Many young people and adults are choosing to abstain from sex these days, for many different reasons. Even if you’ve had sex before, abstinence may make sense at certain points in your life, for both your emotional and physical health.
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. For some, abstinence means avoiding all
sexual behavior, including kissing.
Why Do Young People Say No to Sex?
Abstinence from vaginal intercourse is the only 100 percent
effective means of preventing pregnancy, and it is viewed by some as the best
way for young people to avoid both pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases.
However, if you still participate in oral sex or anal sex, you do
stand a chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Only abstinence
from all forms of sex can protect you from STDs 100 percent of the time.
There are also long-term health-related reasons for young people
to remain abstinent until later in life. Women who abstain from sex until past
their teenage years are less likely to get STDs that can lead to cervical
cancer and infertility. Likewise, young men who avoid sexual activity may be at
lower risk of STDs associated with condoms and employing other safe sex
practices.
Why Might Adults Decide to Say No to Sex?
Adults who are no longer virgins often choose to practice sexual
abstinence for reasons other than birth control or avoiding STDs. They may be:
1. Waiting for the right person to be sexually active with
2. Mourning the loss of a significant other
3. Focusing on work or education
4.Recovering from an illness
5. Maintaining a moral or religious principle
6. Sticking to Your Sexual Abstinence Decision
It can be tough to remain abstinent. You might have to deal with
peer pressure to become sexually active, particularly if you're a virgin. Or
you might be in an intimate relationship where sex seems like the next step.
You can more successfully maintain your abstinence if you:
Talk with your partner about your decision to abstain from sex,
especially before things reach that level. Be open, honest, and straightforward
about your limits — even if it feels embarrassing.
Don't participate in physical contact that could lead to arousal.
Don't reconsider your abstinence in the midst of a sexual
situation. Step back from the situation and take time to reflect on the factors
that influenced your decision to remain abstinent in the first place.
Think ahead about what you would say or do to stop physically
intimate activities if you feel things are going too far. Practice actually
saying the words, and think about what your partner's response would be.
Don't let anyone pressure you into sex. It is your decision alone
to give up your virginity or participate in sexual activity.
Take part in activities that involve friends or groups, such as
going on double dates.
One drawback to abstinence is that many men and women decide to
end it without fully preparing themselves. If you do decide to become sexually
active, be certain to guard against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted
diseases by consistently using condoms and employing other safe sex practices.
Take the time to learn about the various methods of birth control and make sure
you have access to them if you so choose.
By Dennis Thompson Jr. | Medically reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH
No comments:
Post a Comment