What Is Intercrural Sex? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

WHEN WE THINK of sex, we typically think of intercourse, specifically anal or vaginal penetration. But there’s a type of sex (or sex-adjacent) practice that doesn’t involve penetration, and no, it’s not oral sex or mutual masturbation. It’s called intercrual sex.

Also known as thigh sex, “intercrural sex is non-penetrative sex in which the penis is placed between the partner’s thighs and thrusts to achieve pleasure and/or an orgasm,” explains Lee Phillips, Ed.D., a psychotherapist and certified sex and couple’s therapist.

There are quite a few reasons why people prefer to have intercrural sex to other types, and the practice of intercrural sex dates back to Ancient Greece. Below, with the help of sex and relationship experts, we break down everything you need to know about the history and practice of thigh sex.

What’s the history of intercrural sex?

K.J. Dover first coined the term intercrural sex in his book, Greek Homosexuality, published in 1978. The seminal work explores the nature of homosexual relationships in Ancient Greece, examining social norms, practices, and the cultural context surrounding these relationships. In it, he talks about how older men often had intercrural sex with younger boys (i.e., pederasty). Anal sex (i.e., penetration) was viewed through a lens of social status and dominance. So, if you were the bottom (i.e., the person being penetrated), it was considered shameful or submissive. The top or penetrative role was often associated with power and dominance. Intercrural sex skirted around these norms and ideologies: a loophole, so to speak.

Why have intercural sex now?

In this day in age, it might seem somewhat “silly” or “unnecessary” to have intercrural sex when anal sex isn’t considered shameful. (Well, it still is in many cultures, places, and religions, but we know it shouldn’t be regarded as shameful). But queer sex educator Gabrielle Kassel explains a few reasons why adults may prefer intercrural to anal or vaginal sex.

“To start, friction can feel amazing against a penis no matter where that friction is coming from,” Kassel says. Thighs offer a unique type of friction that can feel exciting for those who are accustomed to receiving friction from other body parts, like the butt, vagina, boobs, or armpit. “Both hairy thighs and smooth-shaven thighs can support a unique experience.”

Then, of course, there are times when someone may prefer having intercrural sex to anal if, for example, “They are having a GI flare-up and don’t feel comfortable being the receptive partner.” Put simply, there’s no risk of a poopy mess with intercrural.

But even if you’re a woman, you may prefer to have intercrural sex, Kassel says. “A person with a vagina might prefer receiving intercrural sex to penetrative sex if they have endometriosis, fibroids, recently gave birth, or otherwise find vaginal penetration unfit.”

Intercrural sex is also a lower-risk sex act compared to oral, anal, vaginal, or other genital-on-genital sexual acts, meaning your risk of acquiring STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is less, Kassel adds. Intercrural sex has reportedly been used to stop the spread of HIV, as risk is essentially zero without anal or vaginal penetration.

Then, some gay men don’t like anal penetration for any number of reasons. They find it painful, too intense, fear poop, etc. These men are referred to as sides (because they’re not tops or bottoms; they prefer everything on the side). The term was developed by Joe Kort, Ph.D., Sex and Relationship Therapist and author of Side Guys: It’s Still Sex Even if You Don’t Have Intercourse. Speaking to Men’s Health, Kort said, “Many gay men who are sides that don’t top nor bottom enjoy this type of sexual activity and consider it sex for themselves without having to have anal penetration.”

How common is intercrural sex?

There haven’t been many studies conducted that look at the prevalence of intercrural sex—and what’s out there is typically related to intercrural sex in the context of preventing HIV transmission, not seeking mutual pleasure. But Kort said, anecdotally, it is not an uncommon practice.

Does it count as sex?

The truth is, it depends on how you define sex. That said, Kassel notes, “There is a widespread misconception that sex only refers to penetrative sex acts, such as a penis going into a vagina during vaginal intercourse or a penis going into an anal canal during anal intercourse. But actually, sex is any meaningful act of pleasure—and that stands whether the sex in question is solo, partnered, or multi-partnered.”

What are some tips for having pleasurable intercrual sex?

For foreplay purposes, you can start by rubbing your thighs against your partner’s genitals. “For maximum pleasure, it is recommended to use lube for a slippery sensation and comfort when thrusting,” Phillips says. Silicone or oil-based lube is recommended to prevent friction and rashes. There are also many sexual positions to choose from. This can include missionary, spooning, doggy style, and cowgirl. “Once the sexual position has been established, the penis should be placed between the partner’s thighs; the partner then uses their thighs to grip the penis to keep it secure to create friction before thrusting.”