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How can you stay abstinent? Ask yourself these questions
-Am I clear about why I want to be abstinent? -Am I aware of situations that could make staying abstinent difficult for me? Can I avoid them? -Alcohol and other drugs can affect my judgment and decision-making ability. How do I feel about not using them? -Are there people in my life I can talk to about my decision to be abstinent? Will they be supportive? -
Birth control
Learn about birth control methods you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy. Talking to your doctor can also help. -
What is contraception?
“Contraception is the use of various devices, drugs, agents, sexual practices, or surgical procedures to prevent conception or impregnation (pregnancy). Contraception helps women/men plan if and when they want to have a baby” Excerpt From: “Growth and Development.” v1.0. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright. -
What is abstinence?
Some people think of abstinence as not having vaginal intercourse. “Some people define abstinence as not having vaginal intercourse when a woman might get pregnant. This is better described as periodic abstinence, which is one of the fertility awareness-based methods of birth control.
And some people define abstinence as not having any kind of sex play with a partner.” Excerpt From: “Growth and Development.” v1.0. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright. -
Staying abstinent is a choice here are ways to help you stick with that choice
-Remind yourself why you chose to be abstinent. -Think about the consequences. -Don't reevaluate your decision to stay abstinent during sexually charged situations — stick with your decision until you can think about it with a clear head. -
If you decide not to be abstinent these questions are good to ask yourself
-Do I have information about other methods of birth control and do I have access to them? -Do I know how to protect myself from STDs? -What is the best method of birth control? -
Contraception and STDs
The male latex condom is the best method for protecting against STDs,including HIV/AIDS.Natural/lambskin condoms do not prevent the spread of STDs because of the presence of tiny pores that may allow viruses such as HIV,hepatitis B,and herpes to spread.The most common STD is the human papilloma virus or HPV. No method of contraception can fully prevent the spread of HPV,because it can infect areas not covered by a condom.Using a condom with every sex act can lower the risk of transmission.
