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Answers for Women: Am I Pregnant After Dry Sex, Making Out with Clothes On?

 
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We are glad you found EmpowHER! A common question has been asked: Am I pregnant if I make out with a boy, while wearing clothes? Can I be pregnant without penetration (intercourse)?

There is so much misinformation about sex, and usually the limited information that is given resorts to using scare tactics, so much to where young women are afraid that when they merely look at a boy, or touch a towel that a boy has touched, that this could result in pregnancy!

Please know that becoming pregnant does not just "occur". Sperm must somehow enter the vagina in order to conceive; genitals must touch other genitals, or ejaculatory fluid must come into contact with a woman's vulva. Otherwise, there is no risk of pregnancy.

If you are wearing clothes or otherwise "making out", a congratulations is in order, as you are engaging in "safer sex" practices, which means you were able to express your physical or sexual feelings without putting yourself at increased risk for pregnancy. You can find more information below that pertains to your specific situation, based on our most commonly asked questions.

I missed my period and must be pregnant after making out or being sexual with my partner.
Late Period Fact: It is common for women to be late --or even miss a period entirely--for no "apparent" reason. Our ovulation and menstrual cycles do vary from month-to-month, and can change due to recent illness, new medication, excess stress. There are also medical reasons that women may stop menstruating, and can be evaluated by your doctor (doctors are not usually concerned if you are not experiencing any problematic symptoms until you have missed three periods in-a-row, called amenorrhea).

I am afraid of pregnancy because I did sexual things with my partner while wearing clothes, and I read that women can still become pregnant since clothes and cotton are porous (have holes).
Clothing Fact: Yes, our clothing, and specifically our cotton underwear, are porous. and, it is true that sperm are strong swimmers, but they can't swim through clothes. Sperm are strong swimmers only in liquid: specifically semen and vaginal secretions. Outside the bod, sperm are actually very fragile. Once semen is absorbed into the fabric of your clothes, they die.

Please know in regards to wearing clothes during physical intimacy: what is possible is some ejaculate could spill over the underwear, around the panty line, and possibly get near the vagina. Men's underwear that are not form-fitting can "leak" sperm, so the important thing to remember when "wearing" clothes: they are actually covering up your genitals, the underwear is not pushed to the side, and no fluid is leaking from the side of the underwear.

"Dry Humping" Fact: The term used when you are "going through the motions" of sex and rubbing bodies together, while wearing clothing is called "Outercourse" or "dry humping" because there are no bodily fluids (vaginal secretions or semen) that come into contact with your or your partner's genitals. Click on hyperlink to read more about Outercourse.

I touched some semen on the bed sheet, and want to know if I could get pregnant from this
Sperm Fact: Sperm can live three to five days when inside a woman's vagina during her most fertile time. Sperm can only live when they are in a liquid - like semen or in vaginal fluids- and do not survive long outside the body (including on sheets, towels, etc).

I made out with my boyfriend, and any possible sperm that got in me was quickly washed away after I went to the bathroom.
"Washing Away" Semen Fact: Showers do not wash out sperm that is already inside the vagina, same with urinating, as the urine would only wash away what is inside the urinary tract (semen would have entered into a separate opening, your vagina, and not your urethra).

I have wet spots from my partner's "cum" on the inside of my underwear and jeans, even though we were both wearing clothes.
Self-Lubrication Fact: Your being "wet" could be from your own lubrication, as your partner's semen would most likely not penetrate through multiple layers of clothing (and it would not be able to get you pregnant; see above). Any wetness is from your own vaginal secretions and is perfectly normal when you are sexually aroused.

We hope these answers to the most commonly asked questions were helpful for you and your specific situation! If you are ever in doubt, please talk with your health care provider about birth control options if you choose to be sexually active, and wear a condom during sexual activity (even if penetration or intercourse is not planned). Continue making safer sex choices!

Add a Comment280 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Me and my bf were dry humping he climax but he had boxers And shorts on. And his shorts were wet on the outside. I was wearing leggings and underwear but I was very wet. Is there a way I'm pregnant because I'm not ready for this at all and I'm scared out of my mind.

February 20, 2017 - 3:12pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi, I'm the previous person who was worried about being pregnant from getting fingered, and i'm concerned. My period was due yesterday but it is still not here, my breasts are still tender, i'm having some cramps, and i'm still bloating somewhat. I took a home sugar pregnancy test and it came up negative. I'm very concerned. Please respond.

February 18, 2017 - 2:32pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

I can appreciate your concern. These symptoms sound like PMS. Try your best to relax, because stressing will further delay your period.

Wait until you are late by at least seven days. Still no period, test in the morning. Use the urine when you wake up and first use the bathroom.

Regards,
Maryann

February 19, 2017 - 7:04am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

My partner is getting stomac pain ,headache etc
We make out before 15 days now she is getting such problem
But while make out she is wearing underwear
It is a pregnancy sumptoms ?

February 15, 2017 - 9:54pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

A late or missed period is a sign of pregnancy. If the only sexual activity since her last period was making out while wearing underwear, there was no chance for her to become pregnant.

Regards,
Maryann

February 16, 2017 - 9:41am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Maryann Gromisch RN)

From 5 day she is suffering from stomach pain
And also feeling like a dry vomiting
But while make out she is wearing underwear

February 19, 2017 - 11:35pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

If the only sexual activity was making out with underwear on, the stomach pain and nausea are not signs of pregnancy but maybe a virus.

Regards,
Maryann

February 20, 2017 - 9:41am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi,
My period is due in four days and i've been having normal PMS symptoms.
I am slightly concerned though, because I have been having an increased amount of watery/clear/slightly creamy discharge, that I haven't had my last two periods. I have not had full on sex, yet there was a time last week (I was not ovulating) when my partner was fingering me as I was rubbing his dick over his underwear (he did not cum, I am worried about any Pre-cum). Could I be pregnant? What does the discharge mean?

February 13, 2017 - 1:35pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

There was no risk for getting any pre ejaculate fluid on your fingers because he was wearing underwear.

This discharge could be your own lubrication left from recent sexual arousal. Do not think it is any cause for concern.

Regards,
Maryann

February 14, 2017 - 8:23am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Maryann Gromisch RN)

thank you, my period is due today but it hasn't come yet and i'm really really nervous. I've had bloating, tender breasts, being hungry, headaches, acne, and backaches too.

February 17, 2017 - 12:59pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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