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Potential for Transmission

The practice of fingering the clitoris, labia, vagina or anus carries no risk for the receptive partner (person being fingered) unless the inserted finger has an open cut, sore, lesion, burn or rash. There is, however, the possibility that the vaginal or rectal lining can suffer trauma-fingernails can easily tear these membranes. This would increase the potential for transmission through other, higher-risk activities that may follow, such as unprotected penile intercourse. Masturbating oneself and then fingering one's partner may insert semen or vaginal fluid and increase the potential for transmission.

Using a latex glove, which performs a similar function to a condom during penile intercourse, can reduce the risk. A glove finger might still cause some stress to the mucosal linings of the receptive partner, which could increase the risk to the receptive partner from other high-risk activities.

Evidence of Transmission

There are no documented cases of HIV transmission through insertive or receptive digital-vaginal or digital-anal intercourse

Assessment of Risk of HIV Transmission

Insertive Digital Intercourse (Giving)

With latex glove: Negligible risk

Without latex glove: Negligible risk

Receptive Digital Intercourse (Receiving)

With properly used condom: Negligible risk

Without condom: Negligible risk

Potential for Transmission

The practice of inserting the hand into the rectum or vagina ('fisting')is not by itself an efficient means of HIV transmission. However, studies indicate that receptive manual intercourse is linked closely with HIV infection. This is due to the extensive trauma that fisting may cause to the anal or vaginal canal that if followed by unprotected penile intercourse or the insertion of shared sex toys produces a very favourable environment for HIV transmission. This is true for a certain period of time, even after a single episode, as the trauma to the mucosal lining may last for several weeks after the event.

Evidence of Transmission

Several studies have identified fisting as a co-factor in HIV transmission, suggesting that other higher-risk activities often precede or follow this activity. However, there is no evidence that fisting alone has resulted in HIV transmission.

Assessment of Risk of HIV Transmission

Insertive Manual Intercourse (Giving)

With properly used Condom: Negligible risk

Without Condom: Negligible risk

Receptive Manual Intercourse (Receiving)

With properly used Condom: Negligible risk

Without Condom: Negligible risk