change their mind at any point. If you ever feel unsure or pressured, trust that feeling.

The Next Step

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