Opinion article
Starting your sexual life: what’s worth knowing beforehand
There is no right age to start a sexual life. What matters is that it happens by choice, with accurate information, and with the right precautions to prevent unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Consent comes first
Any sexual activity should be free, informed and mutually wanted. Pressure, persistence, or any form of coercion is never normal, regardless of the relationship with the other person.
A myth worth debunking
The idea that the hymen “proves” whether someone has had sex has no scientific basis. The hymen varies widely from person to person, can already have a naturally wide opening, and can also stretch without tearing. There is no exam that can reliably confirm past sexual activity.
Prevention
- Condoms: the only form of contraception that also protects against most sexually transmitted infections.
- Other contraceptive methods: useful for preventing pregnancy, but they don’t replace condoms for protection against infections, except in mutually monogamous relationships where both partners have already been tested.
- HPV vaccine: ideally given before the start of sexual activity, it protects against the virus types most linked to cervical cancer and genital warts.
Your first gynaecology appointment doesn’t need to wait for a problem. It’s a good moment to ask questions, discuss contraception, and build a trusting relationship with a healthcare professional.
This article is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.