If my girlfriend and I exchange intimate caresses or rub our naked bodies on each other without performing the sexual act: Is there a risk of pregnancy?

There is always a risk of pregnancy within the indirect sexual contacts like the one you described. The most recent scientific investigation indicates that there is a type of sperm that is more resistant to survive than others and that are predisposed to endure the stress of staying outside like at the humid zones of the woman's outer lips, in order to reach fertilisation. Don't forget that only one ejaculation holds more than 300.000 sperm cells for only one single egg.

When having indirect sexual contact, an absolute normal thing and practised by a lot of young people to release their sexual tension, it is recommended to take extremely good care, for example in your case you should put on a condom or, in her case she should keep her panties on.

It is important to make clear that there is a risk of getting pregnant for her if you are physically very close and do not take any precautions as described above.

The adolescents that only practise safe indirect sexual contact, are very responsible, a reality that is little spread but present in all the societies.

It is more known as a medical indication among the adults. Generally it is practised when one of the partners has a sexual disease or AIDS or as a different way of enjoying sex during pregnancy.

The indirect sexual relationship also constitutes a legitimate form of sharing sexual feelings and achieving emotional stability and balance in case that a direct sexual relationship is not possible or recommended.

Sexologists, psychiatrists and psychologists consider the indirect sexual relationship as a different way of exploring each other within an intimate relationship at any age, from the beginning of adolescence.

If both of you practise it because you both like and agree to it, keep exploring yourselves this way, always with respect, affection and care. This way you will both mature and complement your relationship as a couple when reaching adulthood. And even though you don't stay together you will both have something valuable to remember and keep for future relationships.

Asked by a boy from Uruguay