When Should You Become Sexually Active?

Imagine you get a text from a friend saying they had sex for the first time, and they want to tell you about it. You may have lots of questions, like “What did it feel like?” “What happened beforehand?” “What happened afterwards?” But if you yourself haven’t had sex yet, you may be wondering if you should be having sex too… or if not having it while your friends are having it means you’re “behind” them somehow.

It's very common to wonder if you’re supposed to be doing something when it seems like everyone around you is doing it. But in this case, if you find yourself wondering when you should become sexually active, the best answer is exactly when you want to. 

It’s true that humans have sex. We wouldn’t be here without it! But having sex for the first time can be a significant moment in a person’s life, and that’s why the only person who can tell you if you should have sex is you. It’s your experience, it’s your body, and it’s your choice. 

It’s also true that people have lots of questions about sex – regardless of whether you’ve had it before or not. For answers to all your questions about sex (and for free and low-cost access to all the methods of birth control), make an appointment to talk to a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center.