Abstinence

Abstinence is defined as voluntarily stopping yourself from doing something that will be pleasurable to your body. The word "abstinence" usually refers to sexual abstinence, which is involves not engaging in some or all aspects of sexual activity. Sexual abstinence can be entered into for a variety of reasons. Some people do it for religious or philosophical reasons, out of a desire to deny their body sexual pleasure, or to save themselves for the purpose of chastity. Many religions--including Christianity, Islam Judaism and Hinduism--incorporate ideas of chastity into their central beliefs. People who practice abstinence for these reasons do it to ensure that they do not have sex with anyone but their spouse.

In some cases, people will adopt long-term vows of abstinence as part of an ascetic lifestyle. Ascetics try to master their bodily urges to strengthen their willpower and impose a sense of self-control. In this way, ascetics hope to set an example for others that will encourage them to not put so much emphasis on the world of the physical and material.

For many people, abstinence is not undertaken for religious reasons, but as a lifestyle choice. Some people may not be interested in sex (which is called asexualism) or may dislike it (a condition known as antisexualism). People who fall into these categories may have a wide range of other attitudes toward relationships and sex. Some will masturbate, others will accept sex as necessary for reproduction, and some may even engage in romantic relationships.