Dear SarahNY,

Sexual abstinence is defined in different ways by different people, organizations, cultures, and religions. For most, the concept of abstinence does not include any type of sexual activity with another person, but other people disagree.

Sexually active women and men who are concerned about unplanned pregnancy may choose to abstain from vaginal intercourse and engage in other forms of sexual activity. For them, oral sex is one of the options for sexual activity that does not lead to pregnancy. Many people refer to these options as "outercourse." However, whether people who practice outercourse would be considered sexually abstinent by other people would depend entirely on each individual's definition of sexual abstinence.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.