The first thing you and your partner should do is  talk to each other - not once but several times. Discuss your sexual history. Talk about your desires and expectations for yourself and your relationship. You might want to talk to your parents or a trusted adult so you can be really clear about your decision and how it might affect you. This includes knowing the possible consequences of sex—pregnancy and disease—and feeling really ready to deal with them.

After you’ve done all this, if you still feel ready for sex, get protection. You'll need to know how to practice safer sex. Depending on whether you are in same-sex or opposite-sex relationship, you may need to use condoms or dental dams to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and birth control to protect against pregnancy. You can visit a family planning clinic to learn more about your birth control options and to get condoms. To find a clinic near you, call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN, visit their Web site at www.plannedparenthood.org or check in you phone book under "family planning."