Edging is the practice of engaging in sexual stimulation to the point of ejaculation before stopping and starting again. It can be performed alone or with others and aims to extend or intensify sexual enjoyment.
Edging involves cycles of stimulation that can lead some people to a more intense orgasm.
People who ejaculate prematurely may find edging beneficial because it can increase the duration of sexual activities. This might also provide more opportunities for experimentation and confidence-building during sex.
In this article, we discuss what edging is, how to do it, and whether it might be worth trying.
Edging involves sexual stimulation and stopping just before the point of orgasm. Edging aims to extend a person’s sexual enjoyment for longer periods. It may also intensify the experience.
It is possible to perform edging alone or with others. Anyone might engage in edging, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
It involves stimulation to the point, or edge, of orgasm. People will stop just before the edge and take a small break from stimulation.
Edging can involve repeating this cycle several times. Both males and females might use edging as a way to avoid premature ejaculation. According to a 2011 article, premature ejaculation is not exclusive to males.
According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, edging can increase the intensity of orgasm in some people. This can apply to sex with a partner or masturbation. Including a period of edging during sex could help build up excitement and make the climax more satisfying.
Practicing the method of edging may also make it easier to reach orgasm. A
People who experience premature ejaculation may find edging beneficial because it can increase the duration of sex before orgasm.
When someone senses they are about to orgasm, they can change intensity. This might involve slowing down, changing position, or stopping stimulation entirely.
Increasing the duration of sexual activity can also change the dynamics by shifting the focus away from the orgasm. This may allow people to spend longer enjoying the process of stimulation.
Edging can also help people discover their sexual triggers without orgasming too quickly. A 2018 study found that while women can reach orgasm through sexual intercourse alone, clitoral stimulation was more likely to result in orgasm and made the orgasm better.
Edging can allow opportunities for people to try new activities and ways of touching or stimulating. It can also help people to build confidence with one another.
Sex is sometimes a difficult experience for new couples. Edging provides opportunities for people to discuss their sexual interests and learn about each other.
Edging is unlikely to have harmful side effects and will not cause any ejaculation problems.
Edging rarely leads to epididymal hypertension, or ‘blue balls.’ This is a buildup of blood in the testicles caused by long periods of arousal without orgasming.
Blue balls can cause aching and a blue tint to the testicles. But the condition is not harmful and will pass.
People should also be mindful of how they approach this practice. While it may help people achieve orgasm, it may not help those who experience anorgasmia, which means they have difficulty reaching orgasm.
However, it is essential to remember that an orgasm does not define a sexual encounter. According to an article in Fertility and Sterility, too much emphasis on this may result in distress, less satisfaction, and relationship conflict.
As with any sexual activities, there is a risk of infection. Sexual activities can lead to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea.
It is possible to reduce the risk of infection from edging by using
There are several ways to perform edging. They all follow similar steps that include:
- experiencing stimulation to the point just before an orgasm
- stopping stimulation, or changing intensity to avoid a climax
- waiting for a short time
- increasing stimulation to the edge again
- repeating the steps until wanting to achieve orgasm
With a partner, this might involve changing positions or activity to reduce stimulation. The aim is to reduce the intensity, which can include continuing the same activity at a slower pace.
It is possible to achieve the same results without a partner.
Some people practice a squeeze method. This involves squeezing the top of the penis before ejaculating and holding while the excitement slows down.
Be careful to avoid waiting too long or switching to a less enjoyable activity. This can cause difficulties in reaching the point of ejaculation again and may spoil the mood.
It is essential to discuss edging with a partner before starting. The practice may not be for everyone.
Edging is generally safe and could lead to a more intense orgasm. Edging can also provide a way for couples to enhance their sex life.
Edging might be particularly useful for people who ejaculate prematurely, which can often cause frustration in some relationships.
Not everyone will enjoy edging. Learning more about edging and discussing it with a partner or friend can help someone decide if it is something they want to try.
Edging involves engaging in cycles of stimulation to the point of orgasm before stopping and starting again. It can lead to a more intense orgasm or increase the duration of sexual activity.
Edging might benefit people who experience premature ejaculation and change or enhance a couple’s sex life.
There are different ways of trying edging, and it is generally safe. However, edging may not be for everyone. Discuss edging with a partner before trying it with them.