Non-penetrative sex

[4][5][6] People engage in non-penetrative sex for a variety of reasons, including as a form of foreplay or as a primary or preferred sexual act.

[5][7] Heterosexual couples may engage in non-penetrative sex as an alternative to penile-vaginal penetration, to preserve virginity, or as a type of birth control.

[7][8] Same-sex couples may also engage in non-penetrative sex to preserve virginity,[7][9][10] with gay males using it as an alternative to anal penetration.

The term heavy petting covers a broad range of foreplay activities, typically involving some genital stimulation, but not the direct act of penetrative sexual intercourse.

[19] Frottage is the general term for the act of rubbing any part of the body, including the buttocks, the breasts, abdomen, thighs, feet, hands, legs and sexual organs against the sexual organ of another person; this is done whether naked or clothed and is more commonly known as dry humping or dry sex.

If no bodily fluids are exchanged (as is common), it is considered safe sex, and greatly reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

Exclusively non-penetrative sexual acts include: In many developed countries, there is a trend where young individuals (typically late teens and early twenties) engage in casual sex, also known as a hookup.

Using birth control and ensuring all individuals present understand that the activity is a hookup with no other expectations can maximize benefits while minimizing risk.

[59][60][61] Contrary to a common misconception, it is not possible to get pregnant from semen released in a swimming pool or any body of water without penetration.

In addition to the aforementioned STIs, the following can be transmitted through non-exclusive non-penetrative sex acts:[64] Many individuals are concerned about the risk of HIV/AIDS.

Dual protection (using both a barrier device and hormonal method) can be significantly effective at preventing both pregnancy and STI transmission.