Today, abstinence is still the most effective form of birth control. It is the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse. When a person is abstinent, they are not having sexual relations with anyone. Complete abstinence helps prevent unplanned pregnancies and is the most effective method of preventing sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS or herpes. As a health organization in Nigeria, we will discuss why teenagers should consider choosing abstinence.
Abstinence may be recommended by your healthcare provider or school program. Many individuals also practice abstinence due to cultural, religious, or personal beliefs.
In general, you may want to choose abstinence to:
- Avoid an unwanted pregnancy. That is especially important when you are at a young age, and you and your partner are not ready or prepared for the responsibility of raising a child.
- Prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sexually active teenagers are at a higher risk of getting an STI and will require treatment from a healthcare center. Examples of STIs include genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV/AIDS.
- Wait until you are ready. It’s normal and okay to want to wait to have sexual intercourse with the right partner when you feel you are ready.
- Focus on school or your goals. Although you may fear you are “missing out,” it is okay to focus on more important matters like school and your long-term goals.
Health for Nigeria is a reputable non-profit organization in Lagos, Nigeria. To facilitate positive change, we organize several projects to improve healthcare in Nigeria. To support our cause and help us save lives, consider making a donation or signing up to become a volunteer.
Leave a Reply