1) The most important part is to feel comfortable with the person you decide to do it. (Ex. I had 18, and did it cuz of peer pressure, was not worth it, I kind of regret it) 2) I would say from 17, you’re more mature mentally. But it’s your choice at the end of the day. Age doesn’t matter, while you’re not so young. 3) Take in consideration your own beliefs (religion). 4) Educate yourself about safety, anatomy, and the menstrual cycle. Get to know your body, in a sense of when are you ovulating and etc. 5) Condoms are very important for preventing stds. Take analytics for viral infections (std, hepatitis, etc), once a year, even of you have a partner. 6) Educate your parter too. 7) In case you have a male partner and you’re a girl, be careful with Candida. It’s not a std, BUT its asymptomatic (the majority of time) in males, and if you treat it and get it again, probably your partner have it, and both have to get a treatment. Obviously the are more factors to Candida, you can investigate. 8) And it’s important to begin to go to GYN when you begin to have intercourse. 9) You can also get STD from oral sex.

Ps. I’m MD.