Sexual abstinence can keep you from getting pregnant and protect you from STDs. Some people choose abstinence for other reasons as well. Many young people and adults are choosing to abstain from sex these days, for many different reasons. Abstinence means different things to different people. Many heterosexuals who choose abstinence consider it to mean not having vaginal intercourse, particularly to preserve virginity. Others say abstinence means no vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.
Abstinence: What It Is, How to Do It, Risks to Consider, and More
Abstinence AB-stih-nints is the simplest form of birth control. If two people don't have sex, sperm can't fertilize an egg and there's no possibility of pregnancy. Other forms of birth control:. A person doesn't have to be a virgin to practice abstinence. Sometimes, someone who has been having sex decides to stop doing so.
People are abstinent for many reasons, including preventing pregnancy. Whether you're thinking about being abstinent, you are abstinent, or you're just someone who's curious about it, you may have many questions. Some people think of abstinence as not having vaginal intercourse. They may enjoy other kinds of sex play that don't lead to pregnancy.
The amount of sex that a person has varies over their lifetime. How often a person has sex naturally changes from time to time, depending on age, fluctuations in sex drive, and relationship status. Many people enjoy a full and satisfying life without ever having sex.