Fingering (sexual act)

For other uses, see: fingering (disambiguation)

Fingering, also called fingerbanging or finger fucking is the practice of stimulating the vagina or anus of a sexual partner by inserting the fingers, and is a common form of mutual masturbation. Also used in the phrase 'fingering oneself' it would less commonly refer to manual masturbation.

The practice is generally considered Safe sex as long as a few basic precautions are followed: the hands should be clean and the nails trimmed and filed; long, sharp or jagged nails can cause cuts, injury or infection. If there are cuts, infections or open wounds on the fingers they should be covered with a latex or vinyl glove. Finger cots may also be used, but they may be more likely to slip off and remain inside the receptive partner. The hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water before eating or placing in the mouth. If stimulating both the anus and vagina, a new latex glove should be used each time to avoid cross-contamination.

Anal fingering

Fingering of the anus is commonly practiced in preparation of further anal sex, such as inserting the penis or a dildo (possibly a strap-on dildo), to widen the entry point and prepare the receiver. Some practicers thus consider it foreplay, whilst others use it as a full sex act on its own. It is a common practice among homosexual men, though it is far from exclusive to them.

Anal fingering is an effective way of stimulating the prostate gland, and thus bringing the receiver to sexual climax. In fact, because of the flexibility and relative maneuverability of the fingers it is sometimes considered superior to a penis in this capacity.

The act of fingering a woman by using two fingers for the vagina and one finger for the anus is known as using the Shocker (hand gesture). When using two fingers for the anus and one finger for the vagina, one is using the punisher.

Fictional use

In South Park the song Fingerbang is used by Cartman's band.