Fingering (sexual act)

"Knuckling" and "Fingerbang" redirect here. For the massage technique, see Petrissage. For the South Park episode, see Something You Can Do With Your Finger.

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]

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

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

  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. ^ a b 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.