Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is a 100 percent effective. It means refraining from sexual intercourse. For most people,  it means refraining from sexual contact altogether. It also prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
 

How does it work ?

If two people don’t have sex, then sperms cannot fertilize an egg and pregnancy cannot occur. With this type of birth control,  pills and barriers are not essential because there is no sexual intercourse involved. You don’t have to be a virgin to practice abstinence. People who have had sex before can  discontinue having sex as a means to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the benefits of abstinence ?

Abstinence is free. It also has no medical or hormonal side effects.

What are the disadvantages of refraining from sex ?

It is usually difficult for people to abstain from sex for a long time. These people therefore usually end their period of abstinence with unprotected sex which increases their risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

What are some ways to help make abstinence successful ?

This form of birth control is successful when used continuously. Here are some ways to make it easier.

• go on double dates
• avoid situations where you are alone
• decrease physical affection  that can lead to passion and make abstinence difficult
• do things in a group or with friends

What about teenagers and abstinence ?

Teenagers who refrain from sex avoid all the burdens associated with sexual intercourse such as physical, emotional and psychological problems. It also reduces their risk for the following :

• sexually transmitted diseases
• developing cervical cancer
• unplanned pregnancy
• contracting a sexually transmitted disease