Hands and Fingers

Penis

Activity:

Touching or stroking the penis and/or scrotum and squeezing the testicles can be pleasurable. This is a type of masturbation.

Risks:

There is a risk of pregnancy with mutual masturbation, if sperm is transferred to a vagina from someone's hands or fingers. There is also a risk of catching an STI with mutual masturbation between genitals, if one partner is infected.

How to make it safe:

Make sure hands are cleaned, before and after. You can use lubricant and latex gloves, especially if one partner has warts on their hands.

Object

Activity:

Explore the feel of different objects, sharing the experience with partners.

Risks:

There are minimal risks associated with this activity.

How to make it safe:

Make sure hands and products are clean.

Mouth

Activity:

The mouth, hands and fingers are all very sensitive. Kissing the hands and fingers, stroking the lips or sucking fingers can all be a pleasurable part of sex.

Risks:

If someone has the cold sore virus (Herpes simplex 1) on their mouth then there is a small risk of passing the virus on if masturbating genitals after touch a mouth.

How to make it safe:

Make sure you have clean hands keep finger nails trimmed.

Anus

Activity:

You can touch, stroke or insert finger(s) into the anus (masturbation). Some people gradually insert the whole hand (this is is called fisting).

Risks:

It's not common for STI's to be spread this way. However, if there are any cuts or sores on the fingers or hands, the risk of passing on or getting HIV or other blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B or C increases. You can also cause cuts by being too rough and not using lubricant.

How to make it safe:

Use water based lubricant as the anus does not produce moisture. Take your time, and stop if it becomes uncomfortable. You can get free water based lubricant from the sexual health service.

Vulva/Vagina

Activity:

You can touch, stroke or insert fingers (s) into the vagina (masturbation). The external clitoris is a very sensitive part of the vulva and can be pleasured by direct touch.

Risks:

There is a risk of pregnancy with mutual masturbation, if sperm is transferred to a vagina from someone's hands or fingers. There is also a risk of catching an STI with mutual masturbation between genitals, if one partner is infected.

How to make it safe:

Make sure hands are cleaned, before and after. Can use lubricant and latex gloves, especially if one partner has warts on their hands

Hands and Fingers

Activity:

Holding hands can be a great way of expressing your feelings about your partner. Touching, stroking and massaging the hands and wrists can be sensual and pleasurable.

Risks:

There are no risks associated with this activity.