Bleeding After Being Fingered: Why It Happens And When To Worry
Maybe your like
- Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAll
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer Care
- Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Digestive Health
- Eye Health
- Heart Health
- Menopause
- Mental Health
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Sleep Health
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Weight Management
Controlling Ulcerative Colitis
Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder
Mastering Geographic Atrophy
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
- WellnessWellness TopicsAll
- CBD
- Fitness
- Healthy Aging
- Hearing
- Mental Well-Being
- Nutrition
- Parenthood
- Recipes
- Sexual Health
- Skin Care
- Sleep Health
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Wellness
- At-Home Testing
- Men's Health
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- Sleep
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Women's Health
Your Guide to Glucose Health
Inflammation and Aging
Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide
She’s Good for Real
- ToolsFeatured
- Video Series
- Pill Identifier
- FindCare
- Drugs A-Z
- Medicare Plans by State
- Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Essentials
- Diabetes Nutrition
- High Cholesterol
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriasis
- Taming Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis
- Anxiety and Depression
- Digestive Health
- Heart Health
- Migraine
- Nutrition Edition
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Wellness Wire
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Weight Management
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Are You a Workaholic?
- FeaturedHealth NewsAll
- Medicare 2026 Changes
- Can 6-6-6 Walking Workout Help You Lose Weight?
- This Couple Lost 118 Pounds Together Without Medication
- 5 Science-Backed Ways to Live a Longer Life
- Morning Coffee May Help You Live Longer
- 5 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
- How to Disinfect Your House After the Flu
- Best Vegan and Plant-Based Meal Delivery for 2025
- Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots?
- Chromosomes, Genetics, and Your Health
- Best Multivitamins for Women
- Best Multivitamins for Men
- Best Online Therapy Services
- Online Therapy That Takes Insurance
- Buy Ozempic Online
- Mounjaro Overview
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- Through an Artist's Eye
- Future of Health
- ConnectFind Your Bezzy Community
Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
All
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Depression
Migraine
Type 2 Diabetes
Psoriasis
Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.
Sexual Health
- Birth control
- STIs
- HIV
- HSV
- Activity
- Relationships
Medically reviewed by Priya Patel, MD — Written by Kimberly Holland — Updated on July 3, 2025- Causes
- Medical care
- Prevention
- Takeaway
Spotting after penetration may be a sign of small scratches or tears. In some cases, bleeding may be related to an infection or other underlying condition.
Fingering can be a fun and relatively safe sexual activity. It rarely causes any issues. However, from time to time, you may experience minor bleeding afterward.
Common causes
Dryness
Lack of lubrication inside the vaginal canal and around the vaginal opening can increase your risk of injury. Decreased lubrication may be related to your menstrual cycle, hormonal birth control, or a lack of arousal.
Injury
The skin in and around your vagina is delicate. Any amount of force or pressure can cause a tear. Sharp fingernails can also scratch the inside of the vaginal canal.
Stretched hymen
The hymen is a thin tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening. It may stretch or tear while you’re being fingered, especially if it’s your first time experiencing vaginal penetration of any kind.
Infection
In some cases, bleeding is a sign of underlying irritation and inflammation of the vulva, vagina, or cervix. Vaginitis and cervicitis are often related to an infection, such as:
- bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- trichomoniasis
- yeast infection
When to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional
Most bleeding will clear up on its own within a few hours or days. Consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional if bleeding persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. This includes:
- chunky or thick discharge
- gray, green, or yellow discharge
- fishy or otherwise foul odor
- pain that interferes with your ability to function
You may need medication to help the scratch or tear heal and reduce your risk of an infection. Likewise, it’s a good idea to avoid vaginal penetration for a week after any bleeding occurs. This way, the vaginal canal has time to heal.
How to prevent bleeding after getting fingered
Clean hands and nails are a must for any solo or partner penetrative play. Wearing a disposable glove or using finger cots can also prevent the spread of bacteria.
Some people find it helpful to file or trim their nails the day before a planned sexual encounter. If you want to preserve your nail length, you might find it helpful to use a barrier method with cotton balls over and under the tips.
Using a quality lubricant can have a huge impact on your overall pleasure. Lube reduces unwanted friction, reducing your risk of injury.
Remember, you can stop at any time. If you’re experiencing pain or other discomfort, tell your partner. It’s important to communicate what feels good and what doesn’t.
The bottom line
Spotting or light bleeding after being fingered isn’t usually cause for concern. It generally resolves on its own without medical treatment. However, if your symptoms are severe, consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional.
How we reviewed this article:
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.- My vagina bled while my boyfriend was fingering me, and a few days after. Should I be worried? (2020).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/my-vagina-bled-while-my-boyfriend-was-fingering-me-and-a-few-days-after-should-i-be-worried
- What is fingering? Is it safe? (2024).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/is-fingering-safe
- Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-bleeding-between-periods-or-after-sex/
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Priya Patel, MD — Written by Kimberly Holland — Updated on July 3, 2025related stories
- How Do I Use a Finger Condom?
- Hand Sex Can Be Hot — So Here’s How to Finger Someone Who Has a Vulva
- This Is What You Should Do After Unprotected Sex or Condom Failure
- Bonafide Supplements for Menopause: A Review
- All About Skene’s Glands
Read this next
- How Do I Use a Finger Condom?Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S
Finger condoms provide a safe way to engage in the form of sexual penetration known as fingering. We’ll tell you how to practice safe sex with a…
READ MORE - Hand Sex Can Be Hot — So Here’s How to Finger Someone Who Has a VulvaMedically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S
At its best, finger-banging is incredibly hot. But at its worst, it can be painful, annoying, or downright irritating. Here's how to finger your…
READ MORE - This Is What You Should Do After Unprotected Sex or Condom FailureMedically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S
If you've had unprotected sex or experienced condom failure, there are a number of things you can do to prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs and…
READ MORE - Bonafide Supplements for Menopause: A ReviewMedically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP, MSCP
Bonafide offers nonhormonal supplements to help relieve common menopause symptoms. We review the company, its reputation, and its offerings.
READ MORE - All About Skene’s GlandsMedically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Skene’s glands consist of two small ducts located along both sides of the urethra, in the front part of the vaginal wall. Learn about the role these…
READ MORE - G Spot in Females: How to Find It and What You Need to KnowMedically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
The G spot is part of the clitoral network. Learn how to find and stimulate it.
READ MORE - Hello Wisp Review: Birth Control, UTIs, STIs, and More
Here’s how Wisp provides treatment for STIs, UTIs, yeast infections, and much more. Read our tester’s review of Hellow Wisp to see if it's an option…
READ MORE - Does Viagra Have an Effect on Women?
Viagra is not approved for use in women and studies thus far have had mixed results. Here's what the science says.
READ MORE - What Causes Bleeding After Sex?
Bleeding after sex, known as postcoital bleeding, is common. It’s usually a symptom of another condition. Learn the causes and treatments.
READ MORE - Hey Vulva Owners, Your Sexual Peak May Last Longer Than You ThinkMedically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S
Spoiler alert: There is no one age in which nature gifts us with hot sex, nor is there an age when all of our sex is destined to be mediocre at best…
READ MORE
Tag » Why Do I Bleed When I Rub Myself
-
My Vagina Bled While My Boyfriend Was Fingering Me, And A Few ...
-
Is It Normal To Feel Ashamed After Masturbating? I Tried To Finger ...
-
Why Do I Bleed After I Masturbate? | Health24 - News24
-
Why Do I Bleed After I Finger Myself? - Quora
-
Ask Bish: Vagina Bleeding After Masturbation
-
Why Do I Bleed When I Finger Myself? - Maven Clinic
-
Is Masturbation Normal? FAQs About Masturbation Answered By Flo
-
Bleeding After Sex - Why Is It Happening And What Can I Do? - Healthily
-
If You're Bleeding During Sex, This Might Be Why - Refinery29
-
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding | Ministry Of Health NZ
-
Can You Masturbate On Your Period? Benefits, Tips, And Safety
-
Bleeding Into The Skin: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
-
Everytime I Masturbate I Bleed?? HELP - The Student Room
-
Masturbation During Periods: How-to And Safety - Greatist