Sexual abstinence or
sexual restraint is the practice of refraining from some or all aspects of
sexual activity for medical, psychological, legal, social, financial, philosophical, moral or religious reasons.
Asexuality is distinct from sexual abstinence; and
celibacy is sexual abstinence generally motivated by factors such as an individual's personal or religious beliefs. Sexual abstinence before
marriage is required in some societies by social norms, or, in some countries, even by laws, and is considered part of
chastity. Some societies have or had a
double standard in regard to chastity.