Having sexual intercourse for the first time takes you to a new chapter in your life. It can open up our eyes to see things to a whole new world, and it can bring you and your partner closer and give you a better understanding of your own body. However, it is not something to mess around with as you do not wish to have any unwanted pregnancy or be taken advantage of.

So, in order to make your first time pain-free and a good one for you and your partner, here is what you should know before you engage in sexual intercourse for the first time.

Talk about it with your partner

Communication is key when it comes to this. It is important for both parties to talk about it before actually having sex as this is to ensure that both sides are on the same page to avoid any misunderstanding. Talk and discuss it before finalising your decision. Although it can be scary and intimidating, it’s fine if it brings questions you hadn’t previously considered. Once a solution is determined, you’ll be more prepared.

Be prepared mentally and physically

It is complete hogwash when others advise you that you do not have to be prepared as it will come naturally. The reason for the need to do some preparation is to ensure that we do not get taken aback by any circumstances that may emerge later. Gain knowledge about sexual intercourse by studying it. Learn about the significance of wearing protection, sexually transmitted diseases and also sexual organs. Ensure that you have prepared the necessities such as condoms and lubricants for safe and painless sex. One can get all of this in drug stores, convenience stores, or even order them online if you are shy to buy them in person.

Obtaining consent is a must!

Consent is fundamental whether it’s your first time having sex or not. It should be done verbally and the other must be serious about it. You should reevaluate your decision if someone tries to downplay the importance of your consent. There should be an understanding and respect for the meaning of “no” and “stop” from your partner.

Create a sense of security

Be it if the person that you are going to engage in sexual intercourse with for the first time is your partner for life or a one-time thing, it is important to build trust between your partner. By being transparent with each other, it will make your first-time experience safer and better as transparency allows the both of you to be comfortable with each other. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to your expectations by talking about them and making them crystal clear.

Once the both of you are comfortable with each other, you all can try and explore more during sex such as the use of foreplay or the use of sex toys in order to make sex spicier for the both of you.

It is nothing like pornography

As the majority of us have watched pornography once in our life due to curiosity, you have to keep in mind that having real-life sex is nothing like the sex you watch in pornography. So, keep your expectations low and do not expect sex to be rough and hard like in pornography. In fact, real-life sex is where both parties feel comfortable with each other, build a bond, and take time to learn about each other such as their sensitive areas during sex and what they like and they don’t like.

The significance of taking care of hygiene

Before both parties go down on each other, it is important for both sides to take care of their own personal hygiene. You do not want to go down on each other being sweaty and such. For instance, it is highly recommended to shower before having sex. Ideally, no one is keen to go down on each other when one has an extremely bad body odour. Not only is it unhygienic, but it can also be highly disgusting for the majority of people as your body smells like fish. So, take a shower and clean your body thoroughly. You and your partner will have a good time if the both of you not only are clean but also have a nice body smell that both of you can appreciate. 

Another way to maintain cleanliness where men should shave clean the penis area, and vaginal area for women. For sexual activity, use a fresh condom and do not reuse the condom as reused condoms have a higher chance of ripping, breaking and bursting – which can potentially spread any STI’s or unwanted pregnancy, as condoms are made for one-time use only. Besides that, reusing a condom is also unhygienic.

Additionally, it is important for women to urinate before and after sex in order to prevent developing urinary tract infections. The same also applies to men where it is advised to urinate after having sexual intercourse.

Conclusion

In short, it can be scary and exciting at the same time for those who are about to have sexual intercourse for the first time. Be sure to take the time before deciding on doing it. To add on, if your partner, be it your lover or one-time partner, does not value your consent or respect your decision, it is better to back out before you regret your own decision.