Is Fingering Safe?

People have different thoughts about fingering. Some women are conscious about how their vulva smells, looks, or tastes, and this may affect their mindset towards the act. This has caused a major barrier, mainly because a number of men don`t realize that vaginas don`t all look the same, hence don`t appreciate the differences. For instance, the lip-like folds of skin around the vaginal opening, called labia, come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are long, some are short, some are short on one side and long on the other. Some are smooth, while others are wrinkly. Some are puffy and voluptuous, while others are thin or sag. There`s more to the differences in the female`s private part. Pubic hair, like that on the head or body can also be different. They vary in color, thickness, and density. This part of the body also smells differently among females. Each has their distinct scent, and of course, are not expected to smell like flowers. Most vulvas smell musky, earthy, sour, musty, or coppery. All of these can be healthy. The ones with infection sometimes smell like rotten meat or decaying fish. This difference even extends to taste. Vulvas are definitely not tasteless. A healthy vulva might taste salty, sour, metallic, sharp, bitter, or tangy. Foul or fishy tastes are definitely not healthy.

Health Risks of Fingering

Chances of Contracting STIs

People who finger their partner’s vagina or anus are at risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections. Touching yourself after fingering a partner that has HPV can get the virus transmitted to you. You may also contract HPV if you have an open sore on your hands and they have an open sore or blister in the genital area. Here`s why you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after you finger a partner vaginally or anally. There are barrier methods you can adopt to help prevent the spread of bodily fluids. For instance, you can insert an inside condom into the vagina or anus. You`re advised not to engage in this activity if your partner has open sores or cuts around their vagina or anus.

Transference of Bacteria

The skin in and around the vagina can be delicate, and as a result, can easily get scratched from long nails. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also introduce bacterial infections into the vagina. Also, not washing the hands after fingering can transfer germs from the vagina to another part of the body. Candida Albicans is a common infection that spreads through this medium.

Safety Precautions to Take Before Fingering

Cut your Fingernails

Long and sharp nails are not safe for fingering, as they can injure the delicate vulvar skin or vaginal tissue. You should ensure that your nails are short and well-manicured before fingering. If you insist on not cutting your nails, then you should round the edges and put cotton balls under the nail, and wear a glove.

Arouse your Partner

The more aroused your partner is before you penetrate, the better it will feel. Arouse your partner so she can get wet before doing a vaginal fingering. This way, she is well lubricated before your fingers get in.

Benefits of Finger Condoms

Using a finger condom is quite easy. You should wear it on the finger before penetration, just like a regular condom. To wear a finger condom, you should roll it all the way down toward the base of the finger. You should also smooth out any air that is trapped between the condom and the finger.

After using a finger condom, you are advised to remove it and flushed it down the toilet. After disposal, you should wash your hands with warm soap and water. Hands should be washed both before and after fingering, regardless of condom or glove use.

You`re advised to lubricate finger condoms because penetration without proper lubrication can cause friction which may result in the condom breaking. Friction can cause tears and fissures inside the vagina or anus, causing the fingered person to bleed. If the condom is made of latex, it’s best to use water-based or silicone-based lube because oil-based lubrication can break down latex. You should never insert into the vagina, the same condom that has gone into the anus. Also, remember that you should never reuse condoms. Store condoms away from heat, humidity, and sharp objects. Also, be sure not to use expired condoms. Discard condoms that are discolored, have holes or tears, have a foul odor, or are stiff or sticky. Let`s see some of the benefits of using finger condoms.

Serve as Protective Barrier

Finger condoms create a protective barrier that prevents fingernail scratches inside the vagina or anus. Such scratches can increase the risk of the transmission of STIs. Exposed fingernails may also carry bacteria or STIs like human papillomavirus (HPV) and chlamydia.

Hygienic

Finger condoms are easy to use and dispose of. They save you the risks of bodily fluid remaining under the fingernail. Away from fingering, finger condoms are also useful in keeping small sex toys clean.

Cost-Effective

Finger condoms, like other varieties of condoms, are affordable. They also help you avoid the risk and heavy cost of treating STIs and other conditions that come with not using finger condoms.

Interesting Sex Facts

• The hymen is a stretchy collar of tissue inside the vaginal entrance and is protected by the two layers of lips of the vulva: the labia major and the labia minora.
• Contrary to popular opinion, the hymen has nothing to do with virginity.
• It is okay for females not to bleed the first time they have sex.
• There are various factors that determine bleeding; the nature of the hymen is one of them.
• After puberty, the hymen becomes more stretchy.
• The penis and clitoris are homologous, which means that they form from the same tissue in a developing embryo.
• Men suffer from low libido as much as women do.
• 75 percent of women don’t orgasm from penetrative sex.
• 1 in 6 women has never had an orgasm.
• Formicophilia is the sexual interest of small insects or worms crawling over one’s body.
• The aroma of wine can cause arousal. The aroma replicates human pheromones, the chemical substances that cause behavioral responses in humans.
• As far as pleasure is concerned, the penis girth is more important than length.
• More thrusting during sex does not equal more fun.
• The area of the men`s brains that gets stimulated during addictive heroin intake is the same area that orgasms stimulate.
• Sex cures headaches and migraines.
• Some people experience arousal when eating delicious food as when having sex.
• Highly pleasurable sex triggers the region of the brain that’s associated with falling in love.
• Sperm contains proteins that have the same anti-wrinkle effect as moisturizers
• Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.

Now that you Know…

Finger condoms have many benefits, however, there are a few concerns. For instance, if they come off during use, it may be difficult to recover them, particularly if it’s inside the anus. Also, unlike gloves, they restrict users to using only the fingers that have the condom on them. It is important to consider the risks of fingering before doing it. If you have to do it, please adopt safe practices.