 |
 |
Sexual abstinence is the avoidance of sexual activity. People use the term abstinence in different ways. For some, it means avoiding only sexual (vaginal, anal or oral) intercourse. For others, it means avoiding all kinds of sexual activity (usually until marriage), which may be rooted in religious or moral beliefs.
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Abstinence is the only surefire way to avoid getting pregnant or to contract a sexually transmitted disease. It is 100 percent effective.
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
There are abstinence organizations that offer virginity pledges. Participants sign a form that states they will wait until marriage to become sexually active. Some of these organizations have religious ties, while others are affiliated with schools and colleges.
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Abstinence isn't always easy or practical, and sometimes people change their minds about it. For this reason, it is crucial to know about other birth control methods and to understand risky behavior.
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Whether or not you choose to be abstinent, how long you decide to abstain, and how you define it, is completely up to you.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
