That said, it may help to explore some of your own needs and wants via a one-on-one session with yourself prior to engaging in partnered sex more on that later. But, basically: Relax, breathe, and take it all in stride. The best thing you can do before you have sex for the first time: masturbate. This can be v empowering and make room for lots and lots of pleasure when it comes time for partnered sex, she confirms.

Find out more about cookies and your privacy in our policy. Deciding to have sex for the first time is a pretty big deal. Sexual consent must be explicit, which means that both people say that they really want to have sex. Read up on five things you need to know about sexual consent here.

Back to Sexual health. Find out the things you need to ask yourself if you're thinking about having sex. Most people have sex for the first time when they're 16 or older, not before. If someone's boasting about having sex, it's possible they're pretending. Being ready happens at different times for everyone.

Clue is on a mission to help you understand your body, periods, ovulation, and so much more. Start tracking today. Sex drive, is complex and is affected by physical and emotional aspects. Sex is not just for procreation—it should also be pleasurable for every person involved.