What Is a Finger Cot?

A finger cot (finger condom or finger glove) is a flexible tube-like cap that covers a finger to keep wounds dry. Finger cots can also be used for safer sex when fingering a partner or giving an anal massage.

Finger cots can be bought online, at pharmacies, and at big-box stores like Walmart. They are usually made of latex but you can also get ones made of nitrile if you're allergic to latex. You can even make your own finger cots by cutting a finger off a latex or nitrile glove.

This article will go over how finger cots can be used for safer sex, including some of the pros and cons of using them. You’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to use finger cots to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Why Use a Finger Cot?

A finger cot can be an effective form of barrier protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) much in the same way as an external (male) condom, internal (female) condom, or dental dam.

Although the skin of a finger is less porous than the mucus membranes of the vagina, anus, or penis, it is still vulnerable to STIs that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as genital herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis

When used for sex, finger cots are primarily used for fingering—when you use one or more fingers to stimulate a partner's vagina or anus. This includes massaging a partner's prostate gland, which can be sexually stimulating.

Finger cots can be worn on one or more fingers and thrown away when you’re done fingering your partner. Disposing of the cot immediately reduces the risk of passing the infection from the genitals or anus to other body parts.

One example of this kind of spread is gonococcal conjunctivitis, an eye infection that happens if gonorrhea is passed by touching the genitals and then the eyes.

Finger cots can also be stretched over small sex toys or vibrators to prevent the transmission of an STI through an object (fomite infection).

Pros of Finger Cots

One of the advantages of a finger cot is it leaves the rest of the hand exposed and increases the tactile sensations of both partners.

This is important because people who wear gloves during sex often dislike the loss of sensitivity in their hands. At the same time, some partners do not like the feel of latex or rubber against their skin.

Another advantage is cost. Many retailers sell 144-count packs of latex finger cots for under $8. By comparison, a 10-count box of latex condoms can cost $15 to $20.

Similarly, a six-count box of polyurethane condoms (used by people with latex allergies) costs about $12, while a 144-count box of nitrile finger cots costs about the same.

Finger cots can also be used as a bandage when needed. For example, if you have rough skin or a burr on your fingernail, a finger cot can help smooth things over and reduce the risk of scratches.

If you have a cut, a finger cot can prevent blood from getting into your partner's vagina or anus as well as protect your finger from getting exposed to bodily fluids.

Cons of Finger Cots

Finger cots are less common barrier protection, mainly because people do not generally engage in fingering as their only form of sex. For most people, gloves are easier to use. They cover all of the hand and, if sized correctly, fit like a second skin. With gloves, you do not have to think as much about exposed skin during sex.

Another downside is that finger cots are small and easy to lose during sexual activity. Slippage is more common with nitrile finger cots, which do not fit as snugly as latex cots.

If a cot comes off in the vagina, it can usually be fished out easily. A cot that comes off in the rectum can be harder to retrieve. If it can’t be retrieved and does not come out with a bowel movement, a healthcare provider might need to remove a lost finger cot from the rectum. 

Finger cots must also be rolled down over the finger in a specific direction. It can tear if you roll it down in the wrong direction.

How to Use a Finger Cot

Unlike condoms, finger cots are not individually wrapped. They’re sold in a dispenser box and you can get different amounts for different prices, depending on how many you need. For example, an online first aid store might offer a box of 144 finger cots.

The instructions for their use are similar to those for using condoms:

1. Before applying the cot, trim and file your fingernail so it will not rip the latex. Your skin should also be dry and not covered with lubricant to reduce the risk of slippage.
2. Each finger cot looks like a rolled-up beanie. To apply the cot, place it on your finger with the rolled rim exposed. If the rim is tucked under, you are not putting it on correctly.
3. Roll the cot down toward the base of your finger. Smooth out any air pockets and check to make sure there are no rips or holes. If there are, throw the cot away and use a new one.
4. Use a lubricant to reduce friction and the risk of breakage. If the finger cot is made of latex, use only water-based or silicone-based lubes. Oil-based lubes can degrade latex and increase the risk of breakage.
5. After use, remove the finger cot and dispose of it in a wastebasket (not in the toilet). Wash your hands with warm water and soap.

Finger cots can be safely stored at room temperature but can be damaged by excessive heat or direct sunlight. Keep them in a cool, dry cabinet or drawer. If the cots are expired, look damaged or discolored, or smell funny, throw them away.

STI Risks and Protection

Using protection during any sexual or intimate activity helps lower your chances of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are common and are spread in different ways.

For example, some STIs are spread by touching bodily fluids (e.g., semen, blood) while others can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. 

Summary

Finger cots are commonly used to keep a finger wound dry but can also be used as barrier protection during sex. The latex or nitrile "finger condom" is rolled down over a finger for sexual fingering or prostate massage.

While they do not cost much to buy, finger cots do have downsides. For example, they can slip into the vagina or rectum during sex. If not rolled on correctly, finger cots can tear.

Using the right technique and practicing can help make sure you get the most protection from finger cots.