Abstinence - The Choice Is Yours

Did you know?

• The majority of teens in Canada practice abstinence.
• Reasons teens give for not having sexual intercourse:

	They don't feel ready.
	They're afraid - of pregnancy, Sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV and AIDS, or of getting a bad reputation.
	They are waiting for the right person to come along.

Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to avoid getting an STI.

Reasons for Choosing Abstinence

Medical Reasons

• Abstinence reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancy. (Pregnancy can still occur if sperm is ejaculated near the entrance to the vagina.)
• Abstinence reduces the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection which are passed by contact with infected mucous membranes.
• Abstinence reduces the risk of cervical cancer. (Research suggests a connection between early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and occurrence of cervical cancer in women.)

Relationship Reasons

• Showing love in ways other than sexual intercourse is an important part of successful romantic relationships.
• You can have a close, loving relationship without sexual intercourse.
• Abstinence from sexual intercourse can allow a couple to develop a deeper friendship as they spend time talking, discovering mutual interests and establishing non-sexual intimacy characterized by trust, honesty, sharing and commitment.

Personal Reasons

• Abstinence can protect the couple from deep emotional hurt and a feeling of possessiveness that can occur in a sexually active relationship.
• Abstinence can be a sign of real emotional maturity. Many young women and men speak of feeling pressured into sexual intercourse before they are ready. It takes maturity and honesty to resist the pressure of someone you love in order to make a decision that is consistent with personal values and needs.
• Even if you have had sexual intercourse in the past, you can still feel proud of yourself for practicing abstinence now.

Choices today have an impact on your future.  Think of where you would like to be in 5, 10, 20, 30 years.  Consider family, marriage, education, career and children.  How would an unplanned pregnancy or HIV positive status impact on these dreams?