Abstinence from vaginal, anal and oral sex is the most effective way to avoid pregnancy and STIs, but this method does require self-control and commitment. You need to be aware that how you define abstinence, meaning the behaviors you include and exclude, will raise or lower your risk for pregnancy and STIs.
Some individuals may choose to be abstinent , regardless of whether or not they have been sexually active in the past. Abstinence is a personal choice that should be respected. Abstinence, when practiced correctly, is the most effective way to keep safe from unplanned pregnancy, STIs, and HIV. Abstinence requires self-control and commitment.
The effects of the interventions in promoting abstinent behavior reported in 12 controlled studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the analysis indicated a very small overall effect of the interventions in abstinent behavior.
The effectiveness of school-based sex education programs in the promotion of abstinent behavior : A meta-analysis September 2002 Health Education Research 17(4):471-81, Abstinence, also referred to as celibacy, is the choice to avoid participating in sexual behaviors . Since the term “sexual behavior ” is defined differently by various people, societies, cultures, religions, and regions, it is difficult to draw an absolute line distinguishing which acts are considered “sexual behaviors .”For example, some people view abstinence as avoiding all …
