Sexual Health Birth Control Talking About Birth Control Using Sexual Abstinence as a Birth Control Method By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC twitter linkedin Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience. Learn about our editorial process Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on September 23, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on August 24, 2020 Print Sexual abstinence means not having sexual intercourse with a partner. Abstinence works as an effective form of birth control by eliminating all chances of sperm fertilizing an egg. Unlike other forms of birth control that work to prevent pregnancy regardless of the exchange of sexual fluids, abstinence prevents semen from coming into contact with the vagina. Luis Alvarez / Getty Images It is the only birth control method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Differing Definitions Abstinence can mean different things to different people. Full sexual abstinence includes not engaging in sexual intercourse of any kind, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Sometimes, people may refer to being abstinent as not having vaginal intercourse, but engaging in other sexual activities. However, sexual activity that cannot lead to pregnancy is best defined as outercourse. Examples of outercourse include: Oral sex Anal sex Dry humping (clothes on) Masturbation Massage Kissing Like abstinence, outercourse is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, if semen accidentally touches the vulva during outercourse activities, it is possible for sperm to reach the vagina and fertilize an egg, resulting in pregnancy. Unlike abstinence, it is still possible to contract STDs through non-vaginal intercourse, including anal sex and oral sex. To other people, abstinence means not having sexual intercourse during the time of the month that they may be most fertile. The best description of this practice is periodic abstinence, which is considered a method of natural family planning. Unlike total sexual abstinence, this method is not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. Is Oral Sex Safe Sex? Pros and Cons of Abstinence There are many reasons people may choose to be abstinent, including the desire to prevent pregnancy and STDs, religious beliefs, medical considerations, waiting for the right partner, waiting until marriage, and more. Regardless of the reason, there are some advantages and disadvantages to choosing sexual abstinence. Advantages It is 100% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs. There are no medical or hormonal side effects. It doesn't cost anything. Disadvantages It may be difficult to practice abstinence for long periods of time. It can be difficult to follow through with if your partner is not on board. If you have not had sexual education or been given information about contraception, you may not be prepared to protect yourself from pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections if/when you choose to have sex. Talking to Your Partner If you have decided to stay abstinent, it is important that you have a conversation about your choice with your romantic partner. Without your perspective, a partner who is unaware of your reasons may take your choice personally. In addition, sex is an important part of many relationships, and maintaining abstinence for any duration is easier when both partners are on board. Planned Parenthood offers several tips for having this talk, such as: Feeling confident in your decision. Being upfront and clear about your reasons for choosing abstinence. Talking to your partner before a potential sexual encounter, rather than in the moment. Remembering, and reminding your partner, that your decision could change with time. Tips for Maintaining Sexual Abstinence The Bottom Line Sexual abstinence is an effective mode of birth control, but is one that requires mutual buy-in from both partners. It is one choice among many possible effective birth control options. Keep in mind that unless you are engaging in complete sexual abstinence, it is still possible to contract STDs through outercourse. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Sexual Risk Behaviors: HIV, STD, & Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Abstinence. US Department of Health and Human Services. What is the Definition of Abstinence & Outercourse? Planned Parenthood.