While social media may make it seem like a lot of popular sexual practices are brand new, much of what’s practiced nowadays in the bedroom is ancient. Believe it or not, your ancestors were getting very down and very dirty: this includes pegging, cunnilingus, and yes, edging.
The act of prolonging an orgasm by suddenly avoiding it, edging is an exciting addition to your masturbation routine or partnered sex. It’s a way to lean deeper into the journey and process of sex, rather than being solely focused on the destination, or in this case, the orgasm. It also puts you in control of your pleasure, and consequently, in a deeper state of intimacy with your own body. An orgasm is only one way your body receives pleasure; the moments before it can be just as good, and edging is a way to extend that buildup. But is it safe to practice? Does edging affect sperm? Are women allowed to partake as well?
We’ll stop edging the topic: here’s a comprehensive guide to the elusive, mysterious, and downright enticing world of edging.
What is Edging?
The “edge” is the point just before orgasm. Therefore, the act of edging means reaching this point and halting in order to prolong pleasure, increasing sexual stimulation and stopping just at the brink of an orgasm.
And why would anyone want to do that? Isn’t the orgasm the best part?
Edging makes sex feel better for longer, and there are actually more benefits than you may think. Not only does the act help build confidence in sexual performance and drop you into the present moment, but it also increases the intensity of climax and reduces premature ejaculation.
The art of edging, either alone or with a partner, looks like:
- Starting sexual stimulation
- Changing the intensity or stopping just before orgasm
- Waiting for a short time
- Increasing intensity again
- Repeating these steps in cycles
If you have a penis, you can also practice the squeeze method, which involves squeezing the top of the penis before ejaculating and holding while the excitement slows down. You want to make sure you don’t delay for too long, as you could obliterate your arousal.
Can Women Edge?
Believe it or not, edging is not exclusively reserved for people with a penis—if you’re capable of having an orgasm, you’re capable of edging.
For those with a vagina, edging can be practiced by paying attention to how your body feels during intercourse. When you feel like an orgasm is about to happen, you or your partner can stop stimulation or reduce its intensity for several seconds. A 2014 study also suggests that females who edge during masturbation are more likely to achieve orgasm during partnered sex.
For those with vulvas, using a vibrator with with direct clit stimulation and utilizing the on/off button is an easy, yet powerful edging method.
Is Edging Healthy?
With an act so strategic, many wonder: does edging affect sperm? Is it a healthy sexual practice?
Luckily, the science shows that not only is edging safe, it’s also unlikely to cause any lasting side effects. While it’s normal to be concerned about edging potentially leading to epididymal hypertension, more commonly known as “blue balls,” the two are completely unrelated.
Edging is a generally safe sexual practice and could lead to a more intense orgasm for you and your partner, enhancing the overall quality of your sex life. Particularly useful for those who ejaculate prematurely, edging can also increase stamina and help ease some pretty uncomfortable sexual encounters.
But beyond all else, in a society that so loudly pedestals the orgasm and performance, edging is a way to enjoy the act rather than be nervous about how quickly and effectively you get there. It’s an invitation to be more mindful with you and your partner’s body, a grounding tantric practice that centers sensory over arrival.
