Fingering (sexual act)

Practice

The main aspect of fingering, whether performed on oneself or performed on someone else, is manual stimulation of the vulva by rubbing with the fingers, insertion of the fingers into the vagina through its opening, or some combination.

Vulva

Parts of the vulva, especially the clitoris, are erogenous zones.

• Massage of the vulva, and in particular the clitoris, is the most common way for a woman to achieve an orgasm. Studies indicate that 7080 percent of women require direct clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm.

The clitoral glans or shaft may be massaged by one or more fingers, usually through the skin of the clitoral hood, using up-and-down, side-to-side, or circular motions. The rest of the vulva such as the labia are also stimulated by fingering. The fingers may caress the labia minora (the vulva's inner lips) via up-and-down/side-to-side movements as well or tug on the folds.

Vagina

While the vagina is not especially sensitive as a whole, its lower third (the area close to the entrance) has concentrations of nerve endings that can provide pleasurable sensations when stimulated during sexual activity.

Fingering the vagina is often performed to stimulate an area termed the G-spot. The G-spot is reportedly located roughly 5 cm up on the anterior wall of the vagina, forwards toward the navel. 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 this spot, and in effect possibly stimulating the Skene's gland, is commonly cited as a method that may lead to female ejaculation.

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 towards her pubic bone. Medical professionals suggest washing the hands before contact with the vagina, to ensure proper hygiene, especially when moving between different orifices.

Anus

Anal fingering 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 personal 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 into the rectum.

Fingering one's own anus is an act of anal masturbation while fingering the anus of another person is a type of manual and anal sex. Partnered anal fingering can arouse the receiver, either as an act in itself or allowing them to relax their anus and prepare them for the insertion of a penis or any other sexual instrument.

Anal fingering is an effective way of stimulating the prostate in males and can also stimulate the perineal sponge in women.

Safety and sexual assault

Consensual fingering is generally considered safe sex.

How digital penetration without consent is legally classified depends on the jurisdiction. For example, penetration of the vagina or anus with a finger without consent is rape in Australia, and forcible rape in many United States jurisdictions. In Scotland, the term rape is only used for penetration with a penis, whereas penetration with a finger can be "sexual assault by penetration".

Lesbian women often clip their nails in a particular fashion to allow for digital penetration, leading to recognition of shorter nails on the index and middle finger as a public LGBT symbol.

References

References

1. (2005). "Human sexuality in a world of diversity". [[Allyn & Bacon]].
2. "Understanding the Concept of Digital Rape".
3. (1997). "The New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex". [[Cleis Press]].
4. (2013). "Sexuality Education Theory And Practice". [[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]].
5. (1997). "The New Good Vibration Guide to Sex". [[Cleis Press]].
6. (2014). "Nursing & Health Survival Guide: Health Promotion". [[Routledge]].
7. (2011). "Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st Century". Cengage Learning.
8. Marshall Cavendish Corporation. (2009). "Sex and Society, Volume 2". Marshall Cavendish Corporation.
9. (June 2008). "Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction". Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America.
10. (7 January 2001). "The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends". [[Clinical Psychology Review]].
11. (2009). "Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity". [[Cengage Learning]].
12. (1985). "Human Sexual Behavior". Scott, Foresman.
13. (2010). "Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality". [[Jones & Bartlett Publishers]].
14. (February 2007). "[G-spot and female ejaculation: fiction or reality?]". Harefuah.
15. "Pussy Fingering". Sex Project.
16. Pauli, Michelle. (2021). "Press Here! Kama Sutra for Beginners: A Couples Guide to Sexual Fulfilment". Fair Winds Press.
17. (27 September 2002). "The male hot spot — Massaging the prostate". Go Ask Alice!.
18. (2012). "Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society". [[Cengage Learning]].
19. (2009). "The Orgasm Answer Guide". JHU Press.
20. (27 March 2018). "Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment: what's the difference?". The Conversation.
21. (6 January 2012). "An Updated Definition of Rape". The United States Department of Justice Archives.
22. "Facts about sexual violence". Rape Crisis Scotland.
23. "Rape and sexual assault". Victim Support Scotland.
24. Wallace, Megan. [https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/57211/1/lez-nails-is-the-queer-woman-with-short-nails-an-outdated-stereotype "Lez nails: Is the 'queer woman with short nails' an outdated stereotype?"], ''Dazed'' Beauty, 17 October 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
25. Thompson, Martine. [https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2022-06-22/what-is-a-queer-manicure-lesbian-manicure "Cheers to the Queer Manicure"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 22 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.