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WHAT IS ABSTINENCE?
Abstinence is decision to not have sex (vaginal, oral and anal).
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Egg and sperm do not meet, therefore fertilization does not occur.
HOW IS IT USED?
Abstinence is for men or women. Either individual makes a decision not to have sex and sticks to it. Sometimes a couple will make the decision not to have sex and stick to it. Learning assertiveness, negotiation and planning skills is helpful to practicing abstinence.
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
100% effective as long as sex does not occur.
DOES IT REDUCE RISK FOR HIV/AIDS AND STDs?
100% reduced risk for sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS and STDs if abstaining from all forms of sex (vaginal, oral, and anal) does not reduce risk for HIV/AIDS and STDs if only abstaining from vaginal sex or if engaging in other risky behavior.
WHAT ARE ITS MAIN ADVANTAGES?
Abstinence eliminates the risk for sexually transmitting or contracting HIV/AIDS and STDs no health risks or side effects can be used at any time, regardless of prior sexual experience may be a strong value for some individuals, families and religious groups allows users to focus on non-sexual aspects of relationship.
WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE PROBLEMS?
Abstinence may be hard to stick with requires learning and using decision-making, negotiation, and planning skills.
WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.
The Pill | The
Mini-Pill | Birth
Control Shot | Abstinence | Cervical
Cap
Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices
Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning | IUD's
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides
Tubal
Sterilization | The
Ring | The
Patch
