Abstinence means not having sex. You may choose to avoid certain sexual acts and not others. For ideas about how to be intimate with a partner while not having sex, read about "outercourse". You may choose not to have sex for a day, a week, or a year - even if you have been sexually active in the past. Being abstinent can also mean waiting to choose the right person, time, and circumstances to be sexual. However you define "abstinence," the only way to completely avoid exposure to sexually transmitted infections is to avoid oral, vaginal, and anal sex completely.
Making a Decision About When to Have Sex
Tips for Sticking With Your Decision
Why Do People Choose Not to Have Sex?
Healthy Sexuality
Healthy Sexuality Topics
Classes and Workshops
Condoms
Contraception
Request Free/Low-Cost Condoms
Men's Sexual Health
Off-Campus STI / HIV testing locations
Sexually Transmitted Infections
UHS STI Testing
UHS Sexual Assault Forensic Exams
AlcoholEdu and SAPU
Gynecology Clinic
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(512) 471-4955 |
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University Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care to patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, physical abilities or attributes, religions, sexual orientations, or gender identities/expression.
100 West Dean Keeton Student Services Building (SSB)