• Question: Why do we need to have sex, well not need to but, many science books say sex is good for you and im not sure, my mum says if i have sex at my age, im in danger.

    Asked by lilmisspeak to Hitesh, Hywel, Mae, Nik, Tiffany on 17 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Hywel Owen

      Hywel Owen answered on 17 Jun 2012:

      Sex is supposed to have a number of health benefits, the most obvious being that the physical activity burns calories – I heard once that it’s supposed to be equivalent to running 400 meters, but I’m now pretty sure that’s nonsense! There are loads of websites, and more than a few studies, that make claims that endorphins reduce pain and help with stress, and that sex can boost your immune system. But I don’t imagine any of those effects can be really that significant compared to the other things you do in your life – what you eat, whether you smoke, drink or take drugs, or things like the jobs you do or the exercise you take. I wouldn’t choose whether or not to have sex based on the health benefits!

      The other argument is more convincing, which is that sex is good for maintaining intimacy. However, this can only work if you’re in a committed relationship, i.e. if you’ve already developed intimacy bonds. Although there are no hard and fast rules in love, a sensible guide is to wait until you think it’s a long-term thing (months rather than weeks I would say!). Never feel pressured into having sex: you can build intimacy in plenty of other ways.

      PS Remember that nearly EVERYONE lies about their sex life. For boys especially, it’s part of the bravado. Many surveys say the average age that people have sex for the first time is around 17, but since most people are lying about it it must be higher than that!

      One thing to bear in mind though is that sex is illegal in the UK if you are under 16 (you knew I would say that). Also, there is a very high rate of STDs in the UK, and infections are easy to catch from the wrong person. Your Mum is right that there is a danger, and having gone through this stage of life too (and a few years afterwards) she will have useful knowledge. Talk to her and listen to her advice; most Mums are brilliant at giving it – probably much better than what I’ve just written here.

    • Photo: Mae Woods

      Mae Woods answered on 17 Jun 2012:

      Before you start having sex you need to know lots about sex, pregnancy, contraception and safer sex before starting any sexual activity. This is a lot to take in and you need to know how to make complicated decisions. This is why most people don’t have sex until they are at least 16.

      There have been scientific studies that look at how people benefit from having sex. But an important thing to keep in mind is that not having sex does not mean you cannot have excellent health. In fact a study was done and the people who were studied were not having sex and had excellent health.

      Some things that scientists have found to be benefits of sex are a healthy heart, feeling less tension and stress, the bodies abilities to fight off germs, fending off stomach ulcers and generally feeling healthy.

    • Photo: Tiffany Taylor

      Tiffany Taylor answered on 19 Jun 2012:

      Like Hywel says, I wouldn’t have sex because “it’s good for you”. Sex is a very normal and natural thing to do when you’re older. It’s important to be well aware of the risks involved with sex – such as diseases and pregnancy, but also the relationship side of things.

      Sex gives intimacy with someone you love. Because of this it opens you up to emotional hurt. Sex is the closest you can be with someone, and a sign you are totally comfortable with them. If that’s not how you feel for someone, then they are not the right person to share such a private thing with.

      Your body is only ready for sex when it is sexually mature (i.e. after you have started your periods), but your mind not be ready for sex for a long while after. And that’s ok. It should only be shared with someone you love and respect, and who loves and respects you. It’s a very scaring thing (especially for girls I think, although I’m biased), and if you’re felling at all scared, you wont enjoy it – so stop! If it’s with the right person they will understand and wait for you to be ready.

    • Photo: Hitesh Dave

      Hitesh Dave answered on 20 Jun 2012:

      I believe sex is very natural activity which involves lots of sexual hormones from both the sides..It can give joy and pleasure as their hormones release…so they say it is good..but I would say it is very obvious and normal activity after mature age…It can become risky if it can be done without being matured as body doesn’t have ability to resist or cope up with relese of those hormones…

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