Dear emlinthegremlin,

There's no such thing as a "normal" age for becoming sexually active. Deciding whether to have sex is a highly personal decision that can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as religion, family and personal values, peer influence, and the status of your relationship. It's important to think about where you stand on the issue. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide:

• Do we both believe that sex should only be shared in a marriage or other committed relationship?
• Do we both think that two people should be in love before having sex?
• Do we both believe that a person should be a certain age before having sex?
• Are we both prepared to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection?
• Are we both prepared to deal with the consequences if pregnancy or infection occurs?
• Are we both prepared for our relationship to change?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Sexual decisions are a matter of personal beliefs and values, but it's important to think them through before you take the plunge. Talking about your views on sex with your partner is also a good idea. And sometimes it's helpful to talk things through with a parent, a friend, a professional counselor, or someone else who cares about you and what will be good for you. For more information, check out Ready for Sex?

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.