Intercrural Sex
Intercrural sex is a form of non-penetrative sex where the penis is placed between a partner’s thighs, usually with lube, and thrusting or grinding creates friction and sensation. It can be practiced by people of any sexual orientation. Many people describe it as feeling surprisingly close to penetrative vaginal or anal sex because of the pressure, rhythm, and body contact involved.
Intercrural sex is also know as a "thigh job," or a "Princeton first-year," "Oxford style," "Oxford rub," or "Ivy League rub" among men who have sex with men.
A survey of gay and bi men found that only 35% of them had participated in penetrative sex during their last sexual encounter.
Origins of the Term
This term has Latin roots. "Inter" means "between," while "crural" refers to legs or thighs. According to Google Search data, online interest in intercrural sex emerged around 2007 and peaked in 2013.
Why People Are Into It
People enjoy intercrural sex because if feels good! But they choose it for lots of reasons. Here are a few:
More Friction
Because the thigh muscles can squeeze tightly and create strong friction, many people find the pressure, warmth, and grinding sensations especially pleasurable.
Intimacy
Intercrural sex can feel highly intimate because it allows for close body contact, grinding, kissing, and shared rhythm without penetration. It can also provide penetration-like sensations for people who do not enjoy penetrative sex because of pain, medical conditions, dysphoria, or sensory sensitivities, while still giving their partner pressure, friction, and thrusting sensations similar to anal or vaginal sex.
Sex Without Penetration
For some people, the lower STI risk and lack of pregnancy risk can make intercrural sex feel safer, lower-pressure, and less stressful. Because there is no penetration, intercrural sex may also feel more approachable for people who experience anxiety around pain, performance, cleanliness, or sexual vulnerability.
Body Worship
For thigh or muscle lovers, intercrural sex can be an intimate and tactile way to enjoy these parts of the body. The act emphasizes pressure, warmth, skin contact, muscle tension, and grinding sensations, allowing thighs, legs, and body closeness to become a central part of the experience.
Ways to Play: Tips for Trying Intercrural Sex
Want to give thigh sex a try? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start Slowly
Intercrural sex is all about getting your positioning and level of friction right. Begin by simply placing the penis between the thighs and pausing to check comfort and positioning. Make your first movements slow and controlled so you can communicate with your partner about thigh pressure and hip angle.
Use Lube
This is a high-friction activity! That can be a good thing, but it an also get painful. Water-based lube will help ensure you get a smooth glide and avoid painful chafing.
Use Short Strokes
Many people find that small sliding or grinding movements work best to help maintain comfort. Long thrusts can feel awkward and may cause the penis to slip out of place.
Try Beginner-Friendly Positions
Thigh sex works best when both partners are stable and comfortable. Most people recommend a missionary position (with the thrusting partner on top) or side-lying position. Standing positions can work well too.
Related Terms
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