Abstinence: birth control
There are many reasons people choose to not have sex. It is important to make your decision for yourself and define what abstinence means to you and your partner.
What is abstinence?
Abstinence can mean different things for different people, but strictly speaking, it means choosing not to have any type of sexual contact. You don’t have to be a virgin to practice abstinence. Many people abstain from sex at different times and for different reasons.
How does abstinence work?
By not having any sexual contact (of any kind), there is no chance of becoming pregnant, or getting or spreading a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
How well does abstinence work?
If practised consistently (no sexual contact, ever), abstinence will prevent pregnancy and STIs 100% of the time.
What are the advantages of abstinence?
- Abstinence is free, available to everyone, and can be started at any time in your life.
- Abstinence might encourage you to build your relationships in other ways. There are ways to be intimate with someone that don’t involve sexual activity.
- There are no side effects (medical or hormonal).
What are the disadvantages of abstinence?
- none
*Abstinence does not prevent HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections that come from non-sexual activities like using contaminated needles or snorting equipment for doing drugs, getting body piercings or tattoos.
This item was last modified on June 12, 2015