Contraception

Methods of Contraception: Contraceptive Methods for Either Sex: Abstinence

Young People and Total Abstinence
In some societies adolescents are entreated by their elders to practice total sexual abstinence, because it will protect them from both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. How effective such entreaties are, is another question. After all, after puberty one is dealing with some powerful biological urges demanding expression. Therefore, throughout most of human history adolescents were considered ready for marriage, and in many cultures they were, in fact, married while still in their teens. Often, there is also a double standard at work: Abstinence is considered more important for females than for males. Moreover, many young people know that the necessary protection can also be obtained by the use of condoms and other “safe sex” practices. Still, if they have strong religious convictions in favor of total abstinence, or if their sexual interests are weak or unfocussed, they may be able to resist all temptations long enough to please their parents, teachers, and clergymen. Experience has shown, however, that today, no matter what they are told, a great number of adolescents in many countries and many social groups do engage in sexual intercourse at an ever earlier age.
 

Percentage of 15-19-year-old males and females in seven countries who have ever had intercourse according to marital status

As the graph shows, a high percentage of teenagers has had sexual intercourse before reaching adulthood. A great many of them are unmarried, especially the males.

Source: Family Planning Perspectives, vol. 26, no. 1, March 2000, Singh, S., Wulf, D., Samara, R., Cuca, Y.P.: Gender Differences in the Timing of First Intercourse: Data from 14 Countries; Alan Guttmacher Institute