Abstinence

What is Abstinence?

Abstinence means different things to different people. To some people, it means not having any kind of sexual contact with another person. To other people, it means not having vaginal intercourse. And for others, it means not having vaginal or anal intercourse or oral sex.

When it comes to using abstinence for pregnancy prevention, abstinence means that a couple chooses not to have vaginal or anal intercourse, since both of these types of sexual activity can cause pregnancy.

When people choose to abstain for pregnancy prevention or other reasons, they may still want to show affection in physical or non-physical ways such as:

  • Holding hands
  • Flirting
  • Touching other parts of your partner's body
  • Kissing
  • Massage
  • Sharing fantasies, dreams, thoughts, and feelings

More About Abstinence

People who choose to prevent pregnancy by not having sex can't do anything that lets the man's sperm anywhere in or near the opening of the woman's vagina or anus.

You should:

  • Know and understand why you have made the choice not to have sex.
  • Talk to your partner about what you want and don't want. Ask your partner what he or she wants.
  • Make a decision about what kinds of things are right for both of you. If you don't both agree, one of you might pressure the other into having sex.

Here are a few suggestions on talking about sex with your partner:

  • First, write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you think about them very carefully. You may want to share these feelings with your partner.
  • Talk about what you want before being sexual with your partner.
  • Bring up the subject by talking about a romantic movie you saw and talk about your feelings.
  • Talk about sex in a general way. Then talk about what you think and feel.

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Effectiveness

Perfect user: A person who uses their method of pregnancy prevention correctly all of the time.

Typical user: A person who does not use their method of pregnancy prevention correctly.

Abstinence is the only method that can always work to prevent pregnancy. Of course, this is only true when "abstinence" means doing nothing that lets sperm get near a woman's vagina.

With perfect use, abstinence is 100% effective.

This means that if 100 couples use abstinence exactly the right way, none of the women would get pregnant.

With typical use, no one is sure.

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Advantages

  • Abstinence is free.
  • Abstinence causes no harmful side effects or health problems.
  • Abstinence always works to prevent pregnancy when used correctly.
  • A couple can still enjoy each other sexually in ways that can't get the woman pregnant.
  • Abstinence can lower the chances of getting STDs.

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Possible Side Effects

Abstinence is safe for anyone. It causes no side effects or health problems.

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To Learn More

Learn more about abstinence at:

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