Abstinence Benefits: Is Abstinence Still Relevant Today?

Just The Facts: Understanding Abstinence Benefits

In a world where casual intimacy seems popular, many people wonder if there are still abstinence benefits in today’s culture. Absolutely! Choosing abstinence can provide emotional, physical, and personal benefits. Waiting until you are in a committed lifelong partnership can help you build healthy boundaries, protect your health, and make decisions that align with your values. Let’s look at the facts.

Learning accurate information about sexual health can help you make informed decisions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides reliable information about sexually transmitted infections, prevention, and testing.

• CDC – Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

The Emotional Benefits of Abstinence

One of the important abstinence benefits is having the opportunity to build a relationship based on trust, communication, and emotional connection before adding physical intimacy. Intimacy in a relationship comes with psychological repercussions. Having connected with someone on such a personal level without commitment can leave you with lasting unwanted effects. On the other hand, practicing abstinence can help you define what healthy looks like for you. Presenting boundaries and sticking to them can be empowering.

Abstinence also creates a time to get to know someone on a personal level without the distraction intimacy can bring. What are their likes, dislikes? Are you compatible?

Why Choosing Abstinence Can Be Challenging

Nobody said abstinence was easy, if it were, we sure could avoid a lot of problems. Depression, suicide, and poverty have been linked to intimacy too early in a relationship. Thankfully, we have the choice to find out what is good for us. We can avoid all unhealthy activity if we just give ourselves time and space to find the right partner and create a committed, lifelong relationship. We are in control of our choices and this choice is a big one.

Making Healthy Choices Through Abstinence

If you are facing questions about relationships, pregnancy, or your future, you don’t have to navigate those decisions alone. Our center offers confidential support, free pregnancy testing, and resources to help you make informed choices. Learn more about our Pregnancy Services, Pregnancy Testing, and Contact Us options.

If you are uncertain, now is a good time to talk to loved ones, trusted friends, counselors, and pastors who have your best interest in mind. Gather the information and educate yourself on the risks including STIs and unplanned pregnancy. What is popular or common isn’t always right.  Remember, you are in control. Love and take care of yourself first.