Outercourse

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Outercourse (also known as non-penetrative sex) is sexual activity without vaginal, anal, and possibly oral penetration, as opposed to intercourse. Outercourse in preparation for intercourse can form part of foreplay.

A man's penis is placed between a woman's breasts during mammary intercourse
A man's penis is placed between a woman's breasts during mammary intercourse

No bodily fluids are intended to be exchanged, and outercourse is therefore often considered a practice of safer sex as well as of birth control (see below for exceptions).

Contents

[edit] Types of outercourse

[edit] Risks

With oral sex, there is a higher risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) than with other forms of outercourse, but studies have shown, so far, that there is less chance of getting these diseases through oral sex than with intercourse[citation needed]. One can reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases this way by using barrier methods. The risk of pregnancy with oral sex is only through contact between sperm-bearing fluids such as semen or Cowper's fluid and female sex organs, though the sex organs aren't usually in close contact with oral sex.

Interfemoral intercourse and genital rubbing, although notionally forms of outercourse, can carry a risk of pregnancy through transfer of the sperm-bearing fluids to the sex organs, and that any of the activities above can pose a risk of sexually transmitted diseases if any body fluids are deposited on wounds or mucous membranes such as those of the sex organs or anal membranes.

[edit] Support by medical establishment

Dr. Joycelyn Elders, President Bill Clinton's surgeon general, tried to popularize outercourse as a means of sexual play for teens that would offer a safer alternative than sexual intercourse involving penile-vaginal or penile-anal penetration.[citation needed] However, her recommendation was opposed by the religious right. Eventually, Elders resigned.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ "Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary".

[edit] External link

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