Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy to Use ThemProsConsHow to UseSTI Protection
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why to Use Them
Pros
Cons
How to Use
STI Protection
A finger cot (finger condom or finger glove) is a flexible tube-like cap that covers a finger to keep wounds dry. Finger cots can also be used forsafer sexwhenfingeringa partner or giving ananal massage.
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Why Use a Finger Cot?
A finger cot can be an effective form of barrier protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) much in the same way as anexternal (male) condom,internal (female) condom, ordental dam.
Although the skin of a finger is less porous than themucus membranesof the vagina, anus, or penis, it is still vulnerable to STIs that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including:
When used for sex, finger cots are primarily used for fingering—when you use one or more fingers to stimulate a partner’svaginaor anus. This includes massaging a partner’sprostate gland, which can be sexually stimulating.
Finger cots can be worn on one or more fingers and thrown away when you’re done fingering your partner. Disposing of the cot immediately reduces the risk of passing the infection from the genitals or anus to other body parts.
Finger cots can also be stretched over small sex toys or vibrators to prevent the transmission of an STI through an object (fomite infection).
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Pros of Finger Cots
One of the advantages of a finger cot is it leaves the rest of the hand exposed and increases the tactile sensations of both partners.
This is important because people who wear gloves during sex often dislike the loss of sensitivity in their hands. At the same time, some partners do not like the feel of latex or rubber against their skin.
Another advantage is cost. Many retailers sell 144-count packs of latex finger cots for under $8. By comparison, a 10-count box of latex condoms can cost $15 to $20.
Finger cots can also be used as a bandage when needed. For example, if you have rough skin or a burr on your fingernail, a finger cot can help smooth things over and reduce the risk of scratches.
If you have a cut, a finger cot can prevent blood from getting into your partner’s vagina or anus as well as protect your finger from getting exposed to bodily fluids.
Cons of Finger Cots
Finger cots are less common barrier protection, mainly because people do not generally engage in fingering as their only form of sex. For most people, gloves are easier to use. They cover all of the hand and, if sized correctly, fit like a second skin. With gloves, you do not have to think as much about exposed skin during sex.
Another downside is that finger cots are small and easy to lose during sexual activity. Slippage is more common with nitrile finger cots, which do not fit as snugly as latex cots.
If a cot comes off in the vagina, it can usually be fished out easily. A cot that comes off in the rectum can be harder to retrieve. If it can’t be retrieved and does not come out with a bowel movement, a healthcare provider might need to remove a lost finger cot from the rectum.
Finger cots must also be rolled down over the finger in a specific direction. It can tear if you roll it down in the wrong direction.
Finger cots are inexpensive.
Nitrile cots are available for those with latex allergies.
Finger cots can cover cuts, burrs, or rough skin.
Finger cots can cover smaller sex toys and vibrators.
ConsFor most people, gloves are more convenient and easier to use.Finger cots can slip off during sex into the vagina or rectum.Nitrile cots are especially vulnerable to slippage.Like a condom, a finger cot can tear if rolled down incorrectly.
For most people, gloves are more convenient and easier to use.
Finger cots can slip off during sex into the vagina or rectum.
Nitrile cots are especially vulnerable to slippage.
Like a condom, a finger cot can tear if rolled down incorrectly.
How to Use a Finger Cot
Unlike condoms, finger cots are not individually wrapped. They’re sold in a dispenser box and you can get different amounts for different prices, depending on how many you need. For example, an online first aid store might offer a box of144 finger cots.
The instructions for their use are similar to those for usingcondoms:
Never place a finger cot in the vagina if it was previously used on the anus or rectum. Finger cots should be thrown away immediately once used.
STI Risks and Protection
Using protection during any sexual or intimate activity helps lower your chances of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are common and are spread in different ways.
About 1 in 5 adults in the United Stateshas an STI. Human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, genital herpes, and gonorrhea are some of the most common STIs in the U.S.
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Summary
Finger cots are commonly used to keep a finger wound dry but can also be used as barrier protection during sex. The latex or nitrile “finger condom” is rolled down over a finger for sexual fingering or prostate massage.
While they do not cost much to buy, finger cots do have downsides. For example, they can slip into the vagina or rectum during sex. If not rolled on correctly, finger cots can tear.
Using the right technique and practicing can help make sure you get the most protection from finger cots.
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3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
De Vries HJC.Skin as an indicator for sexually transmitted infections.Clin Dermatol. 2014 Mar-Apr;32(2):196-208. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.08.003Wang M, Wang L, Li L.Gonococcal conjunctivitis after incomplete treatment of gonococcal urethritis.Infection and Drug Resistance. 2019;Volume 12:1381-1384. doi:10.2147/idr.s199163Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted disease surveillance 2021.
De Vries HJC.Skin as an indicator for sexually transmitted infections.Clin Dermatol. 2014 Mar-Apr;32(2):196-208. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.08.003
Wang M, Wang L, Li L.Gonococcal conjunctivitis after incomplete treatment of gonococcal urethritis.Infection and Drug Resistance. 2019;Volume 12:1381-1384. doi:10.2147/idr.s199163
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted disease surveillance 2021.
Marfatia, Y.; Pandya, I.; and Mehta, K.Condoms: Past, present, and future.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS.2015 Jul-Dec;36(2):133-39. DOI: 10.4103/2589-0557.167135.
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