Effectiveness

Pros

Prevents sexually transmitted infections.

No medical or hormonal side effects.

Many religions endorse abstinence for unmarried people.

Sexual relationships present physical and emotional risks. Abstinence is a very good way to postpone taking those risks until women and men are mature enough to handle them.

Women who postpone vaginal intercourse until their 20s have certain health advantages. They are less likely to suffer from sexually transmitted infections, infertility, and cancer of the cervix than women who have vaginal intercourse at younger ages.

Cons

Difficult for many people to abstain from sex for long periods, especially when you are with the same partner for some time.

People often forget to protect themselves against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections when they stop abstaining.