Fisting (also called handballing or fist-fucking) is a sexual practice where a person inserts their entire hand (and sometimes part of the forearm) into the vagina (vaginal fisting) or rectum (anal fisting). The hand is usually formed into a “duck beak” shape during insertion and then slowly opens into a fist once inside. It is an advanced form of penetration that requires a lot of trust, communication, relaxation, and preparation. When done correctly and consensually, many people find it intensely pleasurable due to the deep pressure and fullness.
How to Prepare for Fisting
Preparation isting is not something you jump into spontaneously. Proper preparation is essential to avoid pain or injury:
- Communication and consent – Discuss boundaries, safe words, and desires with your partner beforehand.
- Start small – Spend weeks or months progressively stretching with fingers, toys, or plugs before attempting a full hand.
- Trim and file nails – Nails must be short, smooth, and filed. Even tiny rough edges can cause micro-tears.
- Wear gloves – Latex or nitrile gloves create a smoother surface and improve hygiene (especially for anal).
- Relaxation – The receiver needs to be very aroused and relaxed. Long foreplay, oral sex, or orgasm before attempting insertion helps.
- Go very slowly – The giver should insert fingers one by one, waiting for the receiver to relax around each addition. The widest part is the knuckles/thumb.
- Use tons of lube – Reapply constantly (see next section).
- Breathing and bearing down – The receiver can gently bear down (like during a bowel movement) to help the hand pass the knuckles.
- Positioning – Many find missionary with legs up, doggy style, or squatting on top works best.
- Aftercare – Expect soreness. Pee afterward (to prevent UTIs in vaginal fisting), clean up, cuddle, and hydrate.
How to make anal fisting + vaginal fisting?
Make sure your hand looks like that
Best Lube for Fisting
Fisting requires massive amounts of thick, long-lasting lubricant because friction can quickly cause tearing. Recommended options:
- J-Lube (powder) – The gold standard in the fisting community. It’s a polyethylene oxide powder you mix with water; extremely slick, lasts forever, very cheap in bulk. Takes a few minutes to mix.
- X-Lube (powder) – European alternative to J-Lube, similar properties.
- Boy Butter H2O or Swiss Navy Silicone for shorter sessions if you don’t want to mix powder.
- Crisco (vegetable shortening) – Old-school choice for anal fisting; very thick and cheap, but messy and can stain sheets. Avoid: regular water-based lubes (dry out too fast), silicone lubes with silicone toys, or anything with numbing agents.
Most experienced fisters keep a “lube shooter” or squeeze bottle nearby to reapply without removing the hand.
What is Double Fisting?
Double fisting means inserting both hands at the same time:
- Vaginal double fisting (both fists in the vagina) – extremely rare, requires years of stretching.
- Anal double fisting (both fists in the rectum) – also very advanced and rare.
- Vaginal + anal fisting simultaneously (“double penetration fisting”) – one fist in vagina, one in anus. More common than true double in one hole.
Double fisting dramatically increases risk of injury and should only be attempted by people with extensive experience.
Is Fisting Dangerous?
Yes, fisting carries higher risks than most sexual activities, but the risk can be greatly reduced with proper technique:
Potential risks
- Tearing of the vaginal or rectal lining (can lead to bleeding or infection)
- Anal sphincter damage or incontinence (rare with slow progression)
- Perforation of the colon (life-threatening but extremely rare when done slowly and sober)
- Infections (if hygiene is poor or nails are sharp)
