How does abstinence prevent stds

With abstinence, no barriers or pills are necessary. Does your son or daughter have to be a virgin to practice abstinence? Sometimes, someone who has been having sex decides to stop doing so. Even a person who has been having sex can still choose abstinence to prevent pregnancy and STDs in the future.

Although many other methods can have high rates of success if used properly, they can fail occasionally. The rate of success of other birth control methods varies depending on the type of birth control.

Practicing abstinence, however, ensures that a girl will not become pregnant because there is no opportunity for sperm to fertilize an egg. Abstinence protects people against STDs.

Some STDs can be spread through oral-genital sex, anal sex, or even intimate skin-to-skin contact without actual penetration for example, genital warts and herpes can be spread this way. Avoiding all types of intimate genital contact — called complete abstinence — is the only way to guarantee complete protection against STDs. Because someone practicing complete abstinence does not have any type of intimate sexual contact, including oral sex, there is no risk of passing on an STD.

But peer pressure and things teens see on TV and in the movies can make the decision to practice abstinence more difficult. If it seems like everybody else is having sex, some teens may feel they have to do it, too, just to be accepted. Choosing to practice abstinence is an important decision — and kids might not realize it, but most teens are not having sex.

Teens may have questions about making this choice or about other methods of birth control. Make sure yours has an adult he or she can trust — you, a teacher, a counselor, a doctor, or a school nurse — who can provide some answers. Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD Date reviewed: August Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only.

For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. All rights reserved. These are some of the best ways to keep a relationship happy. Even so, it may not be easy to do. You may feel awkward or embarrassed. Keep in mind that having sex is not the only way two people can get to know each other.

Sex play is also not the only way couples can be close. People get closer as they build trust by:. Abstinence can only work when both partners agree to it.

So it is also helpful to keep talking with each other about why you've agreed to abstain from sex play. Your relationship may change. And your decision to be abstinent may change, too. Staying abstinent is a choice you make every day.

There are ways to help yourself with that choice. Abstinence can be difficult for some people. Women and men need to be clear about their reasons to stay abstinent.

If you are tempted to have sex play, it helps to remember why you made the decision to be abstinent in the first place. How can you stay abstinent? Think about your answers to these questions:. Most people stop being abstinent at some point in their lives. When you decide not to be abstinent, ask yourself. Last modified: November 30, Skip to main content Skip to main navigation. UC Santa Cruz.

Is Abstinence for Me? What Is Abstinence? How Does Abstinence Prevent Pregnancy? How Effective Is Abstinence? How Safe Is Abstinence? This means not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Have Fewer Partners Agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to only have sex with you. All boys and girls ages 11 to 12, but the vaccine can start at age 9 [7] Everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.

Getting an STD is not the end! Many STDs are curable and all are treatable.