Fisting 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) of their partner. The hand is usually formed into a “duck beak” shape during insertion and then gently opened into a fist once inside. It is an advanced form of penetration that requires significant trust, communication, relaxation, and preparation because the vagina or anus must stretch considerably to accommodate a full hand. When done correctly and consensually, many people report intense full-body orgasms and a profound sense of intimacy.
How to Prepare for Fisting
Preparation is absolutely crucial—rushing leads to pain, tearing, or injury.
- Communication and consent Talk extensively with your partner beforehand. Set safe words, discuss boundaries, and go very slowly.
- Trim and file nails Nails must be short, smooth, and filed round. Even a tiny sharp edge can cause micro-tears inside.
- Start very small and work up gradually Begin with one finger, then two, three, four, and the thumb tucked in (“duck beak” shape). This can take multiple sessions over days or weeks—never force it.
- Relaxation techniques
- Deep breathing
- Plenty of foreplay and arousal (the more turned on the receiver is, the more the muscles relax)
- Poppers (alkyl nitrites) are commonly used in anal fisting to relax the sphincter (use cautiously and legally)
- Warm baths, massage, or cannabis/edibles for some people
- Positioning Receiving partner on their back with knees to chest, or doggy style with chest down, usually works best.
- Gloves (highly recommended) Latex or nitrile gloves make the hand smoother, prevent scratches, and make cleanup easier.
- Lots and lots of lube See the next section—lube is non-negotiable.
- Go slow and listen to the body The “knuckle hump” (the widest part when the thumb is tucked) is usually the hardest part to get past. If there’s sharp pain (not just stretching sensation), stop immediately.
- Aftercare Expect the receiving partner may feel “open” or loose for hours afterward. Cuddling, hydration, and gentle cleanup are important.
Best Lube for Fisting
Fisting requires massive amounts of thick, long-lasting lube because friction must be virtually zero. Water-based lubes dry out too quickly and get sticky—avoid them for full-hand play.
- J-Lube (powder you mix with water) – the gold standard in the fisting community. Extremely slick, lasts forever, very cheap in bulk. Takes a few minutes to mix but nothing beats it for anal or long vaginal sessions.
- X-Lube (European equivalent of J-Lube, same formula)
- Slam Dunk or Slam Dunk Unscented – pre-mixed J-Lube alternative, slightly more expensive but ready to use.
- Crisco (vegetable shortening) – classic for anal fisting (especially gay male community). Super thick, lasts hours, destroys latex gloves and condoms (oil-based). Not recommended for vaginal fisting (can cause infections).
- Boy Butter Oil-Based or Elbow Grease – commercial oil-based creams popular for anal.
- Uberlube or thick silicone blends – okay for vaginal fisting, but still not as long-lasting as the above for anal.
Pro tip: Keep a “lube station” nearby—many people pour lube directly over the hand and wrist repeatedly during the session.
What Is Double Fisting?
Double fisting means inserting both hands at the same time:
- Double vaginal fisting – one hand in the vagina alongside the other. Requires an extremely relaxed and stretched vagina; relatively rare.
- Double anal fisting – both fists in the rectum, usually one after the other, sometimes alternating depth. Seen in advanced anal play and extreme porn.
- Vaginal + anal fisting at the same time (sometimes called “punch fisting” or “double penetration fisting”) – one fist in vagina, one in rectum simultaneously. Creates an intense “full” sensation with only a thin wall separating the hands.