How to know if you are ready for sex

Everyone has probably asked this question to themselves at least once in their lifetime.  

How do I know when I’m ready to have sex? 

It might look like a difficult question, and indeed, this is no small decision. There are a lot of considerations that you have to make before taking the step forward with your partner. However, you must understand that sex is not an evil thing, it is only evil when it is illegal and non-consensual. It’s also vital for everyone to understand that not everyone has to or wants to engage in sexual intercourse, there are those who fall under the sexuality spectrum of asexuality – meaning, they have no desire to engage in sexual intercourse.  

However, to have a healthy sexual relationship as an adult, there are certain steps you need to think about before engaging in sexual intercourse. Marie Stopes will provide you with some of the important information you need to consider before doing the deed. 

Legality of sex 

Of course, one of the first things you need to consider is whether you’re at the legally allowed age for sex. The age of consent differs according to different countries.

In Cambodia, the age of consent is 15.

There is no close-in-age exemption in Cambodia; therefore, if two consensual people of the same age engage in sexual intercourse under the age of 15, both of them can be charged under the law.  

With that said, age isn’t the only parameter for someone to engage in sexual intercourse. Age of consent is a law that exists to protect minors from child predators, but it does not mean that you automatically have to think about having sex the moment you reach 15 years old. [¹] 

Important factors to consider 

There is no set age or time or event that REQUIRES you to have sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse is not a necessity that is defined by any set of rules or limitations, you only engage in sex when you’re ready and when you’re ready ONLY. 

Here are a couple of questions that you need to ask yourself before deciding to have sex: 

Do you want to have sex because you wish to or because you’re being peer-pressured? 

If you wish to have sex only because everyone else is having sex or you think you’re at the age that society thinks you should have sex, then probably you are not ready for it. Only have sex when you WANT to. 

Have you and your partner talked about contraception? What about protection against STDS? 

Sex comes with the risks of getting pregnant and contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, you and your partner must ask yourselves whether you are ready for the responsibility of being a parent. If not, please use the many contraceptive methods that are available. Marie Stopes recommend long-term contraception methods such as IUDs and Implants. If you or your partner have had sexual intercourse in the past, testing for STDs or using protection methods such as condoms or dental dams is the safest bet for you. 

Are you under the influence of alcohol or other drugs? 

People normally do not have the mental capacity to think clearly when they are under the influence of alcohol or other mentally affecting drugs. It’s best to stave off from intercourse when you are under influence. [²] 

These are some of the important questions you need to consider before making the decision to have sex. Remember that no one and nothing should influence your choice to have sex but yourself. It is important to recognize the risks of having intercourse without contraception or protection. You might end up with regrets if you don’t communicate well with your partner before the intercourse about the possible risks of unplanned pregnancy and STDs. Marie Stopes is here to provide you with all kinds of information regarding the right contraception methods and protection for you and your partner.  

If you have any questions about contraception methods, protection methods, consent, or other sexual education topics, consult with @MarieStopesKH now: 
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