Finger penetration: beware of infections

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Extract from the article: In addition to its reproductive role, the purpose of sexual intercourse is to bring pleasure to the couple. During the act of intercourse, the man is generally the main actor and does not hesitate to use certain means, such as finger penetration, to

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In addition to its reproductive role, the purpose of sexual intercourse is to bring pleasure to the couple. During the act of intercourse, the man is generally the main actor and does not hesitate to use certain means, such as finger penetration, to bring his wife pleasure. This technique is widely practised by couples because of the pleasure it brings. But according to Vanessa-Marie Hessou, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at the Val d'or clinic in Cotonou (Benin), it can be the source of a number of problems, including infection when hygiene measures are not observed.

« A man who really wants to satisfy me during sexual intercourse has to go through foreplay, especially finger penetration. That's my weak point », says Céline, 32, mother of a daughter. Like this general grocer, many men and women resort to this technique during sexual intercourse.

Finger penetration involves a man inserting his finger into a woman's vagina, moving it back and forth. According to the majority of couples questioned on the subject, this practice makes women want to go further in the sexual act. « It's important to penetrate first with the finger, because that lubricates the woman's sex and makes it easier for the man to penetrate », explained Céraphin, who has been married for 4 years. But unlike Céraphin, some couples are reluctant to engage in this sexual practice. According to Nadia, a 35-year-old housewife and hairdresser, finger penetration can cause damage to a woman's sex if it's not done carefully.

An opinion supported by obstetrician-gynaecologist Vanessa-Marie Hessou.

Health risks of finger penetration

According to obstetric gynaecologist Vanessa Hessou, beyond the pleasure it brings to the couple, finger penetration can be a source of infection. « If the hands are dirty, for example, there are germs on the fingers and nails which, when they reach the vagina, can cause an infection.Similarly, if the nails are not trimmed, they can injure the vaginal mucosa with movement. In women who are still virgins, penetration of the vagina with the finger can cause tears in the hymen and lead to defloration », explained the specialist.

The risks of finger penetration are enormous. Gynaecologist Vanessa Hessou points out that « this practice can transmit sexually transmitted infections such as genital herpes. These are small, very hot spots that appear on the lips and form a small sore that comes back from time to time. So if the husband has this little pimple and touches his mouth without cleaning his finger properly, he can easily transmit the virus to the wife by inserting his finger into her vagina. This can lead to genital herpes in women, which is very dangerous ».

Faced with these risks of infection, which can lead to even more dangerous problems, Dr Vanessa-Marie Hessou advises couples to practise good hand hygiene. Nails should also be well trimmed and cut before any sexual act.

Elom AKAKPO