While people might have different definitions, most people would define abstinence as a promise to yourself that you will not have sexual intercourse (oral, anal, or vaginal) for a particular period of time. Some teens decide to remain abstinent until they're married. Others make a commitment to wait at least until they graduate from high school or until they are in a long-term (more than a few months) relationship.

Teens choose to be abstinent for many reasons, but avoiding the worry about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are usually top concerns. Abstinence, when practiced correctly, leaves no chance for pregnancy or infection.

Abstinence can mean different things to different people. Does it mean you'll have no intimate physical contact--including holding hands, kissing, and oral sex --with another person? Or is it OK to kiss, but no touching below the waist? These are questions you have to ask yourself and your partner if you decide to remain abstinent.

Then you have to make it clear to your dating partners that you're not interested in getting physical in these specific ways. You have to set specific limits if a relationship is getting romantic. And you have to be prepared for the possibility that your partner will reject your "no sex" choice and move on to another partner who wants to get physical.

To succeed, you'll need supportive friends and partners. Seek them out. You'll also need to keep your life goals clearly in focus. And you'll have to stay committed to your own desires and values, no matter what anyone else says or does. Most adults agree that abstinence is the best choice for teens.

However, studies show that when teens who are abstinent do have sex, they often don't use protection. We don't want that to happen to you. So if you make a promise to yourself to be abstinent, also make a promise to yourself to be informed about how to keep yourself healthy if you decide to have sex. Specifically, know how to use a condom and where to find emergency contraception.

For more information, go to "An A to Z of Contraception" or call 1-888-30-SX-ASK (307-9275), the Sex Information Line run by Planned Parenthood of Western Washington. The line is open Monday through Thursday from 2-8 p.m., Pacific Standard Time (5-11 p.m., EST).