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Outercourse: Dry Humping, Dry Sex and Other Sexual Behaviors
By
Alison Beaver
September 20, 2009 - 8:13am
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Questions abound regarding dry humping, dry sex and dry intercourse. It is most often a question asked by girls and women, wanting to know if they can be pregnant when engaging in "dry sex".
The terms has been defined in many ways, depending on the person asking, and I wanted to break through the barriers and actually talk about the "embarrassing" aspects of what these terms actually mean.
What are you actually doing with your partner when you are doing anything "dry" in the sex-realm? Let's take the slang out of our questions, and talk about these taboo topics in the name of sexual health and wellness.
Sexual Health Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on this "Dry" Subject!
1. How would you describe/define the following terms?
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
2. What specific behaviors am I engaging in if I do any of the following?
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
3. Can you "get" pregnant from any of the following sexual activities?
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
4. Can you spread or contract an STI/STD from any of the following sexual behaviors? (STI/STD = sexually transmitted infections or diseases)
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
ANSWERS:
1. Dry= No Bodily Fluid Contact
The word "dry" means that there is no bodily fluid exchange or contact, including fluids or lubrication from the penis, vagina, anus or mouth. These specifically can include pre-ejaculatory fluid ("pre-cum"), ejaculatory fluid or "ejaculation" or "cum", vaginal lubrication or vaginal secretions.
"Dry humping" and "dry sex" can be summed up by using the term: "outercourse".
There is actually no such thing as "dry intercourse", as penetration can never be considered a "dry" activity as there is natural lubrication from your body that is considered a "bodily fluid".
2. Outercourse can include:
- massaging, touching
- masturbation
- body rubbing, humping or "going through motions" of sex while fully clothed (genitals are fully covered)...most commonly called "dry humping"
Outercourse can not include:
- penetration of penis into vagina, anus or mouth
- body rubbing while clothed, but some "slippage" of clothing (underwear, specifically)
- ejaculation near vagina, even while covered, with chance of semen spilling over clothing
3. No, Outercourse would not lead to pregnancy
As explained above, outercourse does not involve the contact or exchange of any bodily fluids, and therefore, would not create a risk for pregnancy
4. Yes, Outercourse may still carry the risk of spreading or contracting an STI/STD
The word "dry" is important when talking about pregnancy and STIs/STDs, as Outercourse is a Good Safer Sex Option, but is not 100% "safe".
Safer Sex is any sexual behavior that reduces your risk for infection or pregnancy. Although most STDs/STIs are spread through exchange of bodily fluids, some are transmitted from skin-to-skin contact (meaning: you don't have to have intercourse/penetration to become infected with an STD/STI). The skin-to-skin contact through outercourse can be a risk for STD/STI.
Lastly,
What are the Benefits of Outercourse (for two consenting adults?)
- Pleasurable form of sexual expression and intimacy
- Type of "safer sex" without need for contraception (for pregnancy prevention)
- Lower risk for contracting or spreading STIs or STDs (sexually transmitted infections or diseases)
- No risk for pregnancy
- It can be a sexual behavior that is pleasurable, exciting and not stress-inducing (from the point of view of women, wondering if they are pregnant)
Let us know your thoughts on these terms "dry humping" and "outercourse".
If you have a specific question about a recent sexual episode that you are wondering about, please click on the Community page above, and ask your question by clicking on the orange ASK button to post your question. This space is for discussion related to this topic, and we are able to answer your time-sensitive questions faster when posted at the ASK page. Thanks!
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment665 Comments
Hi Anonymous,
Well, making out with no clothes on is not dry humping and can present a risk. No risk if there was no penetration of your penis into her vagina. Pre ejaculate fluid itself does not contain sperm.
I think your girlfriend was safe from becoming pregnant. However, if you both continue to be sexually active, she needs to start using some type of birth control, not an ECP, and you should wear a condom. Being naked and making out is just one step away from intercourse.
Regards,
June 9, 2016 - 8:18amMaryann
This Comment
Hi,
June 6, 2016 - 8:47amDuring a recent outercourse, I had my underwear on but my partner he didn't. He didn't ejaculate during the process. Additionally, I gave him a hand job. To what extent am I at risk for getting STD through skin contact?
This Comment
Hello Anonymous,
That is a very good question.
You can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also be infected with trichomoniasis through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats, although it is more commonly spread by sexual contact.
The germs that cause STDs hide in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva. Most of the organisms are spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, may be spread through skin contact. You can get hepatitis B by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it.
Anonymous, do you know if your partner has a STD? In the future, be aware before engaging in any type of sexual or intimate contact with someone.
Regards,
June 9, 2016 - 8:22amMaryann
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Is it true t be pregnant while getting your menstrual periods?
June 6, 2016 - 2:01amThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
No. It is not true that a woman can get a monthly period during pregnancy.
Some women may have spotting during their pregnancies. The significance of this is evaluated by the obstetrician.
What is a period and why don't you get a period during pregnancy?
Rising levels of estrogen are responsible for the build up of the uterine lining (endometrium). This build up of the lining gets the uterus ready to accept a fertilized egg. As the cycle continues, and no pregnancy occurs, the levels of estrogen decrease. Decreasing estrogen loosens the support for the built up lining and helps to make it separate, and prepare for menses.
The follicle stimulating hormone is made by the pituitary gland. Its purpose is to get a follicle ready for ovulation. Every month between 3 and 30 follicles are ripened for ovulation but usually only one continues to grow and eventually ruptures and releases an egg during ovulation.
The luteinizing hormone makes the egg (follicle) release from the ovary. This hormone is involved in the process of ovulation – the time in the menstrual cycle when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg from the ovary.
Progesterone is released by the ruptured follicle (one that has released an egg). After the egg is released from the follicle, the follicle closes and becomes a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes increasing amounts of progesterone. This rise in the level of progesterone typically causes a rise in body temperature. If no pregnancy occurs, the levels of progesterone falls and this along with the decreasing amount of estrogen, helps the built up lining of the uterus to separate and for menstruation to begin.
Anonymous, I hope this helps you and all our readers understand why a woman does not get a period during pregnancy - it's all about the hormones.
Maryann
June 6, 2016 - 8:16amThis Comment
Hi! I would just like to ask. My boyfriend and I tried dry humping and while he was on top of me, he sensed that he's about to come so he got away from me asap but he felt worried that there maybe some semen that may spill on me. Would i possibly get pregnant? My menstruation is about this month's first week. We are actually worried. Can you help us?
June 2, 2016 - 7:35pmThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
If he was wearing underwear and pants, any ejaculated semen would remain trapped in his clothes. If he pulled away before ejaculation, no semen was released.
Relax, because stressing out over this can cause your period to be delayed.
Regards,
June 3, 2016 - 9:14amMaryann
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hi susan,
May 18, 2016 - 7:24amits frank again..
she also told me that she is frequently urinating about a week now and her white blood discharge had stopped.. i know that frequent urination is a symptom of pregnancy..but is that a guarantee?
thanks..
she is really freaking out now
by the way she is frequently eating soar foods, and as of now she is also experiencing cramps and back pain..pls do help..tnx..
This Comment
My gf and i were having an outercourse with my brief on and she is naked. after i notice some witness in my brief but i am sure i didnt ejaculate at that time. that was two weeks ago. now she is a week delayed in her menstraution. is he pregnant? how high is the risk of being pregnant in that situation..pls do help me clarify this. now she experiencing some pain like she will be having a mesntraution but still it doesnt came.. your honest answer is highly appreciated. thanks.
Frank
May 18, 2016 - 2:04amThis Comment
If dry humping is forced and not consensual is this sexual assault?
May 11, 2016 - 6:50pmThis Comment