.gif)
Fingering (sexual act)
Encyclopedia
Fingering is the manual manipulation of the clitoris
, vulva
, vagina
, or anus
for the purpose of sexual arousal
and stimulation. It may constitute the entire sexual encounter or it may be part of mutual masturbation, 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.
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.
or A-spot. Fingering the external tissues is more likely to lead to orgasm for many women. The G-Spot is located roughly 5 cm up on the anterior wall of the vagina, forwards toward the belly button. It can most easily be recognized by its ridges and slightly rougher texture compared to the more cushion-like vaginal cavity walls around it. The A-spot is located deeper in the vagina, on the same wall as the G-Spot, where the vaginal wall starts to curve upward (the entrance to the anterior fornix
).
Fingering the G-Spot is a commonly cited method that can often 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. Fingering the A-spot is a relatively uncommon method that can often result in rapid lubrication
and arousal
without any other stimulation. If stimulation is continued, it can also result in orgasm.
Some women have cited the "come hither" approach as a significant catalyst to orgasm. This technique involves the middle finger
, sometimes additionally the index 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 or A-spot 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.
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.
' 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 cot
s 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.
Clitoris
The clitoris is a sexual organ that is present only in female mammals. In humans, the visible button-like portion is located near the anterior junction of the labia minora, above the opening of the urethra and vagina. Unlike the penis, which is homologous to the clitoris, the clitoris does not...
, vulva
Vulva
The vulva consists of the external genital organs of the female mammal. This article deals with the vulva of the human being, although the structures are similar for other mammals....
, vagina
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
, or anus
Anus
The anus is an opening at the opposite end of an animal's digestive tract from the mouth. Its function is to control the expulsion of feces, unwanted semi-solid matter produced during digestion, which, depending on the type of animal, may be one or more of: matter which the animal cannot digest,...
for the purpose of sexual arousal
Sexual arousal
Sexual arousal, or sexual excitement, is the arousal of sexual desire, during or in anticipation of sexual activity. Things that precipitate human sexual arousal are called erotic stimuli, or colloquially known as turn-ons. There are many potential stimuli, both physical or mental, which can cause...
and stimulation. It may constitute the entire sexual encounter or it may be part of mutual masturbation, foreplay
Foreplay
In human sexual behavior, foreplay is a set of intimate psychological and physically intimate acts between two or more people meant to create desire for sexual activity and sexual arousal. Either or any of the sexual partners may initiate the foreplay, and they may not be the active partner during...
or other sexual activities. To "finger oneself" is to masturbate
Masturbation
Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism...
in this manner. It is analogous to a handjob
Handjob
Handjob is a slang or informal word referring to an act of manual stimulation of a male's penis by a sexual partner, whether female or male, usually to the point of orgasm and ejaculation. The act is similar to male masturbation, though the latter is performed by a male on himself...
, 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.
Outside the vagina
Orgasm
Orgasm is the peak of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, characterized by an intense sensation of pleasure...
. The clitoral body or shaft
Clitoral glans
The clitoral glans is an external portion of the clitoris.- Anatomy :It is covered by the clitoral hood, which is also external and attached to the labia minora...
may be massaged, usually through the skin of the clitoral hood
Clitoral hood
In female human anatomy, the clitoral hood, , is a fold of skin that surrounds and protects the clitoral glans. It develops as part of the labia minora and is homologous with the foreskin in male genitals.-Variation:This is a protective hood of skin that covers the clitoral glans...
, 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-SpotG-spot
The Gräfenberg Spot, often called the G-Spot, is a bean-shaped area of the vagina. Many women report that it is an erogenous zone which, when stimulated, can lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and female ejaculation...
or A-spot. Fingering the external tissues is more likely to lead to orgasm for many women. The G-Spot is located roughly 5 cm up on the anterior wall of the vagina, forwards toward the belly button. It can most easily be recognized by its ridges and slightly rougher texture compared to the more cushion-like vaginal cavity walls around it. The A-spot is located deeper in the vagina, on the same wall as the G-Spot, where the vaginal wall starts to curve upward (the entrance to the anterior fornix
Vaginal fornix
The fornices of the vagina are the deepest portions of the vagina, extending into the recesses created by the vaginal portion of cervix. The word 'fornix' is Latin for 'arch'....
).
Fingering the G-Spot is a commonly cited method that can often lead to female ejaculation
Female ejaculation
Female ejaculation refers to the expulsion of noticeable amounts of clear fluid by human females from the paraurethral ducts through and around the urethra during or before an orgasm...
. 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
Urethra
In anatomy, the urethra is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals for the removal of fluids out of the body. In males, the urethra travels through the penis, and carries semen as well as urine...
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. Fingering the A-spot is a relatively uncommon method that can often result in rapid lubrication
Vaginal lubrication
Vaginal lubrication is a lubricating fluid that is naturally produced in a woman's vagina. Vaginal lubrication or moistness is present at all times, but production increases significantly during a woman's sexual arousal in anticipation of sexual intercourse...
and arousal
Arousal
Arousal is a physiological and psychological state of being awake or reactive to stimuli. It involves the activation of the reticular activating system in the brain stem, the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure and a condition of...
without any other stimulation. If stimulation is continued, it can also result in orgasm.
Some women have cited the "come hither" approach as a significant catalyst to orgasm. This technique involves the middle finger
Middle finger
The middle finger or long finger is the third digit of the human hand, located between the index finger and the ring finger. It is usually the longest finger...
, sometimes additionally the index finger
Index finger
The index finger, , is the first finger and the second digit of a human hand. It is located between the first and third digits, between the thumb and the middle 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 or A-spot that is preferred by all women.
Medical professionals suggest washing the hands before contact with the vagina, to avoid spreading bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria are a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals...
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 musclesAnal sphincter muscles
Anal sphincter muscles can refer to:* Sphincter ani externus muscle* Sphincter ani internus muscle...
while inserting the finger.
A good quality sexual lubricant
Lubricant
A lubricant is a substance introduced to reduce friction between moving surfaces. It may also have the function of transporting foreign particles and of distributing heat...
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 sex
Anal sex is the sex act in which the penis is inserted into the anus of a sexual partner. The term can also include other sexual acts involving the anus, including pegging, anilingus , fingering, and object insertion.Common misconception describes anal sex as practiced almost exclusively by gay men...
. Anal fingering can arouse the receiver, allowing them to relax their anus and prepare them for the insertion of a penis
Penis
The penis is a biological feature of male animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates...
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
Perineal sponge
The perineal sponge is a spongy cushion of tissue and blood vessels, found in the lower genital area of women. It sits between the vagina and rectum and is internal to the perineum and perineal body.-Functions:...
in females.
Safety
The practice is generally considered 'safe sexSafe sex
Safe sex is sexual activity engaged in by people who have taken precautions to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS. It is also referred to as safer sex or protected sex, while unsafe or unprotected sex is sexual activity engaged in without precautions...
' as long as the hands are protected with latex gloves. The nails
Nail (anatomy)
A nail is a horn-like envelope covering the dorsal aspect of the terminal phalanges of fingers and toes in humans, most non-human primates, and a few other mammals. Nails are similar to claws, which are found on numerous other animals....
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 cot
Finger cot
A finger cot is a medical supply used to cover one or more fingers in situations where a full glove is unnecessary. Like medical gloves, finger cots may be made from a variety of water-tight materials including latex, nitrile rubber, or vinyl...
s 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.