Abstinence is everybody's first method of contraception. It is 100% effective in safeguarding against sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. Sexual Abstinence is a normal and acceptable practice used by men and women of all ages who are not yet prepared to accept the risks of sexual activity.

There are two types of abstinence. Both prevent pregnancy. Both keep sperm out of the vagina.

Periodic abstinence is a way that sexually active women prevent pregnancy. They become familiar with their fertility patterns. Then they abstain from vaginal intercourse on the days they think they could become pregnant. The reason for such type of abstinence is preventing pregnancy since periodical abstaining is a part of natural family planning.

Continuous abstinence is not having sex play with a partner at all. The reasons to abstain may be religious, ethic, birth control, or legal. If a person abstains from sex for the reasons of avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, it is most likely that the person will avoid direct contact with a partner's genital organs only. It is an individual choice whether to say no to sex and everybody else should respect this decision

What is important is that you decide what is best for you. If you feel you need to have sex and that is the right decision for you then that is ok. If you decide that you want to wait then that is fine too. Any decision that you make is the right decision as long as it feels right to you. Abstinence is the only absolute guarantee from getting pregnant and contracting diseases, and this is enough to help someone make their right decision.

Advantages of Sexual Abstinence

• It has no medical or hormonal side effects

• It is endorsed by many religious groups

• Lower risk of getting Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Disadvantages of Sexual Abstinence

• People may find it difficult to abstain for long periods of time.

• Women and men often end their abstinence without being prepared to protect themselves against pregnancy or infection.

When you are in a relationship it does not mean that it is impossible to abstain from sex, since there are a lot of things you may do together with your partner. These include getting to know your partner better, talking, listening, sharing, going for walks, doing sports together, dancing, studying etc

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