Webster's definition of abstinence is as follows: "Abstaining from food and liquor, as well as other pleasures." Not one word about sex, although we know it's one of the things we can abstain from, HOWEVER, it takes commitment from both partners. Abstinence means different things to different people. It can mean avoiding traditional intercourse, or it can mean avoiding all sexual touching. Abstinence is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy and transmitting sexual disease.

Simply stated, if a couple are trying to prevent pregnancy, then abstinence refers to not having traditional sexual intercourse, so the penis does not enter the vagina, at all. If a man and a woman are trying to prevent infection, then abstinence means avoiding all genital or oral intercourse or touching. Easily stated, not always easily done.

It can be a positive way of dealing with sexuality — as a well thought-out choice regarding one's body, mind, spirit, and sexual health. Some abstinent women and men enjoy "sexy" thoughts and feelings. Others can use their sexual energy for creative, physical, or intellectual activities.

*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.

Effectiveness
If practiced perfectly, there should not be any pregnancy.

Some people use other kinds of touching to satisfy their needs, such as holding hands, hugs, oral genital contact, petting or kissing. For some, this is enough. If you decide that this is right for you, then you should know that it does take some discipline. Both the man and the woman must be committed to the method, or else these forms of sexual intimacy can lead to traditional intercourse. It works better if there has been communication in advance. Decide in advance what sexual activities you will say "yes" to and discuses these with your partner. Ongoing communication cannot be understated.

Reasons to abstain
Wait until they're ready for a sexual relationship
Wait to find the "right" partner
Support personal, moral, or religious beliefs and values
Deal with separation from a partner
Get over a breakup
Heal from the death of a partner
Have fun with friends without sexual involvement
Pursue school, career, or extracurricular activities
Prevent pregnancy
Prevent sexually transmitted infection
Follow medical advice during an illness or infection

The Pros
1) Anyone can do it, with commitment.

2) It's free.

3) Encourages the building of a relationship. Trust.

4) For some it can be empowering, and make them feel good about their accomplishments.

5) No supplies

6) No infections or STD's (again if the commitment is there and the method is practiced with safe sex practices in mind)

7) Endorsed by some religions.

8) No hormonal side effects.

The Cons
1) It can be frustrating for some couples.

2) If not used properly, infections can be acquired. i.e. oral sex transmission.

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Withdrawal

Withdrawal is somewhat effective at preventing pregnancy, and not effective at preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. This method works best if both parties have agreed to the method in advance, and if there is good communication between the partners. A man who performs withdrawal will pull his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates. When the man senses that he is about to ejaculate, he pulls his penis out of the vagina. He ejaculates outside of the vagina. This takes a great deal of discipline. If the woman has not had an orgasm, the man can stimulate her in other ways after withdrawal. Withdrawal works best if the couple has agreed to use this method in advance.

Effectiveness
If withdrawal is used consistently and correctly, about 4 couples in 100 will become pregnant. Among typical couples who use withdrawal, about 19 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. It is not as effective as you might think because sperm can be released into the fluid that is released from the penis before ejaculation.

The Pros
1) No supplies.

2) No hormonal side effects.

3) Anyone can do it, with commitment.

4) It's free.

5) Encourages the building of a relationship. Trust.

6) For some it can be empowering, and make them feel good about their accomplishments.

The Cons
1) Some men cannot tell when they are going to ejaculate.

2) Some men ejaculate very quickly, before they realize it.

3) Before ejaculation, almost all penises leak fluid that contains sperm that can cause pregnancy.

4) Some men lack the experience and self-control to pull out in time.

5) Some men have been known to say they will pull out, but they get so excited and carried away that they don't.

6) Some men have been known to say they will pull out, but don't mean it.

7) Not recommended for teens.

8) It offers no protection against STD's and infections.

9) It's free!

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Fertility Awareness (Rhythm Method)

This method involves tracking the days in a women's cycle when she is most fertile. A woman’s fertile period depends on the life span of sperm as much as it does on the life span of her egg. The egg lives for about a day. A man’s sperm can live inside a woman’s body for about five days — possibly seven. Fertilization of a woman’s egg is more likely from intercourse before or during ovulation than from intercourse following ovulation. It usually occurs during the six-day period that ends in ovulation. Understanding her monthly fertility pattern can help a woman avoid an unintended pregnancy. It can also help her plan a pregnancy. The key is for her to know when fertilization may occur by estimating the time of ovulation as nearly as possible. This must be done carefully because the timing of ovulation varies greatly from one woman to another and, for some women, from one month to the next.

This method relies on tracking the women's temperature, cervical mucus, and monitoring the days of her cycle. Each can be monitored separately, but best used in combination.

Charting your fertility pattern can work for you if:
You have received careful instruction in the methods.
You have only one sex partner and he is equally committed to the methods you want to use.
You have the self-discipline required to check and chart your fertility signs and observe the rules.
You don’t mind abstaining or using withdrawal or barrier methods for the first part of the cycle.

Charting your fertility pattern may not be appropriate for you if:
You have more than one sex partner.
Your sex partner isn't equally committed to the methods you want to use.
You are temperamentally unsuited for keeping close track of your fertile days.
You have doubts about being able to abstain from vaginal intercourse for at least 10 days each month or to use a barrier method on “unsafe” days.
You wouldn't consider having an abortion although you have a medical condition that poses a grave danger for you if you become pregnant.
You take medication that may affect your cervical mucus, body temperature, or menstrual regularity

This method is best researched and discussed with your MD before using.

Disclaimer:
Clitical does not promote one method of birth control over another. This is merely an informational section with guidelines you should consider before choosing the best possible birth control for you and your partner to follow. It is important to see your physician when using some birth control methods and when any problems arise with any of the discussed methods that can be found below.