Can you become abstinent?

Anybody can be abstinent, no matter your age, gender, sexuality, or the sexual experiences youve had before. People are abstinent off and on for reasons that may change over time, and a few are abstinent their whole lives. You can choose to be abstinent whenever you want, even if youve had sex before.

Can you practice abstinence if you arent a virgin?

A person doesnt have to be a virgin to practice abstinence. Sometimes, someone who has been having sex decides to stop doing so. A person who has been having sex can still choose abstinence to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the future.

What are the signs you look for to know if a person is or isnt giving you consent?

You dont have consent if you use guilt, intimidation, or threats to coerce someone into sex, even if that person says “yes.” Saying yes out of fear is not consent. Silence or a lack of a response is not consent. Be clear and concise when getting consent.