First sexual experience: age and motivations

The legal age of sexual consent for men and women in the UK is 16. Issues like age, emotions, relationship status, a readiness to have sex and access to contraception all influence when a person has sex for the first time.

Some people have their first sexual experience in a relationship that's caring and affectionate, when both partners are ready and willing . It's not unusual for both parties to be virgins .

Talks warmly about her first sexual experience.

Describes how her first sexual partner became a good friend.

These first experiences are often described as 'funny', 'a bit chaotic', or 'a bit crap' but not unpleasant, even if it took a few attempts . Even people who were in 'lust not in love', still felt they'd done it with the 'right person'.

Says that her first sexual experience was very funny. (Actor)

However, some people regret their first experience, either at the time, or with hindsight . Usually regrets are linked to having sex when too young - 13 or 14 years of age - and not ready.

Explains that she was too young when she had her first sexual experience and that it happened in a non-committed relationship. (Actor)

Some women gave in to their boyfriend because they were scared he'd leave if they didn't say yes . Sometimes people just had sex to 'get it over with', or felt they'd rushed into having sex . Some women report that sex isn't quite as it seems in the movies, and may be an anticlimax or even painful .

Talks about how much she regrets having sex at a young age. (Actor)

Talks about peer pressure and explains that he had his first sexual experience in the context of a lad's holiday.

She says that trust is important in a first sexual experience.

For those who experience urinary tract infections or thrush, this can detract from the enjoyment of sex.

Men are less likely to regret having sex, and most enjoy the experience, although some feel under pressure from their mates to 'do it' .

Explains that at fourteen he was thinking about sex but wasn't ready to do it and how his mates congratulated him.

Most people use contraceptives the first time they have sex to avoid pregnancy. They may be less aware that they also need to use contraceptives like condoms to avoid STIs .

Talks of how little information and education teenagers have around the time they start having sex.

Explains that for her, the use of condoms is not an issue but something natural.

Others would never consider having sex without a condom - one Afro Caribbean woman said 'As far as I'm concerned if there's no condoms, there's no nookie'. Some get 'carried away in the heat of the moment' and have sex without protection, while others don't know how to get hold of contraception in their communities .