Abstinence: A Guide for Teens

Abstinence:

A Guide for Teens

What exactly is abstinence anyway?

Abstinence means that you are not having any type of sexual intercourse, including oral or anal sex.

Why are teens choosing abstinence?

Many teenagers choose abstinence because they want to be 100% sure of avoiding STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and pregnancy. Abstinence is the best protection against STDs, and is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Some teens also choose abstinence because of religious beliefs or because of their own values.

What if I feel pressured to have sex?

Some teens may think that having sex will make them more popular or prove their manhood. This is not the case. In fact, having sex before you are ready can lead to negative consequences, like feeling guilty, scared or regretful. If you decide not to have sex, you don’t need to explain or justify your decision. If you feel peer pressure to have sex, remember that you are the person who has to deal with the consequences.

What if my partner is ready and I’m not?

A good relationship is about communication. It is important to talk to your partner about whether or not you are ready to have sex. You should not have sex unless you both feel comfortable and feel it is right for both of you.

Who can I talk to about sex?

It's important to talk about your thoughts and feelings with an adult or friend you trust and feel comfortable with. Some suggestions are: parents, other family members, counselors, or health care providers. It's also important to be honest with your health care provider about being sexually active because they can help you if any health issues arise.

Is it possible to get an STD without vaginal intercourse?

Yes, it is possible to get an STD without vaginal intercourse. If you have anal or oral sex, you can get an STD.

Is it possible to get someone pregnant without vaginal intercourse?

Yes, this can happen if a male ejaculates near a female’s vagina, since sperm can swim and still get inside.

Are there any other risks involved with having sex?

Yes, having sex when you're not ready can cause you to feel bad about yourself and about your relationship with your partner.

How will I be able to tell if I'm ready to have sex?

As a teenager, it's normal to want to have sex. However, you should listen to your thoughts and beliefs to help you decide when the time is right.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you aren’t comfortable talking to your partner about sex, you are probably not ready to have sex. Remind yourself that abstinence is the only way to totally avoid pregnancy and STDs. Most importantly: You should never feel pressured into having sex.

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff

Updated: 2/5/2008

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