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Q:	I'm a 13 year-old-girl - in the 8th grade. Sometimes, I see movies with sex and things, and sometimes I feel like I need to do it - sex. But, I know I'm too young besides who would like to do it with me! I'm ugly and fat. I often think about having sex it and really want it, is it okay?
A:	Thirteen is about the age when adolescents begin to think a lot about sex. What is it really like? How does it feel? Am I the only 13-year-old girl who hasn’t had sex? If I don’t have sex now, will I get teased? If I do have sex now, am I ready for it? If I have sex, will it make me more popular? It’s important to understand that sexual thoughts and feelings are normal. Thinking about having sex and wanting to try it are certainly OK. Acting on these thoughts is a little different. It sounds like you realize that “having sex” is a big deal and a big decision. I agree that 13 is pretty young and although some adolescents decide to have sex at that age, most don’t. And many of the girls who have had sex this young, later wish they had waited. Many people (including adults) have magical expectations about having sex. They think it will make them more popular – not true. They think it will help a shaky relationship – not true. They think that it will make them feel better about themselves – usually not true, especially for girls. It sounds like you might want to talk with a trusted adult, your nurse, school counselor or doctor about your feelings about sexuality and your view of yourself before you make the decision to have sex. Having sex is a big decision that will affect the rest of your life. Think carefully. Do you have a question? As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full .