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What is abstinence?

Abstinence is refraining from all sexual activity.

Sexual activity refers to actions intended to result in sexual arousal or gratification.

- Sex includes penile-vaginal, anal and oral sex.

- Other actions intended to result arousal or gratification, including, but not limited to, masturbation, mutual masturbation, fondling, the use of sex toys, and the viewing of pornography.

Reviewed by: Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH

Date: October 2008



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