Fingering is one variant foreplay in sexual relations. Although relatively safe and very common practice, there are some people who worry that this sexual activity can lead to pregnancy. Is that true?
Fingering is done by inserting and playing a finger in the female sex organs. This activity aims to stimulate sensitive points in the vagina and the surrounding area, including the g-spot, so that women can reach orgasm.
Fingering is usually done before sexual penetration. However, this sexual activity can also be done alone.
Can Fingering Cause Pregnancy?
Fingering itself does not actually cause pregnancy. Pregnancy can occur when semen containing sperm enters the uterus and fertilizes an egg. This usually occurs when a man ejaculates in the vagina.
When ejaculating, men secrete semen which can contain more than 300 million sperm. However, semen can also come out before ejaculation, which is when the penis is erect. The semen that comes out is known as pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Some men can't hold or control the flow of pre-ejaculatory fluid. Although the amount is small, the pre-ejaculatory fluid still contains sperm.
If a man touches pre-ejaculatory fluid or semen and then inserts his finger into the vagina, pregnancy is possible. However, the chance of pregnancy through this method is very small when compared to ejaculation inside the vagina.
The risk of getting pregnant through fingering is very low, because sperm cannot survive long outside the body. However, if you are not planning a pregnancy, it is important to know that there is still a chance that you will get pregnant while fingering.
Other Risks of Fingering
In addition to the concern that fingering can cause pregnancy, there are other risks that fingering can pose. This risk can occur if the fingers are not clean, the finger nails are long, and fingering is done roughly and not carefully. These risks include:
1. Injured vagina
If the fingering is done too fast and rough or if the fingernails are long and sharp, the vagina may be injured or blistered. This is because the skin in and around the vagina is generally very soft, so friction and pressure can cause sores.
2. Vaginal bleeding
Bleeding after fingering can be caused by a torn hymen. The hymen is a thin tissue that extends over the vaginal opening. This condition is normal, especially if you have never had sexual intercourse before, including penetration using your fingers or penis.
3. Infection
Fingering done with dirty hands can cause women to experience infections, such as bacterial infections in the vagina. In certain cases, fingering can also lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital warts due to infection with the HPV virus.
In addition, vaginal infections can also cause women to experience symptoms of vaginal pain, vaginal itching or soreness, vaginal discharge, and fever.
Tips for Safe Fingering
So that you can do fingering safely, follow some of these tips and guidelines:
- Make sure your partner has washed their hands before doing this activity.
- Make sure your fingernails or your partner's nails are short and that there are no sharp edges before fingering begins.
- Use a water-based lubricant to reduce friction and prevent chafing in the vagina.
- Avoid fingering when you are white or menstruating.
You can also ask your partner to use finger condoms or disposable gloves to cover your hands for more hygiene. This step can also prevent the transmission of STIs.
Generally, fingering is considered safe as long as this sexual activity is done slowly and using clean fingers.
If after fingering you experience certain complaints, such as bleeding that doesn't stop, vaginal discharge, pain or itching in the vagina, and vaginal sores, you should immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
