Sometimes there's a lot of pressure to have sex especially if all your mates are talking about it. It's important to remember that the average age when people have sex is 16, but you're not unusual if you wait until you're older – many people do!
A survey of 19,000 16 to 24-year-olds conducted jointly by Radio 1, MTV and Durex, found that 69% waited until they were 16 to have sex.
It's your choice when to have sex and it's an important decision, so don't do it before you're ready.
Here are a few things you may want to ask yourself if you think you may be ready.
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You could say no if you wanted to but still want to do it
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You can have fun together without having sex
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You are not being pushed or bribed into having sex
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You want it for yourself – not for the other person or to fit in with friends
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You have agreed to use condoms and contraception – and know why they are important
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You may be excited and nervous, but not afraid
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You have both agreed whether or not to tell your friends afterwards
Remember, it's about what YOU want
If you are sexually active, use condoms and other methods of contraception to prevent against pregnancy and catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
