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Abstinence
What is abstinence?
Abstinence is the decision to not have sex (vaginal, oral and anal).
How does it work?
The egg and sperm do not meet; therefore, fertilization does
not occur.
How is it used?
Abstinence is for men or women. Either individual makes a decision not
to have sex and sticks to it, or the couple makes the decision not to
have sex and sticks to it. Learning assertiveness, negotiation and
planning skills is helpful when practicing abstinence.
How well does it work?
Abstinence is 100 percent effective as long as sex does not
occur.
Does it reduce risk for HIV/AIDS and sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs)?
There is a 100 percent reduced risk for sexual transmission of
HIV/AIDS and STDs if abstaining from all forms of sex (vaginal, oral and
anal) There is no reduced risk for HIV/AIDS and STDs if you abstain only
from vaginal sex or if you engage in other risky behavior.
What are the advantages?
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Abstinence eliminates the
risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and STDs.
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There are no health risks or side effects.
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It can be used at any time, regardless of prior sexual experience.
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It may be valued by some individuals, families and religious groups.
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Abstinence allows users to focus on non-sexual aspects of relationship.
What are the disadvantages?
What if I have sex and don't use birth
control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for
five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't
become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.
If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of
clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the
toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of
help are free.
The North Dakota Department
of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for
the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website.
Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on
external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of
the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.
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