Why practice abstinence

So there is no risk of getting an STD. Not having sex may seem easy because it's not doing anything. But peer pressure and other things can make the decision to practice abstinence difficult. If it seems like everybody else is having sex, you may feel like you have to also. But teasing or pressure from friends, a girlfriend, or a boyfriend shouldn't push you into something that's not right for you. If you have questions about making this choice or about other birth control methods, talk to a trusted adult.

If you feel you can't talk to a parent, reach out to a teacher, a counselor, a doctor, or a school nurse who can provide answers. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Abstinence? Health Education. Consider the following: Academic performance: It is easier to concentrate on your studies.

Certainty: If the relationship lasts without sex, there is a good chance it will be a strong relationship. Also, there will be less confusion about relationships that become intense too fast.

This is better described as period abstinence, which is one of the fertility awareness-based methods of birth control. And some people define abstinence as not having any kind of sex play with a partner. This is the definition we use on these pages. Being continuously abstinent is the only way to be absolutely sure that you won't have an unintended pregnancy or get a sexually transmitted infection STI.

Used continuously, abstinence is percent effective in preventing pregnancy. It also prevents STIs. Women and men abstain from sex play for many reasons — even after they've been sexually active.

A couple may even choose to be abstinent after having had sex play with each other. The reasons people choose to be abstinent may change throughout life. Any woman or man can abstain from sex play.

Many do so at various times in their lives. Some choose to abstain from sex play for a great part of their lives. Talking with your partner about your decision to abstain from sex play is important — whether or not you've had sex play before.

Partners need to be honest with each other and make sexual decisions together. These are some of the best ways to keep a relationship happy. Even so, it may not be easy to do. You may feel awkward or embarrassed.

Keep in mind that having sex is not the only way two people can get to know each other. Sex play is also not the only way couples can be close. People get closer as they build trust by:. Abstinence can only work when both partners agree to it.

So it is also helpful to keep talking with each other about why you've agreed to abstain from sex play. Your relationship may change. And your decision to be abstinent may change, too. Staying abstinent is a choice you make every day.

There are ways to help yourself with that choice. Abstinence can be difficult for some people.