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How to have sex for the first time: A beginner’s guide

Jen on the roof terrace at Natural Cycles headquarters.

Written by Jennifer Gray

Jennifer Gray

Jennifer Gray is an award-winning writer with more than five years’ experience covering reproductive topics ranging from birth control to planning pregnancy. She is passionate about providing women with accurate information grounded in science they can use to take charge of their own health - while also dispelling myths that exist within the field of women’s health. She holds a Master of Science from the University of Edinburgh and currently lives in Ireland.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kerry Krauss, Medical Director at Natural Cycles

Dr. Kerry Krauss

Dr. Kerry Krauss is a practicing board-certified OB-GYN who gained her MD from Thomas Jefferson University and completed her residency at Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Krauss currently serves as a Medical Director for Natural Cycles, where she helps advance the Natural Cycles mission of empowering women to take charge of their health. She was motivated to join Natural Cycles to help provide an effective non-invasive, non-hormonal birth control option to her patients. And after her own struggles with infertility and PCOS, she believes that Natural Cycles can help women struggling with these issues and learn about their own bodies.

Last updated:

14 min read

Key takeaways:

  • Sex is different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to do it as long as it’s safe, enjoyable, and consensual 
  • Not all sex is vaginal sex; there are many different types of sex
  • If you’re having sex that can lead to pregnancy, it’s important to think about your fertility goals and birth control options
  • Condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted infections from many different types of sex

Whether you’re looking for info on how to have sex for the first time, or just want to get to know the ins and outs of intimacy a bit better, we’re here to support you. In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what sex is, what to expect, and how to do it safely. We want you to feel relaxed and enjoy everything sex has to offer. Read on to learn more…

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