HEALTH SERVICES

Abstinence

What is it?
There are two types of abstinence. Both prevent pregnancy. Both keep sperm out of the vagina.

Periodic abstinence is a way that sexually active women prevent pregnancy. They become familiar with their fertility patterns. Then they abstain from vaginal intercourse on the days they think they could become pregnant. Continuous abstinence is not having sex play with a partner at all. This is the kind of abstinence discussed here.

How effective is it?
100%

Upside

• It is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and the transmission STIs.

• There are no side effects.

• There are no costs involved when using this method.

Downside

• People may find it difficult to abstain for long periods of time.

• Women and men often end their abstinence without being prepared to protect themselves against pregnancy or infection.