Sexual Abstinence

Practicing abstinence can prevent going down the wrong path leading to misfortunate events, which can cause stress and regret among teens. Sexual abstinence is important because it refrains teens from conflicting problems and promotes a healthy lifestyle while protecting emotional and mental health. There are three simple steps to practice abstinence. First, think of the advantages of abstinence. Second, stay strong and stand your ground during sexually charged situations. Lastly, seek support from others. Sexual abstinence is a sensitive topic, but in order for teens to understand the importance, we need to emphasise the long lasting effects of abstinence for teen life.

Abstinence is the act of refraining from indulging in something. Although this term is most commonly used while referring to alcohol sobriety, we will be using it while referring to refraining from sexual relations. Sexual abstinence is making the decision that you are going to wait to have sex until you are in a long-term, committed, relationship like marriage. This basically means that you won’t have sex until you’re with someone who will go through the risks and struggles sexual activity has to offer (Your Life Matters).

Abstinence will not only prevent teens from stress and worry but it will also help lead a healthy lifestyle. Abstinence helps prevent a various amount of STDs and STIs. In fact, abstinence has been proven to be 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, infection, and the transmission of diseases like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, and Syphilis. Always remember that abstinence is always free, available at any time, and can be set into action at any given moment. Jennie Watt McAdams states that “abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems.” In other words, to prevent teens from worry and stress, there is no other prescription to prevent one from sexually transmitted problems and diseases.
Abstinence can affect the physical and emotional aspects of an adolescent. According to the YLC, they state that “abstinence is a great way to get to know your boundaries and develop a stronger relationship emotionally and spiritually with the person you are dating.” Sexual activities do not define a relationship. Abstinence within a relationship can mean that the drive is for your personality, your interests, and your values, not for sexual aspects. Having conversations within the topic of abstinence can establish a strong relationship and bond which will then create values and the urge to make healthy decisions (Nicholas Lagina). Practicing abstinence creates a positive course of action. Knowing the concerns and risks can help refrain one from sexual activity. Facts and data have shown that teens who practice sexual abstinence are less likely to have depression, attempted suicide, and decrease the risk of poverty.

In conclusion, abstinence is the best option in leading a healthy and successful lifestyle. Avoiding harmful sexually transmitted diseases and infections is extremely beneficial to your health in later life both mentally and physically. Abstinence helps create a positive course of action, giving you an urge to think twice about your decisions and the paths they may lead you down. This causes you to form a much more triumphant lifestyle, resulting in the digression from distractions and focusing on set goals to achieve further down the line.