stretching the anal sphincter muscles while inserting the finger. A good quality personal lubricant is advisable to both increase the pleasurable sensation and aid insertion. Some people prefer to simply stimulate the outer ring of the anus, while others will follow this by inserting one or more fingers. Fingering may be seen as an act in itself or as an arousing prelude in preparation for further anal sex. Anal fingering can arouse the receiver, allowing them to relax their anus and prepare them for the insertion of a penis or any other sexual instrument. Anal fingering is also an effective way of stimulating the prostate in males and thus may bring the receiver to orgasm. Anal fingering can also stimulate the perineal sponge in women. Safety and sexual assault Fingering is generally considered safe sex. How digital penetration without consent is classified legally depends on the jurisdiction. For example, penetration of the vagina or anus with a finger without consent is rape in Australia and forcible rape in the United States. In Scotland, the term rape is only used for penetration with a penis, whereas penetration with a finger can be "sexual assault by penetration". See also Fisting References Fingers Anal eroticism Sexual acts Female masturbation Vulva