About one in four people first have sex during their high school years.

Think about it, that means three in four, 75%, or the majority, do not.

Gossip and bragging probably make you think it’s the other way round but the truth is that most teenagers prefer to wait until they are ready or have met someone they really want to have sex with, so it usually happens after the age of 16.

For those that do start at high school the incidence of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is increasing, almost entirely because of unprotected sex, and the increase in risky sex because of teenage drinking, particularly binge drinking.

Are you ready?

That’s the big question.

Raging hormones, social pressures and peer pressure at school often make the urge to ‘do it’ very strong, but only you can decide when you are ready and it’s a mistake to go for it without thinking it through.

Sex is a normal and enjoyable experience but you need to be aware of the potentially life changing consequences such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, as well knowing how to handle the emotions.

You may think you are ready, but you need to be sure if you want to have sex without complications and regrets.

When you decide you are ready and you are with someone you care about and respect, and there is no pressure, it will be right. If you have any doubts, wait, losing your virginity is a big deal whether you are a boy or a girl, and you can’t get it back once it’s gone. And remember, it’s OK if you change your mind, you can say NO whenever you want to.