Whether you’ve seen it in porn, tried it yourself or have always been curious, there’s a lot to know about the world of fisting. From how to do it safely, to using substances, this guide will offer tips and tricks for better fisting.
Hand and Arm Care
Inside the ass is delicate and can be prone to cuts. Make sure your nails are clipped and filed down so they are smooth. Cuts can make it easier to get hepatitis C or other STIs when fisting. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on your hands and forearms can help you disinfect and let you know if you have any open cuts – it’ll sting!
STIs and HIV
Small amounts of blood may be present during fisting. It’s possible there may be enough HIV or Hepatitis C in the blood to pass it on. There is also risk of other STIs like Hepatitis A and Shigella when poop is involved. Take extra care to keep any rectal fluids or lube from touching your eyes, mouth or open sores. The best way to protect yourself is with gloves. If you’re fucking as well as fisting, it might be a good idea to fuck first and fist second, as fisting can cause damage to your ass and make it easier to pass on STIs and HIV.
Gloves
Gloves are an important aspect of fisting in terms of safety and hygiene. When well lubed, gloves facilitate as smooth an entry as possible. Gloves also protect your hands from exchanging blood and from bacteria like MRSA.
Consider using nitrile gloves, which are latex-free and can come in different colours. Some gloves can also be textured, so feel free to check out other varieties depending on what the guy getting fisted enjoys. It’s important to find gloves with integrity; food handling gloves are too loose and aren’t great for fisting. Take care to use one glove for one fisting partner as it’s possible to pass Hep C between bottoms
Before, During and After Care
Fisting requires lots of preparation, trust and expertise. Here are some tips for before, during and after fisting.
Before:
- Connect with your partner(s)! Ask each other what you like and don’t like beforehand, so you get a sense of how the session can go and where boundaries or limits may be. Developing trust is important!
- Use plenty of lube. Oil-based lubes that come in tubs are a popular choice for fisting – just remember that these can deteriorate latex.
- Avoid double dipping.
- J-Lube is a popular fisting lube that comes as a powder that is mixed with water. Other alternatives you might see are Boy Butter, Crisco or coconut oil – but we recommend lube specifically intended for fisting. Check out our Glide Guide for more tips about lube.
- Prepare the area by placing towels throughout the space where things could get messy.
- Keep a bucket or container nearby to catch any lube or fluids that may come out during fisting.
- Relaxation and fisting go hand in hole: consider rimming, fingering, toys or fucking to help get you prepared for fisting.
- For guys looking to get started with fisting, it’s important to start small, with starter toys. Eventually, graduate to bigger and thicker sized toys to help prepare you for the size of a fist.
- Use shower douches to get a good deep clean before sex. Some guys use Imodium to stop their digestion for a few hours before sex – but be careful taking too much as this can cause constipation. Learn more about how to Go With The Flow with our douching guide.
During:
- Start slow, and work your way in. A common method of entry is the “beak”, with all your fingertips touching. Once you are inside, you can begin fisting.
- Regularly check in with each other, particularly the guy getting fisted, to see if they are liking what’s happening or if anything is hurting. Check for blood and note the colour: if you notice bright red blood, it’s a sign to stop and assess.
- If it hurts, you’re probably not relaxed enough. Don’t force it – this can cause more problems than benefits.
- Enjoy yourself and take breaks when necessary. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, and breaks are a great way to allow for check-ins before jumping back in.
Aftercare:
- A good fisting session begins and ends with a check-in.
- Dispose of gloves in the garbage. Try to ensure no lube or other fisting fluids get on your carpeting or clothing as they can cause stains or discolouring. Wash all towels, bedsheets and anything else that may have been soiled.
- Pro tip: if fisting is a big interest for you, consider investing in some rubber sheets.
- It is important to continue the aftercare even days later. Fisting can cause internal issues that may not show up right away. When going to the bathroom, ensure everything feels normal and there’s no blood. If there is, consult with a medical professional.
Substance Use and Fisting
Drugs can enhance pleasure and make fisting easier, but it’s important to include harm reduction strategies while exploring. Here are some things to think about:
- Crystal meth, GHB and poppers can lower your inhibitions and make you more interested in trying things you might not normally, especially if you are at a party where fisting and these substances meet. You might not want to be high for your first fisting session – it’s important to be in tune with your body and how you’re feeling.
- If your body gets used to getting fisted while high, you might not be able to get fisted without drugs.
- Drugs can make experiences more intense and cerebral, but it may also cause you to lose touch with physical sensations. Fisters need to be aware of the needs of their bottom. If taking drugs, use in moderation or you may cause harm without knowing it.
Looking for more?
Watts the Safeword is a YouTube show with just a few kinks. They are an all inclusive LGBTQ+ sex education and BDSM lifestyle media channel run by Pup Amp and Mr. Kristofer. They focus on LGBTQ+ inclusive content that aims to break down stigmas surrounding sex, while educating viewers in a fun and inclusive way. Check out their full site at www.wattsthesafeword.com.