Abstinence means not having sex. That means not having any kind of sex—not vaginal sex, or oral sex, or anal sex.
And abstinence is more than not having sex because of circumstances. It is not just that you don’t have a partner, or you don’t have the opportunity.
Abstinence means making a decision, and making a plan to wait and not to have sex.
Not having sex is the healthiest choice for teens. Abstinence, if used consistently and correctly, is the choice that offers the most complete protection from both unplanned pregnancy AND sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Most young people (and most parents) think that people should wait to have sex until at least after you have graduated from high school. And lots of people think you should wait until you find that special person you spend your whole life with.
Still, there are LOTS of pressures on young people to have sex. So waiting means making a decision and a plan, and getting support for your decision.
If you decide to have sex, be prepared. Condoms—used EVERY time—can help to lower the risk of STDs and pregnancy. Learn about birth control. And be sure to get checked for STDs.
You have some tough decisions to make—and they are important ones for your future. Talk to your parent or guardian. If that is not possible, find an adult you trust.
Or call us at Project WORTH 207-8850.
