Celibacy

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Celibacy or chastity is conscious abstinence from sexual activity. Celibacy is a choice of behavior, as opposed to asexuality which is an orientation. Not all asexuals are celibate, because there are reasons besides sexual attraction to engage in sexual activity.

Because giving up sex can be a form of personal sacrifice for sexuals, celibacy is often tied to spirituality. Members of the clergy in several faiths take vows of celibacy, notably Catholic monks, nuns, and priests. It has been suggested that some of these individuals have historically chosen to do so because they were in fact asexual, and preferred to lead a life without sex.