Outercourse
What is outercourse?
Outercourse—or what you might
call "alternatives to sexual
intercourse"—usually refers to types of sexual intimacy which do not
involve oral, vaginal, or anal sex. This may include:
- Holding
hands
- Hugs
- Kisses
- Petting
above the belt
- Petting
below the belt
- Mutual
masturbation
But outercourse does
take some discipline! Both partners must be committed
to this method. Or else these exciting forms of sexual
intimacy can lead to sexual
intercourse. It is not an extremist position to practice
only outercourse in this age of viral infections. It works
better if there has been
communication in advance. Decide in advance what sexual
activities you will say "yes" to and discuss these with
your partner. Tell your partner, very clearly and in
advance, not at the last minute,
what activities you will not do. At the same time learn
more about the methods of birth control and safer sex
so that you will be ready
if you change your mind.
What are the advantages of outercourse?
- Outercourse
is always an option…no supplies and it's free!
- There is no risk of pregnancy.
- No
fluid is exchanged, providing protection against sexually
transmitted infections.
- It
can increase emotional closeness between individuals.
What
are the disadvantages?
- Touching your partner's genitals or anal area during masturbation could possibly result in transmitting STIs. You may want to use some method of protection, such as latex gloves.
- For
some partners, the desire to have intercourse can cause
stress.
- This
method may have either partner thinking, "Is this
going to go farther than I want?" This concern
may decrease enjoyment.
Oops!
What can be done if plans change
and a man and women have unprotected sex? Sperm swim very
fast. In minutes after ejaculation into the vagina, sperm
are
up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes, where they will meet up with
the egg, if an egg is there. Read about Emergency Contraception,
a method that can be used after unprotected sex.
Adapted from Hatcher RA et al. Contraceptive Technology. 18th rev. edition. New York, NY: Ardent Media, 2004.
Additional Information >> Contraceptive Choices
Chart Comparing the Effectiveness of Various Methods :: Contraceptive
Myths & Facts :: Local Clinics & Hotlines
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