Outercourse is a range of sexual behaviors that does not include any form of intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal).
WHAT IS IT?
The term “outercourse” is used to refer to a range of sexual behaviors excluding vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. Behaviors classified as outercourse include kissing, hugging, touching, mutual masturbation (sometimes referred to as hand jobs), dry sex (also called dry humping or grinding), and foreplay.
WHERE DO I GET IT?
Since outercourse is not a device, there is no need to obtain it anywhere. A person always has with them what they need to engage in outercourse activity.
HOW DO I USE IT?
A person engaging in outercourse should discuss with their partner which activities they want to participate in, making sure that these activities will not put them at risk for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
There are no side effects to outercourse.
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
Outercourse is extremely effective in the prevention of pregnancy and STI/HIV. The only potential risk is if, during outercourse activity, semen (the fluid that carries sperm cells) gets near the vagina (on the skin or pubic hair). There have been instances where women have become pregnant without having intercourse when semen got near the opening of the vagina and sperm cells found their way inside. Also, some STIs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact without intercourse taking place.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES?
Advantages of outercourse include:
o almost no risk of pregnancy or STI,
o no cost
o people can be sexual with one another without intercourse.
The disadvantages of outercourse are:
o for people who want to have intercourse, outercourse may not be satisfying.
o If orgasm doesn’t take place during outercourse, it may be physically frustrating for some people.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There is no cost for outercourse activity.