Planning to Wait
Choosing Not to Have Sex
Some teens may think its "lame" to practice abstinence, after all “everyone is doing it”…right?
Wrong! Everyone isn’t doing it. In fact, only 57% of South Carolina teens reported having sex in 2010, which means nearly half of teens are choosing not to have sex. And this doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
The list below are some of the reasons why teens often decide to wait:
• No worries! – abstinence is the only effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs
• You can use it at any time
• It’s free
• Both partners are a part of the decision
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 diseases (STDs), 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 (43% of all teens in South Carolina) when you decide not to have sex.
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.
What does "abstinence" or "waiting" really 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:
Use the word NO.
Give a strong nonverbal NO message
Use a firm tone of voice
Repeat the NO message as much as needed
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center also provides many resources addressing sexual assault.