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The Beginner’s Guide to Urethral Sounding
If you’ve heard of sounding before, you may be wondering what are the benefits of urethral sounding and why do people do it.
While it might sound strange at first, many people enjoy exploring their bodies in new ways and discovering the arousing sensations associated with urethral play.
At Lovehoney, we’re all about encouraging you to discover your body fully and finding what brings you pleasure. But, as always, when you’re trying something new sexually, there are safety measures to consider.
This urethral sounding guide will explain what a urethral sound is, how to insert one safely, and give you other tips to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible while you explore the thrilling world of urethral stimulation.
Both people with penises and people with vaginas can explore urethral play, but it’s usually easier and more popular with people with penises, so that’s who this guide will focus on.
What is urethral sounding?
Before we get into things, let’s talk about what urethral sounding is and why people do it.
Urethral sounding, also known as penis sounding or cock sounding, is the process of dilating the urethra by inserting a plug or probe-like toy called a sound.
Used in a medical context, sounding dilates the urethra for examinations. However, this sensation can also be used for erotic pleasure.
So, what is sounding sexually, and why do people enjoy it?
Put simply, people like urethral sounding because, just as the head of the penis is super-sensitive to touch, the urethra is also packed with highly-responsive nerve endings which feel amazing when stimulated.
Some sounds, like urethral stretchers, are designed specifically to create stretching sensations, while others are long enough to provide deep stimulation to otherwise-untouchable erogenous zones such as the prostate.
You can also get penis plugs, which are much shorter and will feel different than sounds and sounding rods.
Everyone likes different things, so don’t be afraid to experiment with the different types of urethral toys and sensations out there.
Penis Plugs vs Urethral Sounds: What’s the difference?
What is a Penis Plug?
A penis plug is a short, insertable toy designed to stimulate the first few inches of the urethra. Usually between 1-4 inches long, penis plugs will create sensations in the tip of the penis internally, stimulating the super-sensitive head.
What are the benefits of sounding with a plug?
Wearing a penis plug can increase sensitivity, prolong erections and intensify orgasms. Some are even designed for prolonged wear and can function as body/ urethra jewellery.
Like most sex toys, penis plugs come in a variety of designs and styles. Some are designed with a glans ring to help keep it in place and provide extra sensations, while others are textured for heightened internal stimulation.
No matter which design you go for, a penis plug will increase sensitivity in the area and provide scintillating sensations during urethral play.
What is a Urethral Sound?
A urethral sound, or sounding rod, is a tool used to dilate the urethra, providing deep internal stimulation along with intense yet enjoyable stretching sensations.
Much longer than penis plugs, urethral sounds enable you to explore deeper nerve endings and discover entirely new realms of pleasure. Unlike plugs, sounds are not designed for prolonged wear but can stimulate areas of the body which these other toys can’t reach. Many even report that they've been able to experience hands-free, direct-contact prostate orgasms by using urethral sounds.
Just like penis plugs, urethral sounds come in many different sizes and styles, with extra-long ones for internal prostate and bladder stimulation and vibrating sounds for enhanced arousal.
Before you experiment with urethral play, it’s important to know how to do it safely and how to choose the right toy. Read on for some safety tips and to learn how to start penis sounding.
Is it safe to put something in your urethra?
Exploring urethral sounding can be extremely pleasurable when practised safely. If you follow the correct steps and take things slowly, you can have a safe and enjoyable time.
So, before you begin exploring penis sounding and urethral play, here are our top safety tips:
1. Never insert anything into the urethra which isn't designed for that purpose. Inserting random objects can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injury, so don't do it!
2. Always ensure that your toys are completely sterile before play to avoid contracting a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).
3. Always use a sterile lubricant to further reduce your risk of getting a UTI.
4. If you feel a sharp pain or that one particular area hurts more, stop immediately.
You may experience some burning during urination for a few hours or a day after play (especially the first few times). This is normal, but you may like to use more lube next time. If these sensations continue for more than a day, seek medical attention.
If you experience unusual discharge, heavy bleeding, fever or cramping, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Now you know how to stay safe, it’s time to learn how to use your new toy.
How to use a Urethral Sound
1. Choosing the right toy for you
Before you even get to insertion, It's important to do your research and choose the right size probe for your body and experience level.
By using a toy that is too slim, you could pierce the urethral wall, especially if you don’t know this part of your body that well. On the other hand, using a toy that is too thick could overstretch your urethra and cause tearing.
So, take some time to consider which size is right for you by looking at your urethra and choosing a sound or plug that is similar in diameter. Typically a medium-sized toy is a good place to start.
We also recommend using a flexible urethral sound, made of silicone, as choosing something too rigid can also increase your risk of puncturing the urethral wall.
2. Keep everything clean
We know we already mentioned keeping your toy sterile, but it’s so important that we’re going to talk about it again.
Because urethral play involves stimulating an internal area, you need to ensure that your toys are completely sterile before play to avoid contracting a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).
Most urethral toys are made of surgical steel or silicone so are safe to boil. They should then be left to simmer for 10 minutes to get them really clean.
To maintain good hygiene, clean your hands and genitals before play. You may even want to use surgical gloves for ultimate cleanliness.
3. Lube up before you get down
Urethral sounding may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but to make sure everything goes smoothly and to further reduce your risk of getting an infection, always use a sterile lubricant.
Add a generous squeeze of sterile lube to your penis opening and the first few inches of your toy before play, and remember to remove and re-lube whenever necessary.
4. How to insert a Urethral Sound
Now that you’ve done all the prep, it’s time to insert your sound or plug for the first time.
Stabilise the sound with one hand, and place one end of the toy into your penis opening. You should be flaccid when inserting the toy as this will make it easier. Don’t force it in but let the sound gradually "fall" into the hole with gravity's help.
The sound or plug will reach a point where it naturally stops. Again, don’t be tempted to use force. Instead, leave it for a while and allow your urethra to relax around the toy. You can now experiment with gently moving it in and out, taking your time.
For deeper exploration, you may need to change the angle of penetration due to the natural bend in your urethra.
Anatomically, the opening in the glans is slightly wider than the urethra itself, so never force a toy that's too big into your urethra.
5. Listen to your body
It may take some practice to find the perfect angle of play for you, so take it slow and steady. Never rush, and if you feel a sharp pain, stop immediately.
After all, slow and steady wins the race.
As mentioned earlier, you may experience some burning during urination for a few hours or a day after urethral play. This is normal, but you may want to use more lube next time.
If these sensations continue for more than a day, speak to your doctor. Also, if you experience unusual discharge, heavy bleeding, fever or cramping, seek medical attention.
Video: How to Use a Urethral Sound Sex Toy | Penis Plugs and Urethral Dilators | Bondage Gone Wilde
Urethral sounding FAQs
Can you have sex with a Penis plug in?
While some penis plugs feature a hole through the middle to allow the wearer to urinate and ejaculate without removal, it is not recommended to have sex with a penis plug in. You could hurt your partner or yourself, and you may experience retrograde ejaculation (which isn’t very nice).
Is sounding a safe practice?
While there are possible risks to urethral play and sounding, it is perfectly safe when you do it right. So, take it slow, follow our safety advice and you should be fine. However, if you experience extreme discomfort or lasting pain, seek medical attention.
Is it possible to stretch your urethra?
Some urethral toys and sounds will be wider than your urethra, providing a tantalising, stretching sensation that many enjoy. This is not recommended for beginners as it can cause damage, but more experienced players may enjoy using wider sounds.
While dilating your urethra occasionally will not have any lasting effect, continual stretching can permanently change your urethra and cause damage. If you’re worried about this, it’s best to consult a doctor.
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