Sex can be scary the first time you do it. There are so many things to think about. How will it feel? How will it affect your relationship with your partner? What if you don’t like it or like it too much?
All of these thoughts are completely normal. Most people are a little worried the first time. It’s okay to be a little excited, a little scared.
The best way to enjoy your big moment is to be prepared. And there are some things you may need to prepare for.
At AITrendSpot we want you to enjoy your first time while being protected from unwanted consequences. That means talking about things like unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
It is particularly important to understand sexually transmitted diseases. With Every year, over 376 million people contract chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomonasIt is important to protect your health and understand what risks you might face the first time.
Let’s get into it.
Sex for the first time can be scary. Protect yourself and your sexual health with AITrendSpot.
Remember: don’t have sex if you don’t want to
The thought of having sex for the first time can be very exciting for many people. It can be easy to get carried away by the situation.
Before you proceed, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do I like this person? Social pressure can be a powerful force. It can make us forget what we think about certain things.
- Do I feel safe having sex with this person? First and foremost, it’s important to be confident that the person you’re having sex with is someone with whom you feel safe and vulnerable.
- Am I doing this because I want to or because they want to? Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have sex to please someone else.
- Am I ready? Sometimes you just aren’t ready, and that’s okay.
If you are not satisfied with your answers to these questions, you should take some time to decide whether this is a good choice for you.
But if you feel ready to get started, great!
Here are some things you’ll want to know.
You probably want to use contraception
Unless you are planning to have a child, you should use contraception to reduce the risk of an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during penetrative sex.
condoms
One of the easiest and most effective tools in your sexual health toolkit? The condom.
Condoms are thin sleeves – usually made of latex, polyurethane or polyisoprene – that cover the penis during sex. They act as a barrier and prevent sperm from entering the vagina, mouth or anus. This barrier is what makes condoms so effective at reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
If you’re having sex for the first time, it’s likely that neither partner has been exposed to many sexually transmitted diseases. That’s great – but it also means that it should stay that way. Condoms help by blocking the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. They also prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Additionally, knowing that you are protected can help reduce anxiety and make the experience more relaxed and confident for both partners.
When used correctly, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. They are also very effective in reducing the risk of most sexually transmitted diseases, especially those transmitted through body fluids. Although no method is perfect, combining condoms with other forms of contraception – such as the pill or implant – can provide even more protection and peace of mind.
Birth control pill
The birth control pill is a daily medication that contains hormones – usually a combination of estrogen and progestin or just progestin alone. These hormones work by preventing ovulation, which means your body doesn’t release an egg every month. Without an egg, there is no possibility for sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy cannot occur. The pill also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus, and thins the uterine lining, which helps prevent implantation.
For people who are having sex for the first time, the pill offers a high level of protection against pregnancy when taken correctly. It can also help regulate periods, relieve menstrual cramps, and relieve acne in some people.
However, it is important to remember that the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. For this reason, many people choose to use condoms alongside the pill – this combination offers both pregnancy prevention and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, giving you peace of mind.
When taken regularly and correctly – meaning one pill every day at around the same time – birth control pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. In practical use, where people sometimes forget a dose or take it too late, the effectiveness drops slightly to about 91%.
Setting a daily reminder or using a pill tracking app can help you stay on schedule and get full protection.
Other forms of contraception
In addition to condoms and the birth control pill, there are a variety of alternative methods of contraception for women, including:
- Contraceptive injection: A hormone injection given every 8-13 weeks that prevents ovulation and protects against pregnancy.
- Contraceptive implant: A small, flexible rod that is placed under the skin of your arm and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
- Contraceptive patches: A sticky patch worn on the skin that releases hormones across the skin to prevent pregnancy. It changes weekly.
- IUD (intrauterine device or coil): A small, T-shaped device made of plastic and copper that is inserted into the uterus and prevents pregnancy for 5 to 10 years.
- IUS (intrauterine system or hormonal coil): A hormone-releasing device inserted into the uterus that prevents pregnancy and can shorten heavy periods.
- Female condom: A soft, flexible pouch worn inside the vagina during sex that acts as a barrier against sperm and sexually transmitted diseases.
- vaginal ring: A small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. It is replaced monthly.
Avoid STIs
If you don’t protect yourself during sex, the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is significantly higher. Unfortunately, sexually transmitted diseases can cause more harm than preventing further sexual intercourse. While some infections are curable with a short course of medication, others require long-term treatment and can have detrimental effects on your health.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI and often shows no symptoms at all. If symptoms do occur, they may include pain during sex, unusual discharge, or burning during urination. It is easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can lead to serious complications such as infertility.
gonorrhea
gonorrheasometimes called “clap,” is a bacterial infection that can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Many people don’t notice the symptoms, but you may experience painful urination and unusual discharge. It is treatable with antibiotics, although drug-resistant strains are becoming more common.
syphilis
syphilis develops gradually, starting with a painless sore and progressing to skin rashes and potentially serious complications if left untreated. Spread occurs through direct contact with these wounds, which may be hidden within the body. A single dose of penicillin usually cures the infection, especially if caught early.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can be transmitted through skin contact – even without symptoms. When outbreaks occur, they cause painful blisters or sores that can last for weeks. Although there is no cure, antiviral medications can help relieve symptoms and reduce transmission. It is common for HSV infections to be transmitted from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex.
HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS, but modern treatments allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. Regular testing and medications like PrEP can help prevent transmission.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease and includes many strains, some of which cause genital warts and others which can lead to cancer. Most people show no symptoms and clear the virus naturally, but high-risk types can be dangerous. Vaccination provides strong protection against the most harmful strains.
Trichomonas
Caused by a parasite Trichomonas It often affects more women than men and causes symptoms such as itching, discharge and discomfort during sex. Many people don’t notice any symptoms, especially men. It is easily treated with antibiotics, but untreated cases can lead to pregnancy complications.
Will sex hurt?
Some women believe that a tear in the hymen – a thin membrane that covers the vagina – is responsible for the pain the first time. However, not everyone has a hymen, and even those who do have one cannot tear it during vaginal sex.
Other common reasons for pain or discomfort that interferes with sexual pleasure include:
- Insufficient lubrication
- Anxiety, which can cause muscle spasms
- A partner who is powerful
To stay safe and enjoy the moment, you and your partner should communicate. Pain should be almost non-existent during vaginal intercourse if you express your problems and work together to achieve shared pleasure.
Many people assume that losing virginity is unpleasant. However, this does not have to be the case. The first time can be a pleasant sexual experience when there is open communication, clear consent, and ongoing concern for each other’s well-being.
Final thoughts
It’s natural to be afraid of having sex for the first time. Fear is normal, but it helps to be with the right partner in a comfortable environment and to take things gently.
If you’ve had sex for the first time and are worried about sexually transmitted diseases, contact AITrendSpot today. Our dedicated team of sexual health advisors are available 24/7 via our helpline. You can also book an STI test online by clicking the button below.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Get tested at a sexual health clinic near you.
This article first appeared on August 27, 2025. Last updated 08/22/2025.
