>Personal Health >Womens Health >Family Planning >Methods >Abstinence

Abstinence

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: 100% (as long as sex does not occur)

Advantages:

• 100% reduced risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) including HIV & AIDS if abstaining from all forms of sex (vaginal, oral, and anal)
• No health risks or side effects
• Can be used at any time, regardless of prior sexual experience
• May be a strong value for some individuals, families, and religious groups
• Allows users to focus on non-sexual aspects of relationship

Disadvantages:

• Difficult to stick with long-term
• Requires learning and using decision-making, negotiation, and planning skills