bstinence is the choice to refrain from an activity. Sexual abstinence is a choice to limit your sexual activity. This choice is usually made for a specific reason. The reason may be moral, religious, legal, or for health and safety.

    Everyone has a different definition of sexual abstinence. The most common meaning of sexual abstinence is not having sexual intercourse, vaginal, anal or oral. It is important to discuss with your partner what abstinence means to you, especially if you are developing a new relationship. A specific definition of abstinence should include the expressions of love and sexuality that are acceptable to you and those that aren't. Examples of acceptable behaviors often include holding hands, dancing, and kissing.

    The choices of what is acceptable may depend on the purpose of the abstinence. Your choice of abstinence may be based on moral or ethical reasons, such as a belief that the act of intercourse should be reserved as an expression of a lifetime commitment to one person. In this case you and your partner will create your list of do's and don'ts depending on your beliefs. If the goal is to avoid pregnancy and any accidents that might lead to pregnancy, then any sexual activity short of intercourse might be acceptable. If the goal of abstinence is to avoid any sexually transmitted infections, then any contact between oral and genital areas is also likely to be unacceptable unless barrier protection, such as a condom, is used.

    Many young people are saying no to sex before marriage. They are choosing abstinence as an issue of personal integrity and an expression of strong self-esteem.

    Some of the health risks include pregnancy, HIV and catching one or more STDs (sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, syphilis). Having sex before you develop physically can also hurt. Girls who start having sex before age 18 tend to have more health problems, including a higher risk of cervical cancer.

    Sex also has some emotional risks. If you have sex when you're not ready or because someone is pressuring you, you may feel bad about yourself or wonder if your partner really cares about you. You may have to deal with consequences you hadn't thought of, such as pregnancy or an STD.