Dear braceface,

Foreplay is sex play that usually comes before intercourse. Foreplay can include a lot of different things, like kissing, sharing fantasies, or touching one another's genitals. The purpose of foreplay is to add to sexual excitement, and, especially for women, to help prepare the body for intercourse.

Outercourse is almost the same as foreplay. Both add to sexual excitement and pleasure. And both can lead to orgasm. The difference is that foreplay is meant to lead to intercourse. Outercourse may also add to a couple's desire to take a risk and have intercourse. Couples who use outercourse for birth control must not give in to that impulse. Be careful — don't turn outercourse into foreplay unless you are ready to use another form of birth control during intercourse.

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.