The Gynecologist

Abstinence: The world’s oldest form of contraception

May 19, 2010 at 1:40 pm 3 comments

There’s a lot more buzz about abstinence than there was when I was a teenager. My high school generated a lot of buzz back in the 1995 when it was the first on Long Island to distribute condoms.  (Then again, a lot of the fashion in those days had an unintended contraceptive effect.)  But I think the pendulum has begun to swing the other way in a lot of communities.  So I think it may be time to take another look at abstinence.

Abstinence is the oldest and cheapest form of contraception.  Not having sex with a male partner is a sure way for a woman to avoid pregnancy. 100%.  Pretty simple math.

Historically, abstinence has the method of choice for a lot of people because of expectations set by religious faith and family roles.  You remember: First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage.  Premarital sex and unintended pregnancy don’t rhyme well.  (Neither does Baby Bjorn, so I guess baby carriages are also a more moral option for infant transport).

The downside of abstinence is that it can be an unrealistic expectation, especially for younger people.  Teens in particular may struggle with their natural inclination and interest toward sex.  This is compounded by things like peer pressure and widening social acceptance of premarital sex and sex outside of monogamous relationships.  We won’t even go into what constitutes maintaining one’s “virginity.”  But oral sex doesn’t get you pregnant.

If you choose to abstain from sex, it’s not a bad idea to have a back-up plan (ie condoms, the pill, etc…).  This doesn’t mean you’re not committed to abstinence, it means you’re realistic.  You wouldn’t drive a car without a spare tire, would you?  Does that mean you’re planning on getting a flat?  No.  It means you’re responsible.  What?  You don’t know how to change a flat?  Well, that’s what boyfriends are for.

Entry filed under: Gynecology. Tags: abstinence, back-up plan, condoms, contraception, gynecology, monogamy, oral sex, peer pressure, pregnancy, teens and sex, the pill, unintended pregnancy, virginity.