Frottage

Updated: MAY 18, 2020

Frottage refers to the act of rubbing body parts together for the purpose of sexual stimulation. The act of frottage usually involves two partners rubbing their genitals together, but it does not always have to involve genital contact of both partners. For instance, mammary intercourse, in which a man rubs his penis between a woman's breasts, can also be considered frottage. The word frottage is derived from the French word frotter, which means to rub.

When clothed couples engage in frottage, it is often referred to as dry humping.

More About Frottage

This form of non-penetrative sex, or outercourse, may be used for a number of reasons. For example, couples interested in preserving one or both partners' virginity might engage in frottage. Frottage may also be used as a form of safe sex. Frottage when unclothed, however, can result in the exchange of fluids, which can lead to pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Frottage can also be very sexually stimulating for both men and women. It can be used both during foreplay and as a method to reach orgasm.