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Answers for Women: Am I Pregnant After Dry Sex, Making Out with Clothes On?

 
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We are glad you found EmpowHER! A common question has been asked: Am I pregnant if I make out with a boy, while wearing clothes? Can I be pregnant without penetration (intercourse)?

There is so much misinformation about sex, and usually the limited information that is given resorts to using scare tactics, so much to where young women are afraid that when they merely look at a boy, or touch a towel that a boy has touched, that this could result in pregnancy!

Please know that becoming pregnant does not just "occur". Sperm must somehow enter the vagina in order to conceive; genitals must touch other genitals, or ejaculatory fluid must come into contact with a woman's vulva. Otherwise, there is no risk of pregnancy.

If you are wearing clothes or otherwise "making out", a congratulations is in order, as you are engaging in "safer sex" practices, which means you were able to express your physical or sexual feelings without putting yourself at increased risk for pregnancy. You can find more information below that pertains to your specific situation, based on our most commonly asked questions.

I missed my period and must be pregnant after making out or being sexual with my partner.
Late Period Fact: It is common for women to be late --or even miss a period entirely--for no "apparent" reason. Our ovulation and menstrual cycles do vary from month-to-month, and can change due to recent illness, new medication, excess stress. There are also medical reasons that women may stop menstruating, and can be evaluated by your doctor (doctors are not usually concerned if you are not experiencing any problematic symptoms until you have missed three periods in-a-row, called amenorrhea).

I am afraid of pregnancy because I did sexual things with my partner while wearing clothes, and I read that women can still become pregnant since clothes and cotton are porous (have holes).
Clothing Fact: Yes, our clothing, and specifically our cotton underwear, are porous. and, it is true that sperm are strong swimmers, but they can't swim through clothes. Sperm are strong swimmers only in liquid: specifically semen and vaginal secretions. Outside the bod, sperm are actually very fragile. Once semen is absorbed into the fabric of your clothes, they die.

Please know in regards to wearing clothes during physical intimacy: what is possible is some ejaculate could spill over the underwear, around the panty line, and possibly get near the vagina. Men's underwear that are not form-fitting can "leak" sperm, so the important thing to remember when "wearing" clothes: they are actually covering up your genitals, the underwear is not pushed to the side, and no fluid is leaking from the side of the underwear.

"Dry Humping" Fact: The term used when you are "going through the motions" of sex and rubbing bodies together, while wearing clothing is called "Outercourse" or "dry humping" because there are no bodily fluids (vaginal secretions or semen) that come into contact with your or your partner's genitals. Click on hyperlink to read more about Outercourse.

I touched some semen on the bed sheet, and want to know if I could get pregnant from this
Sperm Fact: Sperm can live three to five days when inside a woman's vagina during her most fertile time. Sperm can only live when they are in a liquid - like semen or in vaginal fluids- and do not survive long outside the body (including on sheets, towels, etc).

I made out with my boyfriend, and any possible sperm that got in me was quickly washed away after I went to the bathroom.
"Washing Away" Semen Fact: Showers do not wash out sperm that is already inside the vagina, same with urinating, as the urine would only wash away what is inside the urinary tract (semen would have entered into a separate opening, your vagina, and not your urethra).

I have wet spots from my partner's "cum" on the inside of my underwear and jeans, even though we were both wearing clothes.
Self-Lubrication Fact: Your being "wet" could be from your own lubrication, as your partner's semen would most likely not penetrate through multiple layers of clothing (and it would not be able to get you pregnant; see above). Any wetness is from your own vaginal secretions and is perfectly normal when you are sexually aroused.

We hope these answers to the most commonly asked questions were helpful for you and your specific situation! If you are ever in doubt, please talk with your health care provider about birth control options if you choose to be sexually active, and wear a condom during sexual activity (even if penetration or intercourse is not planned). Continue making safer sex choices!

Add a Comment280 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anonymous,

You cannot get pregnant with your clothes on or if you have a wet spot on your thigh. Hi sperm would have to enter your vagina and therefore, there is no way you can be pregnant. Hope this helps.

Missie

October 19, 2013 - 7:02am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Thank you! So I only have to wait for my period to come right? What if it doesn't? Is it normal? :)

October 19, 2013 - 4:56pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

If you had read this article, you would have gotten the answer to your question.
Since you might not have read it, the answer is no.

When was your period due?

Maryann

October 18, 2013 - 4:33pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Maryann Gromisch RN)

Hi again. Umm, I am expecting it next week but I can't feel/see any sign of me going to have my period. It doesn't occur on the same day every month, but I do have my period monthly. I've been waiting for it to come but it doesn't, and I can't relax because I feel like making out with my partner had something to do with it. Sorry to bother you, but I do not have anyone to talk to about this. I'm so scared ..

October 18, 2013 - 6:39pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

"Hi . I want to ask question regarding my friend . She was so stressed out when her period have yet to come . My friend make out with his boyfriend . She said she was wearing a pad , underwear , a tight shorts and her physical education shorts/pants . She handjob his boyfriend and his boyfriend was fingering her . He then ejacuate at her hands . Some of it also went to her pants . Is it possible to get pregnant ? She's really worried and I don't know how to help her . Can you help us ?"

October 1, 2013 - 2:02am
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

I don't think your friend needs to worry. From your description of what she was wearing at the time, semen on the outside of her pants could not penetrate through all the layers of clothing and a sanitary pad.

Maryann

October 1, 2013 - 4:14pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Maryann Gromisch RN)

she also mention that some of the sperm ejacuate and hits her boyfriend hand , at the top and not the palm . It is possible for the sperm to stay at the pants and swim in ?

October 1, 2013 - 4:54pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anonymous,

No, this is not possible.

Maryann

October 1, 2013 - 4:58pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Maryann Gromisch RN)

She just started her mensus today however her bleeding also come out with an egg white mucus . Is she pregnant ? Thank you for your help Ms . We really appreciate you're help :')

October 2, 2013 - 5:41am
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anonymous,

Your friend is not pregnant because she has started her period. Clear vaginal discharge is normal, and nothing to worry about.

Glad to help:)

Maryann

October 2, 2013 - 4:53pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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