Everybody remembers their first sexual encounter, even after several years have passed. After all, there is just one first time for it, and there are no do-overs! It can be a mind-blowing experience, or a tender one. It can also be pleasurable, sensual and loving — or a combination of all of these. Also, many people feel high anxiety or nervousness and frantically search online for first time sex tips. After all, there is no tried and tested formula for how to have sex for the first time.

Don’t rush
Okay, I'm ready. Now what?
Find out more about cookies and your privacy in our policy. ReachOut are running a new wave of recruitment for research about our users and want to hear from you! Tell me more. 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. Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce the chances of becoming infected or pregnant. For some people, first-time sex can feel uncomfortable and may hurt or sting a bit.
ASK BROOK… A GUIDE TO SEXUAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
At one point or another, I promise you that everyone has felt the way you do—and your feelings are completely normal, valid, and fair. TL;DR: Everyone has pre-sex jitters no matter how much chill they seem to have, and honestly, you should totally embrace the awkwardness. But just so you can make your first time as pleasurable as possible, here are some tips from sex therapist Vanessa Marin and psychotherapist Nicole Tammelleo. Talking about sex with a new partner is a must. And don't worry, you don't have to bring up this convo the moment you match with someone on Tinder, but you should bring it up before you take that trip to pound town, says Engle.
Having sex for the first time is an important moment for most of us - it can open you up to a whole new world, bring you closer to your partner and give you a deeper understanding of your own body. To make this experience better and pain-free for you and your partner, there are some things you might want to consider. Sure, you might feel certain of it in your head at the moment but discussing it out loud can help process the decision on a deeper level. Read up about sexual intercourse, methods of protection, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual organs and erogenous zones. Then, make sure you have everything you could need like condoms and lubricants. The most important part about having sex — the first time, last time or any time in between — is consent. There will be some people who will try to downplay it or joke about it.