What Is Fingering?

Written by Nicole Schmidt
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on January 07, 2025
8 min read

Fingering means using your fingers to stimulate another person's genitals. 

The clitoris is the most sensitive area for fingering because it has so many nerve endings, two to three times more than the penis.

The vagina doesn't have as many nerve endings as the vulva, but certain areas may respond to touch. Some people may also enjoy anal finger play, as the anus has many nerve endings too.

Digital sex is another name for fingering. It’s also sometimes called manual sex or manual stimulation.

Some people might use fingering only as a form of foreplay, but for others, it’s the preferred type of sexual contact. For example, partners who want to avoid pregnancy may use fingering as a way to be sexually intimate. Also, those who don’t want to have vaginal sex during pregnancy may prefer fingering instead.

Fingering, like any sexual activity, should always have clear and ongoing consent. Everyone has different likes and dislikes when it comes to sex, so while some people may enjoy fingering, others may not. The most important thing is that both you and your partner should feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. Talk openly about what feels good and what doesn’t — either by having a conversation beforehand or by checking in during sex. Remember that you can always ask your partner to stop at any time if you change your mind.

A person who is drunk, high, asleep, or unconscious cannot consent to fingering. You should never feel pressured into fingering or agree to it if you’re uncomfortable.

Fingering is a low-risk sexual activity, but you should still use safe practices. It’s important to remember that it is possible to pass sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other infections through fingering.

It’s a good idea to wash your hands before you and your partner begin. You can also use barriers over the fingers, such as gloves or finger cots, to lower the risk of an infection.

If you and your partner are practicing anal fingering, use a finger cot or rubber glove for anal play and discard it before you move on to touch other areas.

The vulva and anus are tender areas and get easily irritated. Use lube for fingering. Also, make sure your fingernails are trimmed and smooth if you are going to insert them into a partner's vagina or anus.

Finger condoms, also called finger cots, are soft, flexible covers that fit over your entire finger. 

You can wear a finger condom to keep a cut from getting infected, as they stay in place better than a bandage. They can also help lower your chances of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you are using your fingers during sexual activities. Both you and your partner can wear them for added protection as well.

How to put on a finger condom

Disposable finger cots, like traditional condoms, are made of latex. And putting one on isn’t so different from using a condom.

Finger cots come rolled up. Start by placing the cot on the tip of your finger, and roll it down all the way to the base of your finger. Smooth out any bubbles to help it stay in place.

After using a disposable finger condom, you should put it in a trash can and wash your hands thoroughly. Never reuse it — even during the same sexual session. If you’re switching between different areas of the body, like the vagina and anus, make sure to use a new finger condom each time to avoid spreading bacteria.

Other possible uses of finger cots

Keeping a cut or sore covered helps it heal by preventing new cells from drying out. Open cuts can cause new cells to dry, slowing down the healing process. Open cuts are also more likely to come into contact with bacteria.

Since we use our hands for so many day-to-day activities, such as typing, cooking, or washing dishes, regular bandages don’t always stay in place. Finger condoms can help keep your wound protected during activities that might otherwise cause a bandage to fall off. For example, you can wear one while washing dishes or taking a shower.

Even if your bandage comes off when removing the finger condom, your wound will have stayed covered during the activity. You can then replace the bandage without worrying about dirt or bacteria getting into your cut.

You might see reusable finger cots made of rubber, silicone, or even cloth, but these aren’t meant for sexual use. Instead, they’re marketed to help with tasks such as turning book pages. People who work in manufacturing or with electronics may also use reusable finger cots.

Using finger condoms as directed doesn't carry any risks unless you have a latex allergy. In that case, you may need to pay extra attention to which finger cots you buy, to ensure they are latex-free. Remember that most finger condoms are made with latex. 

There is the risk that a finger condom may slip off and remain inside the body. To prevent this, make sure the finger condom fits snugly when you first put it on. ‌

If you pull a finger out of a body and the finger cot does not come along, try to use a washed finger to pull it out. If you can’t remove it on your own, visit a health clinic right away to get help.

Keep in mind that the risk of your condom slipping off during sex is much less dangerous than the risk of contracting an infection or STD because you weren’t using a finger condom.

People of all genders and sexualities can try fingering. The experience is different for everyone. Some people prefer external stimulation, such as touching the clitoris, labia, or areas around the vaginal opening or anus, while others may enjoy penetration using the fingers. The best way to know what your partner likes is to ask.

Before you start, wash your hands to prevent the spread of bacteria, and consider trimming your nails to make the experience more comfortable. The more turned on someone is, the more sensitive their genitals will be, so it’s a good idea to warm up before fingering. Kissing, touching, or giving your partner a massage can help them feel more relaxed and aroused. Checking in during sex and giving feedback can ensure that both partners are having a good experience.

If your partner wants penetration, start by slowly inserting one finger into their vagina or anus. Using lube can make this more comfortable. Experiment with stroking or thrusting based on what feels good for your partner. You can add more pressure, increase speed, or introduce more fingers if they want more girth. If they’re enjoying what you’re doing, try to keep a steady rhythm.

Fingering can also be combined with other types of stimulation, like oral sex or using a vibrator.

Here are some common fingering mistakes and how to avoid them:

Skipping hand hygiene. The vagina has its own bacterial ecosystem, and dirty hands can upset this balance, increasing your chances of getting an infection. To avoid this, always wash your hands before fingering.

Not using lubrication. If your partner has a vagina, the amount of natural lubrication they have can vary. Using lube can make fingering smoother and more enjoyable. Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t create its own lubricant, so always use lube when fingering this area of the body to avoid tears and discomfort.

Not warming up enough. Going too fast or using too much pressure right away can be uncomfortable or even painful. Start slow and let your partner guide the pace as they become more aroused.

Ignoring other types of stimulation. Focusing only on penetration and ignoring other types of stimulation can make the experience less pleasurable. If your partner is comfortable with it, try combining fingering with oral sex, nipple stimulation, or using a sex toy.

Using the same finger for different areas. Switching between the vagina and anus without cleaning your finger can spread harmful bacteria. Wash your hands or use a finger condom to avoid infections.

Not communicating with your partner. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sex. Ask your partner what feels good and adjust what you’re doing based on their feedback.

Fingering can be a fun and pleasurable way to explore sex and intimacy, whether as foreplay or the main event. To make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable, start slow, use lube, and keep your nails trimmed. The key to making sure both you and your partner enjoy it is open communication — talk about what feels good and what doesn’t. While fingering is generally a low-risk sexual activity, it’s still important to practice good hygiene by washing your hands beforehand and using barriers such as finger condoms or gloves to help prevent infections.

Can you stimulate the G-spot through fingering?

The Grafenberg spot, or G-spot, is a sensitive area on the front wall of the vagina. Contact with this area is sexually pleasurable for some people, but others don’t enjoy it. Scientists still debate whether the G-spot actually exists, though.

Can you stimulate the prostate through fingering?

The prostate is a gland that makes some of the fluid that’s in semen. A finger inserted into the anus can stimulate the prostate. Some men can reach orgasm this way.

Can fingering help women have more and better orgasms?

Fingering is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stimulate the clitoris, which can play a role in female orgasm. A study of over a thousand women in the U.S. found that 18% of them could reach orgasm through vaginal intercourse alone. Around 37% said that stimulation of the clitoris was necessary for them to orgasm, while another 36% said that it improved their orgasms.

What is fingering during sexual activity?

Fingering involves using your hands to stimulate the genitals. This might include touching the clitoris, labia, or the areas around the vagina or anus. It could also involve inserting fingers into the vagina or anus. 

Is fingering safe?

Fingering is generally safe, as it isn’t a common way to spread STIs. But there are still some risks. Washing your hands before fingering and using finger condoms can help lower the chances of getting an infection.

How can I communicate with my partner about fingering?

To make fingering more enjoyable for both you and your partner, communicate openly before and during sex. Give feedback by letting your partner know what feels good and ask what they like in return.

What are the benefits of fingering?

Fingers are more flexible than a penis or a sex toy, making it easier to stimulate different areas and adjust pressure and speed. This can be very pleasurable for some people.