Some teens may think its “lame” to practice abstinence, after all “everyone is doing it”...



Everyone isn’t doing it. In fact, less than 49% of Oklahoma teens reported having sex in 2011, which means more than half of teens are choosing not to have sex. And it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

Why Teens Decide to Wait

Practicing abstinence means that you don’t have to worry about the consequences of sex. Believe it or not there is only ONE guaranteed way to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and that’s abstinence. If you want to be 100% protected then this is definitely the way to go! So don’t worry about feeling left out, because you are in good company when you decide not to have sex.

What Does “Abstinence” or “Waiting” Mean?

So what exactly is abstinence anyway? Abstinence means not having sex –oral, anal, or vaginal. Many people choose to abstain at different times in their lives. Abstinence takes a strong commitment, so it is important to talk about this decision with your partner. Waiting can mean different things to different people. For some, it can mean waiting until you are older. For others, it

can mean waiting until you are in a committed, long-term relationship. Some teens make this choice after they have already had sex. It is never too late to choose to wait. It is up to YOU to figure out what “waiting” means for you. Just keep in mind that despite what you hear…not everyone is doing it. Many choose to wait, and this is always an option for you!

Stand Your Ground

Remember, choosing to have sex is a decision that YOU have to make for yourself. Saying no is a skill that takes a lot of practice, but there are tips that you can use to help you get your point across.

How to Say No...Effectively:

Looking for more resources on how to address sexual assault? Visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.