Abstinence or “Not right now”

Overview

“Not right now” as a method for pregnancy prevention means not having penis-in-vagina sex. That means no sex where the penis goes into the vagina, and no other sexual activities that involve semen (the whitish fluid that comes out of the penis during ejaculation) getting on the vulva.

“Not right now” is super effective at preventing pregnancy, but only if used perfectly—and it’s not the easiest method to use perfectly. But if you never have penis-in-vagina sex, you’re guaranteed to not get pregnant. And if you’re avoiding sexual activity with a partner (like oral sex, anal sex, or sharing toys) altogether, you’ll be safe from STIs, too.

Lots of people who are planning to say “not right now” to prevent pregnancy ultimately end up having penis-in-vagina sex. If you don’t have another birth control method in place because you weren’t planning on having sex, it’s easy to find yourself deciding to have unprotected sex in the heat of the moment. It’s totally okay to change your mind and decide you want to have sex! Even if right now, you don’t think you’ll change your mind, it’s a great idea to have a birth control method on hand that you can use at a moment’s notice, like condoms, and to get emergency contraception ahead of time just in case you need it.

Quick Facts

If you don’t have penis-in-vagina sex, you won’t get pregnant. But you and your partner will need willpower.

Effectiveness

“Not right now” is 100% effective for as long as you’re not having penis-in-vagina sex. But that’s hard for a lot of people to stick to.
Perfect use: 100% effective
Typical use: Not enough data
What are perfect use and typical use?

Hormones

“Not right now” doesn’t change hormones at all.

Side effects

“Not right now” has no side effects.

Cost

Free!

STI protection

If you’re not having any kind of sex with a partner, you’re not at risk of STIs. But if you’re having outercourse, oral sex, or anal sex instead, you will still be at risk of STIs.

Ongoing effort

Both you and your partner need to have a lot of self-control.