Patient Services: Abstinence

What is abstinence?

Abstinence is choosing to continually not have sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral).

How effective is this method?

If used correctly, this method is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

What are the advantages of using this method?

• There are no medical or hormonal side effects of choosing this method.
• There are no examinations or prescriptions needed to use this method.

What are the disadvantages of using this method?

• Many people find it difficult to abstain from sex play for long periods of time.
• Many people fail to use protection when abstinence ends.

Birth Control Methods