Fingering (sexual act)

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Fingering is sexual stimulation of the vulva (including the clitoris) or vagina by using the fingers. [1] Vaginal fingering is legally and medically called digital penetration or digital penetration of the vagina. The term "digital" takes its significance from the English word 'digit', which refers to a finger, thumb, or toe. [2] Fingering may also include the use of fingers to stimulate the anus. [3]

Contents

Illustration of a man fingering a woman Wiki-fingering.png
Illustration of a man fingering a woman

When someone performs fingering on another person's vulva or vagina, it is a form of manual sex, and is analogous to a handjob (manual stimulation of the penis). [4] [5] It may be used for sexual arousal or foreplay, constitute an entire sexual encounter, [5] or be used as non-penetrative sexual activity. [6]

Illustration of a woman fingering her own vulva Woman masturbating.jpg
Illustration of a woman fingering her own vulva

Fingering performed on one's own vulva or vagina is a form of masturbation.

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. [7] Massage of the vulva, and in particular the clitoris, is the most common way for a woman to achieve an orgasm. [8] [9] [10] Studies indicate that 70–80 percent of women require direct clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm. [10] [11]

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. [12] The rest of the vulva such as the labia are also stimulated by fingering. [12] The fingers may caress the labia minora (the vulva's inner lips) [13] 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. [8] [9] [14]

Fingering the vagina is often performed to stimulate an area termed the G-spot. The G-spot is reportedly located roughly five centimeters (2.0 inches) 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. [15]

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. [16]

Anus

A woman fingering her own anus Anal fingering (solo).png
A woman fingering her own anus
A man anally fingering another man Anal fingering (partnered).jpg
A man anally fingering another man

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. [17] 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. [17]

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 [18] [19] [20] and can also stimulate the perineal sponge in women.

Safety and sexual assault

Consensual fingering is generally considered safe sex.[ citation needed ]

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, [21] and forcible rape in many United States jurisdictions. [22] In Scotland, the term rape is only used for penetration with a penis, [23] whereas penetration with a finger can be "sexual assault by penetration". [24]

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. [25] [26]

See also

Related Research Articles

Anal sex or anal intercourse is generally the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person's anus, or anus and rectum, for sexual pleasure. Other forms of anal sex include anal fingering, the use of sex toys, anilingus, pegging, as well as electrostimulation and erotic torture such as figging. Although anal sex most commonly means penile–anal penetration, sources sometimes use anal intercourse to exclusively denote penile–anal penetration, and anal sex to denote any form of anal sexual activity, especially between pairings as opposed to anal masturbation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clitoris</span> Erectile female sexual organ

In amniotes, the clitoris is a female sex organ. In humans, it is the vulva's most erogenous area and generally the primary anatomical source of female sexual pleasure. The clitoris is a complex structure, and its size and sensitivity can vary. The visible portion, the glans, of the clitoris is typically roughly the size and shape of a pea and is estimated to have at least 8,000 nerve endings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orgasm</span> Intense physical sensation of sexual release

Orgasm or sexual climax is the sudden release of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, characterized by intense sexual pleasure resulting in rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions in the pelvic region. Orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system and experienced by both males and females; the body's response includes muscular spasms, a general euphoric sensation, and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm is typically a relaxing experience, after the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin, as well as endorphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual intercourse</span> Penetrative sexual activity for reproduction or sexual pleasure

Sexual intercourse is a sexual activity typically involving the insertion and thrusting of the male penis inside the female vagina for sexual pleasure, reproduction, or both. This is also known as vaginal intercourse or vaginal sex. Sexual penetration has been known by humans since the dawn of time, and has been an instinctive form of sexual behaviour and psychology among humans. Other forms of penetrative sexual intercourse include anal sex, oral sex, fingering and penetration by use of a dildo, and vibrators. These activities involve physical intimacy between two or more people and are usually used among humans solely for physical or emotional pleasure. They can contribute to human bonding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-spot</span> Hypothesized anatomical detail

The G-spot, also called the Gräfenberg spot, is characterized as an erogenous area of the vagina that, when stimulated, may lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and potential female ejaculation. It is typically reported to be located 5–8 cm (2–3 in) up the front (anterior) vaginal wall between the vaginal opening and the urethra and is a sensitive area that may be part of the female prostate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sex position</span> Position of the body used for sexual activities

A sex position is a positioning of the bodies that people use to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activities. Sexual acts are generally described by the positions the participants adopt in order to perform those acts. Though sexual intercourse generally involves penetration of the body of one person by another, sex positions commonly involve non-penetrative sexual activities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missionary position</span> Sex position

The missionary position or man-on-top position is a sex position in which, generally, a woman lies on her back and spreads her legs and a man lies on top of her while they face each other and engage in vaginal intercourse. The position may also be used for other sexual activity, such as anal sex. It is commonly associated with heterosexual sexual activity, but is also used by same-sex couples. It may involve sexual penetration or non-penetrative sex, and its penile-vaginal aspect is an example of ventro-ventral (front-to-front) reproductive activity. Variations of the position allow varying degrees of clitoral stimulation, depth of penetration, participation on the part of the woman, and the likelihood and speed of orgasm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woman on top</span> Sex position in which a woman is on top of another person

Woman on top is any sex position in which the woman is on top of her sexual partner during sexual activity. The position most commonly associated with the woman on top is often called the cowgirl or riding position, which derives its name from the image of the woman "riding" the man as a cowgirl rides a bucking horse. In that position, a man typically lies on his back with his legs closed, while the female partner straddles him, usually in a kneeling position facing either forward or back, and either the man or woman inserts the man's erect penis into the woman's vagina or anus. The cowgirl position is commonly cited as one of the more popular sex positions, especially by women, because it gives them control over the rhythm and pace of vaginal stimulation and the extent and duration of penetration and because of its ability to adequately stimulate the clitoris. There are other positions in which the woman may be on top, including the 69 position and the pompoir sex position.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erogenous zone</span> Area of heightened sensitivity of the body, touching which may elicit a sexual response

An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity, the stimulation of which may generate a sexual response such as relaxation, sexual fantasies, sexual arousal, and orgasm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual penetration</span> Sexual activity that involves inserting a persons body part into another person

Sexual penetration is the insertion of a body part or other object into a body orifice, such as the mouth, vagina or anus, as part of human sexual activity or sexual behavior in non-human animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forced orgasm</span> Consensual BDSM play involving powerlessness and orgasms

A forced orgasm is consensual BDSM or kinky sexual play whereby a person consents to be forced to orgasm in a way that is beyond their control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strap-on dildo</span> Device used for sexual penetration or other sexual activity

A strap-on dildo is a dildo designed to be worn, usually with a harness, during sexual activity. Harnesses and dildos are made in a wide variety of styles, with variations in how the harness fits the wearer, how the dildo attaches to the harness, as well as various features intended to facilitate stimulation of the wearer or a sexual partner. Strap-on dildos are most frequently used by lesbian women, but can be used by people of any gender or sexuality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-spot vibrator</span> Sex toy

A G-spot vibrator is a sex toy with female and male varieties. The female version of the device is built to massage the G-spot, described as a bean-shaped area of the vagina. Some women report that it is an erogenous zone which, when stimulated, can lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and female ejaculation. The male version of the G-spot vibrator is used for massaging the prostate for both sexual and health-related reasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Non-penetrative sex</span> Sexual activity that usually excludes penetration

Non-penetrative sex or outercourse is sexual activity that usually does not include sexual penetration, but some forms, particularly when termed outercourse, include penetrative aspects, that may result from forms of fingering or oral sex. It generally excludes the penetrative aspects of vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but includes various forms of sexual and non-sexual activity, such as frottage, manual sex, mutual masturbation, kissing, or hugging.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual practices between women</span> Sexual activity between women

Sexual activities involving women who have sex with women (WSW), regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual identity, can include oral sex, manual sex, or tribadism. Sex toys may be used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human female sexuality</span> Physiology, identity and behavior

Human female sexuality encompasses a broad range of behaviors and processes, including female sexual identity and sexual behavior, the physiological, psychological, social, cultural, political, and spiritual or religious aspects of sexual activity. Various aspects and dimensions of female sexuality, as a part of human sexuality, have also been addressed by principles of ethics, morality, and theology. In almost any historical era and culture, the arts, including literary and visual arts, as well as popular culture, present a substantial portion of a given society's views on human sexuality, which includes both implicit (covert) and explicit (overt) aspects and manifestations of feminine sexuality and behavior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cunnilingus</span> Oral sex on the vulva by a sexual partner

Cunnilingus is an oral sex act consisting of the stimulation of a vulva by using the tongue and lips. The clitoris is the most sexually sensitive part of the vulva, and its stimulation may result in a woman becoming sexually aroused or achieving orgasm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vulva</span> External genitalia of the female mammal

In mammals, the vulva comprises mostly external, visible structures of the female genitalia leading away from the interior parts of the female reproductive tract, starting at the vaginal opening. For humans, it includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, urinary meatus, vaginal introitus, hymen, and openings of the vestibular glands. The folds of the outer and inner labia provide a double layer of protection for the vagina. Pelvic floor muscles support the structures of the vulva. Other muscles of the urogenital triangle also give support.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yoni massage</span> A type of tantric erotic massage, focusing on the female erogenous zones

Yoni massage or yonic massage, derived from the word Yoni, a representation of the vulva which symbolizes the goddess Shakti, is a type of Tantric full-body massage. It primarily focuses on the labia, clitoris, G-spot, uterus, the breasts, the anus and other erogenous zones. Yoni massage is the female equivalent of a Lingam massage. The massage is viewed as therapeutic and is sometimes used as a method of relieving tension, pain, or general discomfort of the vagina. It has been claimed by some practitioners to be helpful to achieve fertilisation, although there is no scientific support for this claim.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to human sexuality:

References

  1. ↑ Rathus SA, Nevid JS, Fichner-Rathus L (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. Allyn & Bacon. p. 275. ISBN   0205406157. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  2. ↑ "Understanding the Concept of Digital Rape".
  3. ↑ Winks C (1997). The New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex. Cleis Press. p. 132. ISBN   1573440698. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  4. ↑ Bruess CE, Schroeder E (2013). Sexuality Education Theory And Practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 151. ISBN   978-1449649289. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  5. 1 2 Winks C (1997). The New Good Vibration Guide to Sex. Cleis Press. pp. 57, 60. ISBN   1573440698. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  6. ↑ Upton D (2014). Nursing & Health Survival Guide: Health Promotion. Routledge. p. 52. ISBN   978-1317906179. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  7. ↑ O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM (October 2005). "Anatomy of the clitoris". The Journal of Urology. 174 (4 Pt 1): 1189–95. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000173639.38898.cd. PMID   16145367. S2CID   26109805.
  8. 1 2 Weiten, Wayne; Dunn, Dana S.; Yost Hammer, Elizabeth (2011). Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st Century. Cengage Learning. p. 386. ISBN   978-1-111-18663-0. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  9. 1 2 Marshall Cavendish Corporation (2009). Sex and Society, Volume 2. Marshall Cavendish Corporation. p. 590. ISBN   978-0761479079. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  10. 1 2 Kammerer-Doak, Dorothy; Rogers, Rebecca G. (June 2008). "Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction". Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 35 (2): 169–183. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2008.03.006. PMID   18486835. Most women report the inability to achieve orgasm with vaginal intercourse and require direct clitoral stimulation ... About 20% have coital climaxes...
  11. ↑ Mah, Kenneth; Binik, Yitzchak M (7 January 2001). "The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends". Clinical Psychology Review . 21 (6): 823–856. doi:10.1016/S0272-7358(00)00069-6. PMID   11497209. Women rated clitoral stimulation as at least somewhat more important than vaginal stimulation in achieving orgasm; only about 20% indicated that they did not require additional clitoral stimulation during intercourse.
  12. 1 2 Carroll, Janell L. (2009). Sexuality Now: Embracing Diversity. Cengage Learning. pp. 118, 252, and 264. ISBN   978-0-495-60274-3. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  13. ↑ Griffitt, William; Hatfield, Elaine (1985). Human Sexual Behavior. Scott, Foresman. p. 285. ISBN   978-0-67315-057-8 . Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  14. ↑ Greenberg JS, Bruess CE, Conklin SC (2010). Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 126. ISBN   978-9814516785. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
  15. ↑ Rabinerson D, Horowitz E (February 2007). "[G-spot and female ejaculation: fiction or reality?]". Harefuah (in Hebrew). 146 (2): 145–7, 163. PMID   17352286.
  16. ↑ "Pussy Fingering". Sex Project. Archived from the original on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
  17. 1 2 Pauli, Michelle (2021). Press Here! Kama Sutra for Beginners: A Couples Guide to Sexual Fulfilment. Fair Winds Press. pp. 48–49. ISBN   978-0-76037-047-6 . Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  18. ↑ "The male hot spot — Massaging the prostate". Go Ask Alice!. 27 September 2002. Archived from the original on 16 August 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  19. ↑ Rosenthal, Martha (2012). Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society. Cengage Learning. pp. 133–135. ISBN   978-0618755714. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  20. ↑ Komisaruk, Barry R.; Whipple, Beverly; Nasserzadeh, Sara; Beyer-Flores, Carlos (2009). The Orgasm Answer Guide . JHU Press. pp.  108–109. ISBN   978-0-8018-9396-4 . Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  21. ↑ Henry, Nicola (27 March 2018). "Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment: what's the difference?". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 16 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  22. ↑ "An Updated Definition of Rape". The United States Department of Justice Archives. 6 January 2012. Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  23. ↑ "Facts about sexual violence". Rape Crisis Scotland. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  24. ↑ "Rape and sexual assault". Victim Support Scotland. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  25. ↑ Wallace, Megan. "Lez nails: Is the 'queer woman with short nails' an outdated stereotype?", Dazed Beauty, 17 October 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  26. ↑ Thompson, Martine. "Cheers to the Queer Manicure", Los Angeles Times , 22 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
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