Fingering (sexual act)

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]

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]

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

^ 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.
^ "Understanding the Concept of Digital Rape".
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ ^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.
^ 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.

[Rathus-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".

[Winks-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.

[Bruess-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.

[Winks_2-5] 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.

[Upton-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.

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