Soaking

Soaking is a practice, primarily associated with some religious youth communities, where a penis is inserted into a vagina but remains completely still without any thrusting or movement, supposedly as a way to technically avoid having "real" sex while still engaging in intimate contact. This practice gained widespread attention on social media as a reported loophole used by some Mormon college students, though it's important to note that from a sexual health perspective, it still constitutes penetrative sex and carries the same risks as traditional intercourse.

What is Soaking?

Soaking is a sexual practice that gained attention through social media, particularly among young Mormon communities. It involves the insertion of the penis into the vagina without any thrusting or movement, essentially "soaking" in place. This practice emerged as a controversial attempt to technically maintain virginity while engaging in intimate contact.

Origins and Cultural Context

Mormon Youth Culture

The practice of soaking emerged primarily within Mormon youth communities, particularly around religious universities like Brigham Young University (BYU). It developed as a response to strict religious teachings about premarital sex and the desire to maintain technical virginity while exploring physical intimacy. The practice reflects the complex relationship between religious doctrine and young adult sexuality.

Social Media Influence

Soaking gained widespread attention through TikTok and other social media platforms in the early 2020s. While the practice existed before, social media exposure brought it into mainstream consciousness, leading to both serious discussions and mockery. The viral nature of soaking-related content has sparked debates about religious sexual practices and loopholes.

Understanding the Practice

The Concept Behind Soaking

The basic premise of soaking involves penetration without movement, based on the belief that the sin of premarital sex lies in the motion rather than the act of penetration itself. This interpretation attempts to create a loophole in religious teachings about sexual activity, though most religious authorities reject this reasoning.

Role of "Jump Humping"

Jump humping is a related practice where a third person jumps on the bed or nearby furniture to create motion for the couple engaging in soaking. This addition further demonstrates the lengths some individuals go to technically adhere to religious rules while engaging in sexual activity.

Health and Safety Considerations

Physical Risks

Despite the lack of movement, soaking carries similar physical risks to traditional intercourse. These include potential tissue damage, infection risk, and the possibility of injury from improper technique. The practice doesn't eliminate the need for safer sex practices or proper lubrication.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Engaging in soaking can create complex emotional responses, including guilt, shame, or cognitive dissonance. The practice may lead to confusion about sexual identity and values, particularly when individuals try to reconcile their religious beliefs with their sexual desires.

Sexual Health Perspectives

Pregnancy Risk

Soaking carries the same risk of pregnancy as traditional intercourse. Pre-ejaculate fluid contains sperm, and pregnancy can occur even without thrusting motions. Any form of vaginal penetration by a penis can result in pregnancy, regardless of movement.

STI Transmission Risk

The risk of sexually transmitted infections remains present during soaking. Skin-to-skin contact and fluid exchange occur during the practice, making it possible to transmit various STIs, including HIV, HPV, and herpes, among others.

Misconceptions and Reality

Religious Loopholes

While practitioners may view soaking as a loophole in religious rules about premarital sex, most religious authorities and scholars consider it a form of sexual activity that violates traditional teachings about abstinence. The practice represents a form of self-deception rather than a legitimate religious exception.

Sexual Activity Classification

From a medical and sexual health perspective, soaking is unequivocally a form of sexual intercourse. The absence of movement doesn't change the fundamental nature of the act or its potential consequences, both physical and emotional.

Social and Ethical Implications

Consent and Communication

Soaking raises important questions about consent and communication between partners. Clear boundaries, expectations, and mutual understanding are essential, particularly given the practice's ambiguous nature and potential for misunderstanding about what constitutes sexual activity.

Religious and Moral Debates

The practice has sparked significant debate within religious communities about sexual ethics, the nature of sin, and the interpretation of religious doctrine. Critics argue that soaking represents a harmful attempt to circumvent moral teachings rather than engaging with them meaningfully.

Impact on Sexual Education

Discussion in Modern Sex Ed

The emergence of soaking has prompted sexual education programs to address creative attempts to circumvent traditional definitions of sex. This has led to more nuanced discussions about what constitutes sexual activity and the importance of honest communication about sexuality.

Cultural Response and Criticism

Public discourse around soaking has largely focused on critiquing the practice as an example of harmful sexual repression and the need for more open, honest discussions about sexuality within religious communities. The phenomenon has become a catalyst for broader conversations about sexual education and religious sexual ethics.

Examples

A young Mormon couple wants to remain technically "pure" before marriage while still being physically intimate. They engage in soaking by having the male partner insert his penis into his partner's vagina but remain completely still, believing this doesn't count as sex since there's no thrusting motion involved. Often, they may have a third person "jump hump" the bed to create indirect movement.

A college student explains to her friends that her roommate practices soaking with her boyfriend because they believe it's a loophole in their religious beliefs about premarital sex. While they're engaging in penetrative contact, they convince themselves it's not actually sex because they remain motionless.

A TikTok video about Mormon dating culture goes viral as it explains how some religious young adults rationalize soaking as a way to experience physical intimacy while technically adhering to their religious restrictions against premarital sex, though most religious authorities and sex educators would still classify this as a form of sexual intercourse.

FAQ

What is soaking and why do people do it?

Soaking is a practice where a penis is inserted into a vagina without any thrusting or movement. It gained attention as a reported practice among some religious young adults, particularly in Mormon communities, who believe it's a loophole to maintain technical virginity. However, from a sexual health perspective, it's still considered a form of penetrative sex and carries the same risks as traditional intercourse.

Can you get pregnant or STIs from soaking?

Yes, absolutely. Soaking involves genital-to-genital contact and penetration, which means pregnancy is possible if no contraception is used. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and STIs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and fluid exchange, even without thrusting movements. Always practice safe sex and use appropriate protection.

Is soaking really a "loophole" for virginity?

No, soaking is not a legitimate loophole for maintaining virginity. From a medical and sexual health perspective, it's a form of penetrative sex. While personal and religious definitions of virginity may vary, soaking still involves the same intimate contact, risks, and potential emotional implications as traditional intercourse. It's important to make informed decisions about sexual activity based on accurate information rather than perceived loopholes.

What are the emotional and psychological aspects of soaking?

Like any sexual activity, soaking can have significant emotional and psychological impacts. Some people might experience guilt, shame, or cognitive dissonance, especially if they're using it to technically comply with religious or personal beliefs while still engaging in intimate contact. It's important to consider your emotional readiness and personal values when making decisions about any sexual activity.