Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City and she answers your medical questions here every two weeks. To ask her your own question, click here.
Dear Dr. Kate,
Can you get pregnant without having actual intercourse? And if so, how?
— Curious Georgina
Dear C.G.,
In theory you can, though I don’t know if it’s ever been proven. If you’re aroused and lubricated, and your partner ejaculates near your vagina (via masturbation or “outercourse”), it’s possible that some sperm could “ride the wave” into your body and travel all the way up to a waiting egg. It’s certainly not likely that someone could get pregnant this way, and I’d never recommend this approach for someone who wants to get pregnant. But if you really don’t want to be pregnant, I’d take no chances — keep all sperm far from your vagina (preferably in a condom).
— Dr. Kate
Gynotalk
Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City. She also lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health. Check out more of her advice and ask her a question at Gynotalk.com.
