The short explanation
It is good that you are thinking ahead. A few things matter most. First, make sure you both genuinely want to, without pressure, and know that either of you can stop at any time. Second, plan contraception to prevent pregnancy; condoms are easy to get and also protect against sexually transmitted infections. Many couples use condoms along with another method for extra protection. Third, know what to do if something goes wrong, such as a condom breaking: emergency contraception works best when used as soon as possible. Going slowly, using a water-based lubricant and communicating help make it more comfortable. Some women have mild discomfort or light bleeding the first time, and many have none.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Learning how to put on a condom correctly and checking the expiry date reduces the chance of it breaking.
- If either of you has had previous partners, STI testing before having sex is a good idea.
- A doctor or family planning clinic can give confidential advice on contraception, even if you are unmarried.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell which contraception suits you. A doctor can help you choose.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Which contraception methods would suit me?
- How do we use condoms correctly?
- Should we get STI tests first?
- Where can I get emergency contraception if needed?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Get help the same day
- Get care the same day if a condom breaks or you have unprotected sex, to discuss emergency contraception.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if you have pain, sores or unusual discharge after sex.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine appointment for confidential contraception advice.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Sexually transmitted infections MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) World Health Organization
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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