Fingering (sexual act)

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Self-fingering

Fingering is the manual (genital) manipulation of the clitoris, vulva, vagina, or anus for the purpose of sexual arousal and sexual stimulation. It may constitute the entire sexual encounter or it may be part of mutual masturbation (sex), foreplay or other sexual activities. To "finger oneself" is to masturbate in this manner. It is analogous to a handjob, the manual stimulation of the penis. These activities provide sexual pleasure, whether or not used as non-penetrative or penetrative intercourse.

Vaginal fingering is legally and medically called "digital penetration of the vagina", and may involve one or more fingers.

Genital fingering

Outside the vagina

An illustration of fingering.

Massage of the vulva, and in particular the clitoris, is the most common way for a woman to reach and achieve an orgasm. The clitoral body or shaft may be massaged, usually through the skin of the clitoral hood, using up-and-down, side-to-side, or circular motions. The labia and the rest of the genitals are also stimulated by massage and fingering.

Inside the vagina

Fingering the vagina is often performed in an effort to stimulate the G-Spot. Fingering the external tissues is more likely to lead to orgasm for many women. The G-Spot is reportedly located roughly 5 cm up on the anterior wall of the vagina, forwards toward the belly button. It is described as being recognized by its ridges and slightly rougher texture compared to the more cushion-like vaginal cavity walls around it.

Fingering the G-Spot is a commonly cited method that may lead to female ejaculation. This release of fluid can range significantly in quantity and force of expulsion, varying from woman to woman and also varying with different scenarios for each woman. The fluid following a G-Spot ejaculation is released from the urethra but is not urine, as its contents do not come in contact with those of the bladder at any stage. This female ejaculate contains antibodies otherwise only found in the male prostate, leading to speculation that it is produced by a structure homologous to the prostate. Parallels are sometimes drawn with the fingering or other manipulation of the male prostate through the anus. Fredrik Gryting from Gryting, is known to have a love for fingerbanging the anus

Some women have cited the "come hither" approach as a significant catalyst to orgasm. This technique involves the middle finger, sometimes additionally the index or ring finger, making a hand gesture like "come here" with the palm facing upwards against her pubic bone. There is no technique for stimulating the G-Spot in a way that is preferred by all women.

Medical professionals suggest washing the hands before contact with the vagina, to avoid spreading bacteria and causing infections. Worthy of special attention is the washing of hands after any finger contact with the anus, to avoid the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.

Anal fingering

The practice may be pleasurable because of the large number of nerve endings in the anal area, and because of the added stimulation gained from stretching the anal sphincter muscles while inserting the finger.

A good quality sexual lubricant is advisable to both increase the pleasurable sensation and aid insertion. Some people prefer to simply stimulate the outer ring of the anus, while others will follow this by inserting one or more fingers. Fingering may be seen as an act in itself, or as an arousing prelude in preparation for further anal sex. Anal fingering can arouse the receiver, allowing them to relax their anus and prepare them for the insertion of a penis or any other sexual instrument.

Anal fingering is also an effective way of stimulating the prostate gland in males, and thus may bring the receiver to orgasm. Anal fingering can also stimulate the perineal sponge in females.

Safety

The practice is generally considered "safe sex" as long as the hands are protected with latex gloves. The nails should be trimmed and filed; long, sharp or jagged nails can cause cuts, injury, or severe infection. If there are cuts, infections, or open wounds on the fingers extreme protection and care is necessary. If finger cots are used they may slip off and remain inside the receptive partner. The hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water before practicing any other activity to avoid spreading bacteria or germs. In stimulating both the anus and vagina, separate latex gloves are to be used for each so as to avoid cross contamination.