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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