Dear Panel,

I am Melanie, a 17 year old female. I am a virgin.

My boyfriend Andy is 18 and has had sexual intercourse once before.

My boyfriend wants, as he says it, "to show me physically how much I mean to him". He has hinted sexual intercourse. I think it's nice that he feels this way about me and I do feel quite strongly towards him also.

I'm hesitant because this is all new to me. I've grown up with certain morals, like sex is something shared between a husband and wife. As a child I thought that I would lose my virginity on my wedding night. I honestly don't know how to think anymore. Also, I'm worried about the issue of pregnancy and contraceptives.

We've been seeing each other for 3 months but we're been officially boyfriend and girlfriend for just under a month. I'm not sure if this is a usual thing in a serious relationship or not. I want my virginity to be lost within a special moment with someone who is special to me. I can't go back if we go through with it because you're only a virgin once.

Should I have sexual intercourse with him?

– Confused Virgin

Female, age 17, Australia

Hallie, Buddy, Jeannie, and Ren answer this question.