Abstinence, Outercourse

Abstinence is not having sexual intercourse. There are different ways to have sexual intercourse— sexual intercourse occurs when the penis enters the vagina, anus, or mouth.

Outercourse is any kind of sexual activity in which the penis does not enter the vagina, mouth, or anus. It allows a couple more intimate and even have an orgasm with one another without having sexual intercourse. With outercourse, no semen (the fluid that comes out of a man’s penis during sex), vaginal fluids, or blood is shared between partners.

Abstinence and outercourse help prevent a person from getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections—also called STIs for short—which are diseases, infections, or illnesses that can spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Some examples of STDs are chlamydia, herpes, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis. For more information, visit the ARHP STI Resource Center.

Pros: Abstinence is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and STDs.

Cons: Both you and your partner must be committed to not having vaginal, oral (involving the mouth), or anal sex with anyone.

Effectiveness:

Abstinence is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Outercourse is nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. There is a small chance pregnancy could occur if sperm or pre-ejaculate (the fluid that is sometimes released from the penis before orgasm) is ejaculated (or released) close to the opening of the vagina.

To learn more about abstinence or outercourse, please ask your health care provider for more information.