Ii. General Information

ABSTINENCE

I.  INTRODUCTION

A.  Abstinence can be primary (not had a sexual experience with another person) or secondary (sexually experienced person who becomes sexually inactive). Abstinence, or celibacy, may be voluntary or involuntary. Many abstainers engage in other forms of sexual intimacy. If abstinence is the method chosen, the client must be advised regarding the risks and benefits of the method and instructed on effectiveness. Continuous abstinence means not having vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse at any time or refraining from those acts that permit exposure to infectious lesions or secretions. It is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and reduces the risk of STIs including HIV.

II.  GENERAL INFORMATION

A.  Physical exam and lab work are not required but should be offered (as indicated).

B.  All clients choosing abstinence should be proactively offered condoms and other methods of birth control unless declined.

III.  CLIENT SELECTION

A.  Any client may receive information on abstinence

IV.  CLIENT EDUCATION

A.  Review with the client the definition of abstinence: Abstinence is not having sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal).

B.  Educate the client regarding the advantages and disadvantages of abstinence.

1.  Advantages

a.  Prevents sexually transmitted infections by not allowing exposure to infectious lesions or secretions (vaginal, oral, and anal) and pregnancy by refraining from penile-vaginal intercourse.

b.  Has no medical or hormonal side effect.

c.  Encourages clients to build relationships in other healthy way.

d.  Provides a means to postpone taking sexual and emotional risks until one is better able to handle them.

e.  Women who abstain until their 20s and who have fewer lifetime partners may have certain health advantages over women who do not such as:

i.  Less likely to get STIs

ii.  Less likely to become infertile

iii.  Less likely to develop cervical cancer

2.  Disadvantages

a.  Requires willpower and discipline.

b.  Requires determination, cooperation of the partner, communication skills and some effort to find other nonsexual ways to share feelings.

c.  Requires negotiation and planning skills for using abstinence (safe sex practices).

d.  Requires exploring alternatives for sexual expression (handholding, kissing, caressing, touching, etc.).

V.  DOCUMENTATION

A.  Documentation of education must be in the client’s record.

References:

Hatcher, R., et al., Contraceptive Technology, 20th Edition, 2011

Revised: 1/2014

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