While getting in her pants is the ultimate goal of most guys, dry humping can be a very exciting substitute, and it can offer a safe alternative for couples who are worried about pregnancy or who are not quite ready to take the final plunge into full intimacy. On the other hand, this technique can lead to a very sore penis if it is not handled properly, so if things are getting hot and heavy, it is best to take some precautions, and to have follow-up penis care measures handy to soothe a chafed and throbbing member.

First of all, what is dry humping?

Dry humping is a slang term that is applied to sexual activity in which there is no exchange of, or contact with, the body fluids of a partner. It may involve stroking through the clothing, massage, masturbation of the penis (without ejaculation), body rubbing and going through the motions of sex while fully clothed. "Making out" while completely unclothed may also qualify.

Dry humping does not include female masturbation, oral sex, finger penetration or rubbing the exposed penis against the vagina. By definition, no penetration takes place during dry humping; therefore, it may sometimes be referred to as "outercourse" (as opposed to intercourse).

Benefits

Aside from the obvious excitement factor, dry humping can be beneficial in that it virtually eliminates the risk of unwanted pregnancy since there is no exchange of body fluids. Furthermore, it greatly reduces the chances of contracting or spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On the other hand, the risk is not completely removed, as some STIs may be transmitted via skin-on-skin contact, so precautions should still be taken.

"Outercourse" seems like a perfectly safe option - what could go wrong?

On the whole, dry humping is a safer choice than full intercourse in terms of protecting against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but there are still some small risks involved.

In the first place, it is very easy for partners to become overheated, so to speak, during the course of heavy petting. In the heat of the moment, they may get carried away and decide to go for broke, and penetration may take place without the benefit of protection; this may put both partners at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted infection, not to mention an unwanted pregnancy.

Even if full penetration does not take place, it is easily possible for men to have a "spill" if they become overexcited; this can also lead to an STI, and if ejaculation takes place close to the vaginal opening, there is also a risk of pregnancy.

Furthermore, in spite of the fun factor, dry rubbing, especially against clothing and other abrasive surfaces, can leave the penile skin feeling chafed and sore. Over time, the high level of friction can even dull penile sensation, making it more difficult to experience pleasure during any form of sexual activity.

Protecting the penis during heavy petting

In order to reduce the chances of negative aftereffects caused by dry humping, men should take a few precautionary measures. First and foremost, any time the clothing comes off, a condom should go on, even if penetration is not on the agenda. This can not only prevent spillage of semen and transmission of STIs; it can also create a protective barrier between the skin (or clothing) of a partner and the equipment, saving it from rubbing and chafing.

Aftercare

To reduce the side effects of chafing and to soothe sore, roughened skin, guys may turn to a moisture-rich penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Applied daily, a crème that is formulated with skin-friendly nutrients such as vitamins A, E and C can boost healing of the outer layers of skin while supporting the collagen layers beneath that provide elasticity and tone. When a soothing emollient such as Shea butter is added to the ingredient list, men can experience immediate relief from soreness as well as advanced healing that will leave the skin supple and responsive.