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For some people, outercourse is sex play without vaginal intercourse. For others, it is sex play with no penetration at all ? oral, anal, or vaginal. Some people also believe that any kind of penetrative sex play is too risky to be called "safer sex." But many people do have oral and anal sex ? sometimes to avoid pregnancy or to "preserve their virginity" ? so we include them here. Pregnancy cannot happen if sperm are kept out of the vagina.
How Well Outercourse Works
- Outercourse is 100 percent effective against pregnancy unless pre-ejaculate or semen gets onto the vulva or into the vagina.
- Outercourse is also effective against sexually transmitted infections. It reduces the risk of HIV/AIDS and many other sexually transmitted infections ? unless body fluids are exchanged through oral or anal sex. But some infections, like herpes and HPV, can be passed by skin-to-skin contact.
Who Can Use Outercourse
- Any woman or man can abstain from vaginal intercourse. Many do so at various times in their lives. Some choose to do so all their lives.
How Outercourse Is Used
Many people learn to give and receive pleasure through outercourse. There are many alternatives for sex play without vaginal intercourse:
- Kissing ? Many people explore different ways of kissing. They may also explore kissing different body parts.
- Masturbation ? Many people enjoy touching their own sex organs. It's the most common way to be sexual. Partners can masturbate alone, together, or watch each other. They may hug and kiss while they do it.
- Erotic Massage ? Many couples touch and rub each other's sex organs using their hands, bodies, or mouths.
- Body-to-Body Rubbing/Frottage ? Many couples rub their bodies together ? especially their sex organs ? for pleasure and orgasm.
- Fantasy ? Couples can read or watch sexy stories or pictures together. They can also share or act out sexy fantasies. People do it in person, on the phone, surfing the Internet, or through e-mail or instant messaging.
- Sex Toys ? Toys, including vibrators and dildos, can be used to explore and caress the body. Condoms need to be used if partners want to share the same toy. Use a new condom for each partner ? and for each part of the body. Sex toys need to be cleaned according to manufacturer's instruction.
- Oral Sex Play ? Many people like to use their mouths on each other's sex organs. There is some risk of infection, but using a barrier can reduce the risk. Glyde? dams, dental dams, and plastic wrap can be used as barriers to cover a vulva or anus. Condoms can be used as barriers to cover the penis.
- Anal Sex Play ? Many people enjoy exploring each other's buttocks, anus, and rectum with their hands, mouths, sex organs, or with toys. Anal sex play can pass infection, but using a latex or plastic barrier can reduce the risk.
Advantages of Outercourse
- has no medical or hormonal side effects
- can be used as safer sex if semen and vaginal fluids are not exchanged
- may make sex play last longer, enhance orgasm, and increase intimacy between partners
- can be used when no other birth control methods are available
Possible Disadvantages of Outercourse
- Women and men may let outercourse lead to intercourse without being ready to protect themselves from pregnancy or infection. Some people may find it hard to abstain from intercourse. Sperm may come in contact with the vagina.
- Note: Outercourse is almost the same as foreplay. They both add to sexual excitement and pleasure, which can lead to orgasm. The difference is that foreplay usually leads to intercourse. If you are going to have intercourse, you need to use another form of birth control ? and protection from infection.
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