How do I know I am ready for sex?
In this section you will learn about being ready to have sex
![A drawing of two women holding hands and smiling at each other. They are thinking about kissing in their underwear and there is a big question mark in between them.](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/How-do-i-know-i-am-ready-to-have-sex.jpg)
Learning about sex and relationships is an important part of growing up.
![An illustration of a person with a vulva and a person with a penis with the following body parts labelled: Breasts, nipples, clitoris, vulva and vagina, penis.](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Private-body-parts-masturbation.jpg)
There are drawings of
- private body parts
- people with no clothes on
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Penis-and-vagina-intercourse-under-covers.jpg)
There are drawings of:
- sexual touching
- penis in vagina sex.
These drawings are there to help you understand.
![Content warning image comparing a photograph of a hand and a drawing of a hand](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Content-warning-photo.jpg)
There are no photos of real peoples private body parts on our website.
![A drawing of a laptop with the Healthy Respect website page about private body parts on the screen. A big green tick is in front of the laptop.](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Learning-about-private-body-parts-is-okay.jpg)
It is ok to see these drawings when learning about sex and realtionships.
![Image of a person talking to a trusted professional](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Speaking-to-a-parent-at-home.jpg)
If you have any questions or upset about anything you read, it is good to speak to an adult you trust.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Green-arrow.jpg)
Move down the page to learn more.
What is sex?
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WW-Couple-sexual-attraction.jpg)
Sex is a thing people do together when they are in love or very attracted to each other.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sex-should-be-pleasurable-for-both-partners.jpg)
Sex should feel good.
Find out more about pleasure and why sex should feel good.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mutual-consent-M-F.jpg)
Both people need to agree to have sex.
This is called consent.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Not-feeling-ready-for-sex.jpg)
Only have sex if you feel like you want to.
It is ok to wait until you are ready.
![Image of a couple changing their mind about having sex.](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Not-wanting-to-have-sex.jpg)
Not everyone wants to have sex.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/must-be-16-or-older-to-have-sex.jpg)
The law says people should be 16 or older before they have sex.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Understanding-the-risks-and-rules-for-sex.jpg)
The law says this because deciding to have sex is a big decision.
There are risks we have to think about.
We need to know how to keep ourselves safe.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Threatening-someone-to-make-them-have-sex.jpg)
You should never feel threatened, pressured, or forced to have sex.
This is against the law.
Learn more about sexual consent and the law.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Why-do-people-have-sex.jpg)
Learn more about what is sex.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Green-arrow.jpg)
Move down the page to learn about being ready to have sex.
Am I ready to have sex?
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Understanding-the-risks-and-rules-for-sex.jpg)
Deciding to have sex is an important decision.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mutual-consent-M-F.jpg)
Sex should be something that you and your partner both feel ready to do.
This is called consent.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Josh-and-Blair-M-M-cuddle-clothes-on.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you and your partner:
- love each other
- fancy or are attracted to each other
- trust each other
- feel safe with each other
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WW-Couple-sexual-attraction.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you and your partner feel excited and happy about having sex.
Find out more about pleasure.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/knowing-about-the-different-kinds-of-sex.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you know:
- what sex is
- there are different types of sex
Learn more about what is sex?
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/M-F-Couple-thinking-about-contraception-and-STI-prevention.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you and your partner:
- know how to stop sexual infections and pregnancy from happening
- Know where to get contraception and condoms
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/knowing-what-kind-of-touch-you-like.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you know what feels good for you.
You know what you want to do or try.
Learn more about what is sex?
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Talking-about-what-you-do-and-do-not-like.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you and your partner have talked about what you both like and do not like.
This is called consent.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Communicating-about-using-condoms-M-M-josh-and-blair.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you and your partner listen to and respect each other.
This is called consent.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Changing-your-mind-during-sex-consent.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you and your partner know you can stop, or change your mind, at any time.
If sex does not feel good for either of you, it is ok to stop.
This is called consent.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sex-in-a-private-place-door-and-closed-window.jpg)
You might be ready to have sex if you have a private place.
This might be a bedroom with the curtains and door closed.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/never-have-sex-in-a-public-place.jpg)
Never have sex in a public place.
![](https://www.healthyrespect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PRIVATE-VS-PUBLIC-PLANET-PUBERTY.png)
Learn more about the difference between public and private places on Planet Puberty.
Play the private vs. public game here.