Does Dry Humping Count as Being "Sexually Active"?

It’s totally understandable to wonder about how to answer this question! When your doctor asks if you’re sexually active, the goal is often to assess the types of preventative care or screenings you might need. For young people, doctors generally ask this to ensure that you're getting the right support, whether it’s for:

• Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Vaccinations (like the HPV vaccine)

• Contraception counseling (in case pregnancy is a concern)

• Cancer or reproductive health screenings

• Questions about your relationship health or safety

Even though you’ve had some sexual experiences (like dry humping), you’re not at risk for STIs or pregnancy based on what you described. In this case, you can still be honest with your doctor about your activity while also clarifying the details of what you’ve done.

For example, you could say something like:

"Yes, I am sexually active, but only through manual sex with clothes on. There hasn’t been any intercourse or genital touching over clothes. Why do you ask?"

This response will help your doctor understand the context of your sexual activity and ensure you're getting the right care. And remember, you can always ask your doctor why they're asking specific questions—this empowers you to take control of your healthcare decisions!