Outercourse

Outercourse includes various forms of sexual activity (oral sex, mutual masturbation, kissing) that don’t involve anal or vaginal sex (intercourse).

Advantages:

• 100% effective in preventing pregnancy as long as your partner’s sperm does not get near your vaginal area.
• Allows partners to relate to each other sexually without having penetrative sex. This can raise the level of communication in a relationship and add new dimensions to your sex play.
• Outercourse is free. It only requires your imagination.

Disadvantages:

• Some couples may eventually get frustrated with this method.
• Others may find it difficult to stop themselves from having intercourse.
• Depending on what kind of sexual activity you engage in, you may be at more or less risk for contracting certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Updated July 3, 2008