Abstinence

What is Abstinence?

Abstinence is not having sex. If two people don’t have sex, then sperm can’t fertilize an egg and there’s no possibility of a pregnancy.

Abstinence Protects Against Pregnancy and STIs!

• Abstinence is the ONLY form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
• The only way to avoid all STIs is to avoid all types of intimate genital contact. Some STIs are spread through oral and anal sex and even intimate skin–to–skin contact without vaginal intercourse. (However, abstinence does not prevent all spread of HIV because HIV can be spread through shared needles from drug use, tattooing, or taking steroids.)
• Abstinence only works if it is practiced all the time. Having unprotected sex even once means that the person risks getting pregnant or an infection.

How to Practice Abstinence?

Say "No" as much as you need to. Sometimes this is very hard to do, but it’s easier to say "No" if you and your partner decide not to have sex ahead of time. Plan what words you will say and try not to put yourself in a place that makes it hard to say "No." Remember: when you drink or use drugs, it may be harder to say "No" because you will not be thinking clearly.

A couple can still have a relationship without having sex. The people who care about you should respect your decision not to have sex. Your body is yours and no one should make you have sex if you do not want to. Even if you have had sex before or if you already have a baby, it is OK not to have sex.