Guide to having sex

Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us protect, support, and save lives. Whether the problem is big or small, there are many things you can do to get your sex life back on track. Your sexual well-being goes hand in hand with your overall mental, physical, and emotional health. Communicating with your partner, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, availing yourself of some of the many excellent self-help materials on the market, and just having fun can help you weather tough times. The word can evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions.

At one point or another, I promise you that everyone has felt the way you do—and your feelings are completely normal, valid, and fair. TL;DR: Everyone has pre-sex jitters no matter how much chill they seem to have, and honestly, you should totally embrace the awkwardness. But just so you can make your first time as pleasurable as possible, here are some tips from sex therapist Vanessa Marin and psychotherapist Nicole Tammelleo. Talking about sex with a new partner is a must. And don't worry, you don't have to bring up this convo the moment you match with someone on Tinder, but you should bring it up before you take that trip to pound town, says Engle.

Part of the excitement of having sex outside is the danger of getting caught or being seen. It feels naughty and brazen. What are they doing?!

When you decide to have sex for the first time, you may well be nervous. Good sex is more about feeling comfortable around someone, trusting them and being able to communicate with them than it is about having the perfect technique. Lots of people wish they had waited longer before having penetrative sex for the first time. Some people want to just get it out of the way with anyone and other people want to wait until they meet the right person. You have a choice who you have sex with, so choose the person that is right for you.