METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL: CONTINUOUS ABSTINENCE. OUTERCOURSE. WITHDRAWAL

March 2009
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Continuous Abstinence

If you choose continuous abstinence, you will not have sex play Pregnancy cannot happen if sperm are kept out of the vagina.

Effectiveness of Continuous Abstinence

Continuous abstinence is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. It also prevents sexually transmitted infections.

Advantages of Continuous Abstinence

• Abstinence has no medical or hormonal side effects.

• Many religious groups endorse abstinence among unmarried people.

Who Can Use Continuous Abstinence

Any woman or man can abstain from vaginal intercourse. Many do so at various times in their lives. Some choose to do so all their lives. Many choose to express their sexual feelings in other ways.

Possible Problems with Continuous Abstinence

• People may find it difficult to abstain for long periods of time.

• Women and men often end their abstinence without being prepared to protect themselves against pregnancy.

Cost

None.

Outercourse

If you choose outercourse, you will have sex play without vaginal intercourse. This will keep sperm from joining egg. There are many alternatives for sex play without vaginal intercourse:

• masturbation

• erotic massage and body rubbing

• erotica, fantasy, role play, masks, and sex toys

Effectiveness of Outercourse

Outercourse is nearly 100 percent effective. Pregnancy is possible if semen or pre-ejaculate is spilled on the vulva.

Outercourse is also effective against HIV and certain other serious sexually transmitted infections, unless body fluids are exchanged through oral or anal sex play.

Advantages of Outercourse

• Outercourse has no medical or hormonal side effects.

• Outercourse can be used as safer sex if no body fluids are exchanged.

• Outercourse may prolong sex play and enhance orgasm.

Possible Problems with Outercourse

• It is difficult for many people to abstain from vaginal intercourse for long periods of time.

• Women and men may decide to engage in vaginal intercourse without being prepared to protect themselves against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

Cost

None.

Withdrawal

If you choose withdrawal, the man will pull his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates to keep sperm from joining the egg.

Effectiveness of Withdrawal

Of 100 women whose partners practice withdrawal, it is estimated that 19 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. It is estimated that only four will become pregnant with perfect use.

Pre-ejaculate can contain enough sperm to cause pregnancy, and pregnancy is possible if semen or pre-ejaculate is spilled on the vulva.

Withdrawal is not effective against most sexually transmitted infections.

Advantages of Withdrawal

Withdrawal can be used to reduce the risk of pregnancy when no other method is available.

Possible Problems with Withdrawal

• Withdrawal requires great self-control, experience, and trust.

• Withdrawal is not appropriate for men who are likely to have premature ejaculation.

• Withdrawal is not appropriate for men who can’t tell when ejaculatory inevitability occurs and they have to pull out.

• Withdrawal is not recommended for sexually inexperienced men.

• Withdrawal is not recommended for teens.

Cost

None.