Sexual Health 101: Using a Finger Condom or a Finger Cot for Safe(r) Sex

Looking to practice safer fingering? Here's everything you need to know about the humble finger condom / finger cot!

Otherwise known as finger cots, finger condoms do pretty much what they say on the tin. They’re mini condoms that you put on your fingers, and they offer a safer way to engage in manual penetration with your hands (aka fingering).

Fingering is a pretty low-risk form of sexual intercourse and the chance of contracting an STI is low, but it’s still possible. For this reason, finger condoms offer a protective barrier.

But that’s not their only use… They also prevent scratches from a fingernail inside a partner’s anus or vagina. This helps protect from STIs but also allows for a smoother and more comfortable penetration. If you have rough skin or a hangnail, a finger cot can help smooth things over and reduce the risk of scratches and abrasions.

Plus, they also allow for an easy cleanup. You can simply remove the finger condom and wash your hands without worrying about any bodily fluids on your hands.

And! They can also be used to keep small sex toys such as bullet vibrators clean!

You apply them in a similar way to their better known sibling, the regular condom. Simply place it on your fingertip, roll it down to the base of your finger, smooth out any trapped air and you’re good to go!

Make sure when you’re finished that you remove and dispose of finger condoms in the bin. They can’t be flushed down the toilet and they’re also not reusable so please don’t try to use them again!

No double dipping

If a condom has been used inside the anus, never, ever use the same condom inside the vagina or any other orifice.

Use lube

You should still use lube when penetrating someone with your fingers. If your fingers aren’t sufficiently lubricated the condom could tear because of friction. This friction could also cause tears and fissures inside the person being penetrated.

If the condom in use is made of latex, it’s best to use water-based or silicone-based lube, as oil-based lube can break down latex and should be avoided. You can find out more about this in my guide to condoms here!

Gloves for more than one finger penetration

If you’re going to be using more than one finger to penetrate, latex gloves are a good alternative to multiple finger cots. They’re less likely to roll up or fall of during sex, and they cover all of the hand so should fit like a second skin if they’re the right size for you.

Now you've got the info, go and enjoy some finger cot fun…