fingering

An illustration of fingering.

Fingering is the practice of using fingers to stimulate the clitoris, vagina or anus. Along with manual stimulaton of the penis, it is the most common form of mutual masturbation. To "finger oneself" is to masturbate in this manner.

Digital penetration is penetration (for example sexual penetration), with one or more fingers.

Clitoral fingering

Massaging of the vulva, and in particular the clitoris is the most common way for a woman to reach orgasm.

Vaginal fingering

Vaginal fingering (also known as manual stimulation) may or may not end in orgasm; it also may or may not constitute the entire sexual encounter. It may be part of foreplay or part of a precursor to other sexual activities. These activities can provide sexual pleasure to a partner when penetrative intercourse is not possible or desirable.

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

Fingering the vagina is often used as a way to stimulate the G spot. Fingering the external tissues is more likely to lead to orgasm but orgasm is possible via stimulation of the internal parts of the vagina. Many women have cited the "come hither" approach as a significant catalyst to orgasm. This technique involves the index finger, while palm facing upwards, curving in on itself whilst in the vagina, hence rubbing the outer wall.

Medical professionals may suggest washing the hands before contact with the vagina, to avoid spreading bacteria and causing infections. They may suggest giving special attention to avoid the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.^{[citation needed]}

Anal fingering

Fingering of the anus and rectum is commonly practiced in preparation of 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 a dildo.

Anal fingering is an effective way of stimulating the prostate gland of males, and thus bringing the receiver to orgasm. Anal fingering can also stimulate the G-spot in women, through the wall separating the rectum. Anal fingering is commonly used by both opposite sexes and heterosexual couples.

Safety

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 severe 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 them in the mouth. If stimulating both the anus and vagina, the hands should be washed between the two or a new latex glove used for each to avoid cross-contamination.

Law

Forced digital penetration of the anus or vagina is considered a form of sexual abuse in most jurisdictions, including all of the states of the United States. If such penetration causes injury, it may also constitute a felony assault.

See also

• Shocker (hand gesture)
• Body cavity search

External links

• KISS OF LOVE : Masturbation Myths
• Tips on fingering

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