The voluntary decision not to engage in sexual relations of any kind. In some cases, the decision not to engage in penetrative sex. Reasons for abstinence include abstinence for pregnancy prevention (including periodic abstinence), for religious reasons, or because of concerns about STIs/HIV infection.

Choosing not to have any kind of sexual intercourse. For abstinence to be effective, people must not have any kind of sex, whether vaginal, oral, or anal. Some people wait until they are past their teens. Some people wait until they get married. Others choose not to have sex at all. Choosing when or if to have sex is a hard decision for everyone.People must take responsibility and accept whatever might happen because of a choice they make. ABSTINENCE from sex is the surest way not to get STDs or pregnant.

Not having sex of any kind.

having no vaginal, anal, or oral sex

Choosing not to have any kind sexual activity - this includes vaginal, oral and anal sex.