• Sperm cannot fertilize egg since sexual intercourse does not take place. 
   

• Not having sexual intercourse.
• Some people decide to express their sexual desires in other ways.
• They may decide to avoid all sexual contact.
  
  

• No major health concerns
• No exam needed
• Always available
• Protects against STIs/HIV if all sexual contact is avoided, including oral sex and anal sex.
  
  

• Pregnancy may occur if couple does not completely avoid genital contact.
• It is also possible to contract a sexually transmitted infection if a couple does not completely avoid genital contact.

Effectiveness: 100%

More information on Abstinence.