Manual stimulation (hand jobs, fingering, digital stimulation) is the practice of using one’s hands to sexually stimulate a partner’s genitals, perineal body and/or anus. Brought to you by a sex therapist at Sex Therapy in Philadelphia / Center for Growth.
Manual Stimulation - External Manual Stimulation Known colloquially as a ‘hand job’, external manual stimulation can involve the touching of external sexual organs such as the vulva, penis, testicles, perineal body and/or anus.
Manual Stimulation - Insertive Manual Stimulation Known colloquially as ‘fingering,’ insertive manual stimulation includes acts where fingers are inserted into a vagina and/or rectum.
Manual Stimulation - Important Note on Hygiene When manually stimulating a female bodied person, it is extremely important not to go from stimulating the anus and/or rectum to stimulating the vaginal area. If bacteria from the anus/rectum are transferred to the vagina, vaginal infection may occur. Wearing and then removing gloves, or washing ones’ hands after manually stimulating the anus/rectum are strategies that can be used to prevent vaginal infection.
Manual Stimulation -Lubricant Although not necessary for manual stimulation, many people enjoy adding lubricant to their manual play. The use of lubricant can increase sensitivity during play and decrease discomfort caused by friction. If manually stimulating the anus or rectum, lubricant is highly recommended as these tissues do not self-lubricate.
Manual Stimulation - Fingering When stimulating the vagina and rectum, neatly trimmed and filed fingernails are helpful if one is trying to avoid damaging tissue. Because the tissues inside the vagina and rectum are sensitive; sharp or ragged nails may result in tearing. If one does not have the option to trim fingernails, gloves can be worn to smooth the edges of fingernails and reduce fingernail related tearing. If gloves are not available, inserting fingers mindfully can also help to reduce any damage to rectal or vaginal tissues. When manually stimulating a vulva or penis, some recipients of manual stimulation enjoy when their partners’ nails are painted, as it can add to the visual stimulus of the play.
STI Risk The STI risk associated with manual stimulation is extremely low. In rare cases, STIs that transmit via blood or skin-to-skin contact may transmit from one partner to another. If there is concern, wearing gloves or finger cots can reduce STI risk.