|
|
|
|
What exactly is abstinence?
There is not one set definition of abstinence. For some people, abstinence
means never engaging in any form of sexual contact with a partner. For
others, abstinence is refraining from sexual acts involving vaginal
or anal intercourse, but participating in other forms of contact, such
as hugging, kissing, mutual masturbation, or oral sex. In many cases,
abstinence is a temporary practice; one may decide to abstain from sexual
contact until marriage, for example. Abstinence may be practiced not
only by virgins, but also by non-virgins who have decided not to have
sex again for a period of time. Abstinence is not identical to celibacy,
which means absolving from sex for the rest of one's life.
Why do people practice abstinence?
People choose to practice abstinence for various reasons. Choosing abstinence
is a mature choice. Some feel that their lives are complicated enough
without having to worry about the risks of sex, and abstinence is the
only fool-proof way to prevent both pregnancy and STD/HIV transmission.
Religious, moral, and cultural practices may be another reason for people
to abstain from sex.
SSIS neither encourages nor discourages people from
choosing to have sex. Deciding if and when to have sex is an important
issue to think about. No one should ever be pressured to have sex.
Source:
"Abstinence more prevalent than Bruins may think," http://www-paradigm.asucla.ucla.edu/DB/Issues/95/11.02/news.sextalk.html,
4/2/98.
"What is Healthy Love?" http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/7783/healthy_love.htm
|
