Questions abound regarding dry humping, dry sex and dry intercourse. It is most often a question asked by girls and women, wanting to know if they can be pregnant when engaging in "dry sex".
The terms has been defined in many ways, depending on the person asking, and I wanted to break through the barriers and actually talk about the "embarrassing" aspects of what these terms actually mean.
What are you actually doing with your partner when you are doing anything "dry" in the sex-realm? Let's take the slang out of our questions, and talk about these taboo topics in the name of sexual health and wellness.
Sexual Health Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on this "Dry" Subject!
1. How would you describe/define the following terms?
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
2. What specific behaviors am I engaging in if I do any of the following?
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
3. Can you "get" pregnant from any of the following sexual activities?
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
4. Can you spread or contract an STI/STD from any of the following sexual behaviors? (STI/STD = sexually transmitted infections or diseases)
- Dry Humping
- Dry Sex
- Dry Intercourse
ANSWERS:
1. Dry= No Bodily Fluid Contact
The word "dry" means that there is no bodily fluid exchange or contact, including fluids or lubrication from the penis, vagina, anus or mouth. These specifically can include pre-ejaculatory fluid ("pre-cum"), ejaculatory fluid or "ejaculation" or "cum", vaginal lubrication or vaginal secretions.
"Dry humping" and "dry sex" can be summed up by using the term: "outercourse".
There is actually no such thing as "dry intercourse", as penetration can never be considered a "dry" activity as there is natural lubrication from your body that is considered a "bodily fluid".
2. Outercourse can include:
- massaging, touching
- masturbation
- body rubbing, humping or "going through motions" of sex while fully clothed (genitals are fully covered)...most commonly called "dry humping"
Outercourse can not include:
- penetration of penis into vagina, anus or mouth
- body rubbing while clothed, but some "slippage" of clothing (underwear, specifically)
- ejaculation near vagina, even while covered, with chance of semen spilling over clothing
3. No, Outercourse would not lead to pregnancy
As explained above, outercourse does not involve the contact or exchange of any bodily fluids, and therefore, would not create a risk for pregnancy
4. Yes, Outercourse may still carry the risk of spreading or contracting an STI/STD
The word "dry" is important when talking about pregnancy and STIs/STDs, as Outercourse is a Good Safer Sex Option, but is not 100% "safe".
Safer Sex is any sexual behavior that reduces your risk for infection or pregnancy. Although most STDs/STIs are spread through exchange of bodily fluids, some are transmitted from skin-to-skin contact (meaning: you don't have to have intercourse/penetration to become infected with an STD/STI). The skin-to-skin contact through outercourse can be a risk for STD/STI.
Lastly,
What are the Benefits of Outercourse (for two consenting adults?)
- Pleasurable form of sexual expression and intimacy
- Type of "safer sex" without need for contraception (for pregnancy prevention)
- Lower risk for contracting or spreading STIs or STDs (sexually transmitted infections or diseases)
- No risk for pregnancy
- It can be a sexual behavior that is pleasurable, exciting and not stress-inducing (from the point of view of women, wondering if they are pregnant)
Let us know your thoughts on these terms "dry humping" and "outercourse".
If you have a specific question about a recent sexual episode that you are wondering about, please click on the Community page above, and ask your question by clicking on the orange ASK button to post your question. This space is for discussion related to this topic, and we are able to answer your time-sensitive questions faster when posted at the ASK page. Thanks!
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Add a Comment665 Comments
Is it safe to dry hump if we're both wearing boxers and underwear? thanks in advance!
October 20, 2013 - 8:21pmThis Comment
Is it safe to dry hump if we're both wearing boxers and underwear? thanks in advance!
October 20, 2013 - 3:11pmThis Comment
Is it safe to dry hump if we're both wearing boxers and underwear? thanks in advance!
October 19, 2013 - 9:14pmThis Comment
hi, im 24 and I'm virgin. It was my first serious relationship. After a year or so of not seeing with each other and finally met, we made undecided decisions whom I really regret. I really want to ease this kind of stress and I badly needed your advice.
October 2, 2013 - 6:46pmMe and my boyfriend had a hand job. He rub his fingers in my clit and just a second or so, he touch the outer vaginal opening. I do some hand job also, and he ejaculated in HIS body and right after we WIPED it with a clean clothing. I really dont think if there are semens in his hand when he rub my vagina but I'm quite paranoid. I'm waiting still for my period.. Hope you could ease my suffering.
This Comment
Hello Anonymous,
I would like to welcome you to the EmpowHER website and thank you for seeking our help with your question. I will do my best.
You cannot become pregnant unless sperm enters your vagina and you are ovulating.
Unless there was semen on your partner's fingers when he touched you, there is no chance of conceiving.
Anonymous, please try to relax. Stress can delay the start of your period.
Maryann
October 3, 2013 - 5:19pmThis Comment
I had sex with my boyfriend today but when he pulled out, the bottom of the condom rolled up to half of the tip of the head. The head was still covered. The only thing that got uncovered was the bottom of the head when it ends and the rest of the penis. Should I be scared of getting pregnant? The only reason why I'm scared is because what if there was some sort of pre cum in the condom and it hit my vagina while he pulled out. Should I take plan B? A month before I took plan B because of the same reason. I dont want to keep putting anymore things in my body if theyre not neccesary. I'm still new to sex so i get freaked out by any little thing. Help me.... Should i be worried?
September 16, 2013 - 1:16amThis Comment
I'm kinda scared! I've never had penertrative sex. Last month I just had a thong on and my bf had nothing on and i rubbed my vagina up and down his penis( not touching the head) he didnt come close to ejaculating and it was a only for like 45 seconds maybe. I'm scared my thong wasnt covering me enough. I dont know about "pre-ejaculate"and if that could get me pregnant. My period was around 3 weeks late but I'm on it kinda lighter than usual. Im scared because I was really late and I heard you could have some type of bleeding when you are pregnant still. I do feel crampy and bloated. If someone could add insight on this thank you!!
August 31, 2013 - 11:47pmThis Comment
I'm kinda scared! I've never had penertrative sex. Last month I just had a thong on and my bf had nothing on and i rubbed my vagina up and down his penis( not touching the head) he didnt come close to ejaculating and it was a only for like 45 seconds maybe. I'm scared my thong wasnt covering me enough. I dont know about "pre-ejaculate"and if that could get me pregnant. My period was around 3 weeks late but I'm on it kinda lighter than usual. Im scared because I was really late and I heard you could have some type of bleeding when you are pregnant still. I do feel crampy and bloated. If someone could add insight on this thank you!!
August 31, 2013 - 11:46pmThis Comment
Hi, I have been worrying if I can get pregnant from dry sex if you had four layers of clothes on and also, if a guy ejaculates inside his pants and back up away from my vagina to remove any risk can that result in pregnancy? and could you get pregnant from dry humping in a pool?
July 19, 2013 - 6:33pmThis Comment
the other day i and my bf are having outercourse .....he says he ejaculated after rubbing against my vagina we both were in our underwears .....and the next day i got my periods .....but since then am being paranoid that i might be pregnant ...can sperm pass through three layers of clothing ?
June 25, 2013 - 9:21pmThis Comment