http://archive.dailycal.org/article.php?id=152
Q: I've heard about fisting, but I don't understand why anyone would do it or how they would do it without involving a lot of pain.
A: Let's start with some background on this question first. Fisting, a.k.a. fist-fucking or handballing, is the act of inserting one's hand or fist into the vagina or rectum. The whole shebang involves an incredible deal of trust, as the potential of injury to the fistee is real. Any fledgling fisters should go slowly and watch their partner for signals.
Why do people engage in fisting? The reasons may be as varied as those people who like to do it, but one that I've encountered many times is that it allows the giver and receiver to feel an overwhelming sense of connection to each other. Again, trust is very important, but once that trust has been established, penetrating/being penetrated with a hand can be a sexual experience unlike any other. For people who enjoy penetration, the sensation of being filled with a fist rather than a penis/finger/sex toy can be more intense and pleasurable. The giver may be aroused by the physical feeling of their partner's vagina or rectum contracting around their hand.
How does one go about fisting? GO SLOWLY. I cannot emphasize this enough. The tissue of both the vagina and the rectum is thin and tends to tear if you're not careful. One technique is to curl the hand lengthwise (placing the tips of your fingers into a clump) to facilitate entry. Gloves (to protect from fingernails and hangnails) are a good idea, and plenty of lubricant is a must.
Water-based lubricant is good to use with latex gloves, but some people prefer to use oil or shortening because those do not dry up. Note, though, that they also degrade latex and may promote bacterial growth in the vagina or rectum.
Once the hand/fist is inserted, the type of movement, if any, should be at the discretion of the receiver. Some prefer a clenching and unclenching of the hand or circular motions. Thrusting should be done with great care, especially during vaginal fisting, because the cervix can be injured.
Another cautionary note on the art of fisting: Neither the giver nor the receiver should be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Pain can be a sign of damage and drugs can dull the sensation of pain. They can also make the giver less responsive to the receiver, i.e. ignoring the receiver if they say "ow."
I've only given a basic introduction to fisting here. If you are interested in more information, check out
http://www.sexuality.org or Susie Sexpert's Lesbian Sex World for more tips on how to fist safely, and to read about others' experiences with fisting.
