Making Healthy Sexual Decisions

Intro	Emergency Contraception
Talking With Your Partner	Sexual Orientation
Getting Advice & What to Ask	Quiz: Are You Ready for Sex?

You may be thinking about what it means to be involved in a sexual relationship. As a young adult, it's normal to think about sex, have sexual feelings, and have a desire to learn more about your own body. Deciding to have a sexual relationship is an important decision since it involves both your body and your emotions. You need to make sure that it is the right decision for you. It's always good to have a trusted adult to talk to.

What should I think about before I decide to have sex?

There are many things that are important to think about before you decide to have sex, including whether this is what you want and whether this is the right time in your life. You should also think about how you and your partner will feel afterwards.

Guys sometimes feel pressure to have sex from their peers, from what they think is expected from young men in their culture, or from their own sexual urges. The decision to have sex should be discussed and agreed on by you and your partner. You should never feels pressured to have sex or pressure anyone else to have sex. Remember that you are responsible for the decisions you make. Whether you are male or female, it is completely okay to wait to have sex.

What do I need to know if I'm sexually active or I'm thinking about becoming sexually active?

Young men have to make lots of decisions about sex, including whether to abstain (not have sex), or become, or continue being, sexually active. If you are sexually active, you'll also need to think about the:

• Gender of your sexual partner(s)
• Kind of relationship you have with them
• Type of contraception and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention methods you use

Next: Talking With Your Partner

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/19/2011