Skip to main content
Close Close

Congratulations
You're on the list.

Make sure to check your spam folder so that our emails are always delivered into your inbox.
xo, Kourt
Give your inbox
and your life

the Poosh it needs.
By clicking SIGN UP, you agree to receive emails from Poosh and agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Free Shipping on All Domestic Orders.
  • HEALTH + WELLNESS
  • LIFE + STYLE
  • HOME + ENTERTAINING
  • KMK
Poosh
  • Poosh Your Wellness
  • instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
  • Shop
  • search
  • search
  • body
  • diy
  • fitness
  • Giving Back
  • health
  • mind
  • Relationships
  • Sexual Wellness
  • soul
5 Ways to Get Out of Your Head
5 Ways to Get Out of Your Head
4 Ways to Gently Wake Up 
4 Ways to Gently Wake Up 
7 Foods for Prime Sex From an OB-GYN
7 Foods for Prime Sex From an OB-GYN
Plank Your Way to Better Abs
Plank Your Way to Better Abs
Mindfulness Exercises if Meditating Isn’t Your Thing 
Mindfulness Exercises if Meditating Isn’t Your Thing 
Cheat Days Are Necessary—Here’s How We Do It
Cheat Days Are Necessary—Here’s How We Do It
  • Adulting
  • beauty
  • guides
  • Hacks
  • style
  • travel
How to Make Your Passion Your Full-Time Profession
How to Make Your Passion Your Full-Time Profession
Clean(ish) SPFs That Are Actually Cool
Clean(ish) SPFs That Are Actually Cool
Yes, Psychodermatology Is a Thing
Yes, Psychodermatology Is a Thing
How to Plan the Perfect Summer Vacation
How to Plan the Perfect Summer Vacation
How to Have Your Best Hair This Year
How to Have Your Best Hair This Year
Sexy Tops for Your Next Date Night 
Sexy Tops for Your Next Date Night 
  • decor
  • entertaining
  • kids
  • motherhood
  • Playlists
  • recipes
How to Recreate Kourt’s Wellness Smoothie at Home
How to Recreate Kourt’s Wellness Smoothie at Home
Our Go-To Summer Cocktail Recipes
Our Go-To Summer Cocktail Recipes
An Easy and Healthy Breakfast Idea
An Easy and Healthy Breakfast Idea
Healthy Baking Substitutes
Healthy Baking Substitutes
How to Recreate Kourt’s Health Nut Order at Home
How to Recreate Kourt’s Health Nut Order at Home
Kourt’s Spicy Guacamole Recipe
Kourt’s Spicy Guacamole Recipe
  • family
  • kourtney
The Most Helpful Things Kourt Has Learned Since Having COVID Again
The Most Helpful Things Kourt Has Learned Since Having COVID Again
Kourt’s No-Makeup Glow Routine
Kourt’s No-Makeup Glow Routine
It’s More Than Just a Candle: The Goop x Poosh Collab
It’s More Than Just a Candle: The Goop x Poosh Collab
How Kourt Got Ready for the Met Gala
How Kourt Got Ready for the Met Gala
Kourt’s Birthday Sale Picks
Kourt’s Birthday Sale Picks
An Exclusive Peek Inside Kris Jenner’s Glassware Room
An Exclusive Peek Inside Kris Jenner’s Glassware Room
What are you looking for?
  • Shop
  • Open/Close Button HEALTH + WELLNESS
    • body
    • diy
    • fitness
    • Giving Back
    • health
    • mind
    • Relationships
    • Sexual Wellness
    • soul
  • Open/Close Button HOME + ENTERTAINING
    • decor
    • entertaining
    • kids
    • motherhood
    • Playlists
    • recipes
  • Open/Close Button KMK
    • family
    • kourtney
  • Open/Close Button LIFE + STYLE
    • Adulting
    • beauty
    • guides
    • Hacks
    • style
    • travel
  • Poosh Your Wellness
  • Newsletter
instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
Sexual Wellness

The Benefits of Having NON-PENETRATIVE SEX

By Poosh
share on pinterest share on facebook share on twitter Share on Flipboard share by email
 Photo credit @80svintagepulps
@80svintagepulps

We’re so programmed to think that sex is defined by penetrative intercourse. Even if we feel more open-minded, we find ourselves saying things like, “Well, we did a bunch of ‘things,’ but we didn’t actually have sex.”

We’re here to break down that definition and say that anytime we engage sexually with someone and exchange energy, pleasure, curiosity, and/or love, that’s sex, baby. And Liz Goldwyn, author and host of The Sex Ed podcast, thinks the benefits of non-penetrative exploration are pretty amazing.

“Sex is so much more than penetration or an orgasm. It is whatever you want it to be,” Goldwyn tells us. Read on for our favorite benefits of non-penetrative sex.

Releases expectations

Understanding that sex can be rewarding even without an orgasm is game-changing because it can completely let go of the expectation that we will orgasm. More often than not, that expectation puts pressure on the big O, adding an extra layer of stress to achieve it, and thus contributing to the challenge of getting there. It can make an orgasm feel like a responsibility that we owe to our partners, rather than something we can play with and discover together.

Builds sexual fire

When we feel that the only way to achieve intimacy is via penetration, we often miss out on the discovery process racing to that finish line. We don’t get the chance to see what kinds of things turn our partners on, tease one another, and build that lasting sexual tension that keeps the spark alive and burning, looking forward to the next moment alone.

Deepens connection to our bodies 

We can put so much pressure on ourselves to please our partner, we forget that this intimate act is an act of self-love, as well. Goldwyn tells us that something like mutual masturbation is a great tool to explore yourself and get turned on watching your partner explore themselves. Seeing how one touches themself can be incredibly erotic, all while the balls are totally in each of your own courts … one might say.

Increases trust and closeness 

When we feel physically appreciated and admired by our partner without the expectation of intercourse, it can make us feel valued, loved, and more open. And it’s not just penetration that releases that sexy love hormone, oxytocin. Any kind of play in the bedroom can get the pheromones flowing and promote deep romantic bonding.

Decreases risks

No penetration, no problem. Goldwyn points out that non-intercourse sex vastly (if not completely) reduces the risk of pregnancy and STI transmission, depending on what you do.

Creates sexual confidence

When we feel more open and trusting and safe in the bedroom, we find ourselves less reserved and more fearless and active. This confidence helps us to explore ourselves and our partners more deeply, finding new ways to turn each other on and be creative in ways we didn’t know we could.

“Dry humping, good old-fashioned kissing, and dirty talk are great ways to learn what turns your partner on!” Goldwyn shares. And this feeling of trust and confidence doesn’t just exist behind closed doors. It bleeds out in the rest of our lives and relationships, as well, giving us a resonant feeling of love, satisfaction, and self-assurance that is ultimately empowering.

Shop our sex and love collection:

Shop Tap Dancer
Shop Aer Suction Toy
Shop Pom Flexible Vibrator
Shop Arc G-Spot Vibrator
Shop Eva Couples Vibrator
Shop Fin Finger Vibrator
Shop Ora 3 Oral Sex Simulator
Shop Sona 2 Cruise Sonic Clitoral Massager
Shop Gigi 2
Shop Women's Daily Vitamin Bundle
Shop Biodegradable Intimate Wipes
Shop Refresh Daily Wash
Shop Revive Hydrating Mist
Shop Restore Mask
Shop Radiant Love Butter
Shop Closeness: A Card Deck for Intimate Connection
Shop MunkeyBarz Sex Belt
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong & Atame - Black
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong & Atame - Ivory
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong & Atame - Red
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong & Glove - Black
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong & Glove - Red
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong & Glove Set
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong - Black
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong - Ivory
Shop Sydney Double Strand Pearl Thong - Red
Shop Sydney Glove - Black
Shop Sydney Glove - Red
Shop Sydney Glove Set

The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the interviewee only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.

Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.

You may also like...

Go to article The Power of Simple Yet Passionate Sex
Sexual Wellness

The Power of Simple Yet Passionate Sex

Go to article TikTok Sex Hacks That Are Actually Legit
Sexual Wellness

TikTok Sex Hacks That Are Actually Legit

Related Articles

Goes to article 7 Foods for Prime Sex From an OB-GYN
Sexual Wellness

7 Foods for Prime Sex From an OB-GYN

Goes to article What It Means When He Doesn’t Cum … And Why You Shouldn’t Take It Personally
Sexual Wellness

What It Means When He Doesn’t Cum … And Why You Shouldn’t Take It Personally

Goes to article Cockblocking and How to Deal with It 
Sexual Wellness

Cockblocking and How to Deal with It 

Goes to article An Expert’s Guide to Fingering
Sexual Wellness

An Expert’s Guide to Fingering

Goes to article The Best Position (for Most Women) to Have Internal Orgasms
Sexual Wellness

The Best Position (for Most Women) to Have Internal Orgasms

Goes to article Fingering Is Back
Sexual Wellness

Fingering Is Back

Goes to article Sex on the First Date: Is It For Me?
Sexual Wellness

Sex on the First Date: Is It For Me?

Goes to article TikTok Sex Hacks That Are Actually Legit
Sexual Wellness

TikTok Sex Hacks That Are Actually Legit

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Accessibility

Keep in Touch

instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
Reviewed by Accessible360
  • © poosh, llc
    All Rights Reserved