Outercourse
Outercourse is a term for sex that does not involve vaginal intercourse. Some people use the term to mean sexual play that also does not include oral and anal sex, explaining that outercourse is all non-penetrative sexual acts.
This webpage will deal with outercourse as refraining from vaginal intercourse.
Some people practice outercourse in order to “preserve their virginity” or to prevent pregnancy. It should be noted that all sexually transmitted diseases and infections that can be spread through vaginal intercourse can also be spread through anal intercourse. Oral sex can also transmit STDs and STIs. Some types of outercourse, like frottage (genital-genital rubbing), can transmit certain STDs or STIs such as scabies and herpes. Generally speaking, however, the risk of diseases transmitted through genital fluids, such as HIV and Chlamydia, is lowered dramatically by outercourse.
When outercourse is performed as a prelude to intercourse, it is called foreplay. If you are going to let your sexual play lead to intercourse, you need to use a method of contraception (either hormonal or barrier based).
Outercourse often involves kissing, hugging, and touching. It can involve watching one’s partner masturbate, or mutual masturbation. It is a normal part of the sexual experience. Just be sure not to get semen on the hands if you are masturbating, and make sure that an ejaculation does not happen near the vulva (the exterior area of the vagina).
