When you’re a virgin, about to be touched for the very first time, there’s a few things to consider. Consider them gospel or not, but eventually, taking these into account can help you build a healthy sex life.

There’s the obvious ones like: don’t do it because you’re under pressure or because you have to.

Other than that here are seven things you should know before losing your virginity.

If you’re girl it doesn’t always hurt

The degrees of pain vary. For some it’s painful AF. Imagine having a cut, then digging a serrated knife and twisting it. Then applying fire. When it hurts so much, stop.

But to prevent hurting, ensure dilation and lubrication. Fingers, tongues, sex toys. Use them before finally embarking upon the one eyed snake.

For girls: it doesn’t always lead to bleeding

Bleeding when you have sex the first time around is caused due to the tear of the hymen. Some women are even born without hymens and others have it tear due to swimming or gymnastics. So it sure AF isn’t an accurate way of determining virginity.

If something’s gone in there sexually, you’re no longer a virgin

Be it a tongue, fingers, just the tip, a toy… it all counts as sex. If it’s penetrated you’re no longer a virgin.

For boys, as long as you’ve been blown or handed or even used just the tip, you’re also no longer a virgin.

Lube is your bff

Use it. Use plenty of it. Water based lubricants like KY gel and the likes. Invest in them.

Boys are likely to suffer premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction

It can go either way. You’re likely to climax too early or fail to get an erection. It’s all perfectly natural.

First time sex can make you pregnant

If sperm meets your eggs and you’re ovulating, it’s going to happen. Virginity is not birth control.

It’s not a measure of worth

In some cultures, it is believed that a woman is worth more if she’s still a virgin. It’s 2017. We don’t live by such archaic standards any more. Celibacy should be a personal choice. Not a determinant of “worth”. If you were ever taught that a woman should be “careful” because she’s like an envelope and if she’s used once, she loses her worth, forget such lessons. They are pure and utter nonsense. Remaining a virgin isn’t a goal. Having a healthy sex life is.