3 ms·

Abstinence is also an extremely good way to prevent contracting STDs. Imperfect, of course (there's still the risk of rape, and of bloodborne contagion), but r

by zeveb 8y ago

Abstinence is also an extremely good way to prevent contracting STDs. Imperfect, of course (there's still the risk of rape, and of bloodborne contagion), but remarkably good. Abstinence is probably even less culturally acceptable than contraception, pretty much universally. Chastity (i.e. having sex only with one's spouse) is less reliable than abstinence, since one's spouse may cheat, but it's also a very good way to prevent the spread of STDs. But even chastity is often culturally unacceptable, whether for both sexes (as in the U.S. today) or for men (as in many places, both historically & in the present). It's sad — STDs could be eliminated, but … people make mistakes.

elliekelly 8y ago
Abstinence is as effective as a New Years resolution.
cr0sh 8y ago
> But even chastity is often culturally unacceptable, whether for both sexes (as in the U.S. today) You are saying that in the USA today, that "having sex only with one's spouse" (ie - your definition of "chastity") is "culturally unacceptable" here? I'm curious on what you base this on? I am pretty certain that being unfaithful to your spouse, or even "significant other" is still considerably frowned upon in the U.S...? That is - I don't think it's "accepted" culturally - just tolerated (by the wider secular U.S. society). Maybe that's what you are getting at...? I think for the most part our culture would rather those who are married to remain honest with each other, to uphold the vows they took when they were married. There is also another smaller part of our culture (of which I am in agreement with) that would say as long as all parties are aware and consenting to it - ie, open marriages - that is ok as well. But I don't think our culture here in the U.S. completely condones unfaithfulness...? Maybe I am wrong? Certainly something to think about; which is also why I ask...
- deleted 8y ago
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js2 8y ago
Abstinence isn’t a complete and utter failure because it’s socially unacceptable: it’s a complete and utter failure because people want to have sex. The answer isn’t trying to get people to stop having sex. For most people, that’s like asking them to stop breathing. The answer is better education and free or cheap and easily available contraceptives. And since even the best and easiest of contraceptives will occasionally fail or not be used, continuing research into STD vaccines and providing easily accessible options to women to terminate pregnancy. Further, promoting abstinence and chastity while not promoting other options, and especially when combined with the often corresponding anti-choice politics, disproportionately and unfairly impacts the poor and uneducated, particularly the women. I would go so far as to say it’s cruel to continue to promote abstinence today.

by zeveb 8y ago

elliekelly 8y ago

Abstinence is as effective as a New Years resolution.

cr0sh 8y ago

> But even chastity is often culturally unacceptable, whether for both sexes (as in the U.S. today) You are saying that in the USA today, that "having sex only with one's spouse" (ie - your definition of "chastity") is "culturally unacceptable" here? I'm curious on what you base this on? I am pretty certain that being unfaithful to your spouse, or even "significant other" is still considerably frowned upon in the U.S...? That is - I don't think it's "accepted" culturally - just tolerated (by the wider secular U.S. society). Maybe that's what you are getting at...? I think for the most part our culture would rather those who are married to remain honest with each other, to uphold the vows they took when they were married. There is also another smaller part of our culture (of which I am in agreement with) that would say as long as all parties are aware and consenting to it - ie, open marriages - that is ok as well. But I don't think our culture here in the U.S. completely condones unfaithfulness...? Maybe I am wrong? Certainly something to think about; which is also why I ask...

deleted 8y ago
[deleted]

js2 8y ago

Abstinence isn’t a complete and utter failure because it’s socially unacceptable: it’s a complete and utter failure because people want to have sex. The answer isn’t trying to get people to stop having sex. For most people, that’s like asking them to stop breathing. The answer is better education and free or cheap and easily available contraceptives. And since even the best and easiest of contraceptives will occasionally fail or not be used, continuing research into STD vaccines and providing easily accessible options to women to terminate pregnancy. Further, promoting abstinence and chastity while not promoting other options, and especially when combined with the often corresponding anti-choice politics, disproportionately and unfairly impacts the poor and uneducated, particularly the women. I would go so far as to say it’s cruel to continue to promote abstinence today.