What exactly is sounding?
Sounding is a sex practice within BDSM. For those familiar with the scene, it might sound like a game involving sensory deprivation and music. However, it actually refers to something entirely different. This kink involves stretching the urethra. For this purpose, special toys are carefully inserted into the urethral opening of the Bottom. The English terms “urethral stimulation,” “urethral play,” or the somewhat cruder term “cockstuffing” are also often used.
When sounding, the stimulation is both physical and mental. Some prefer it as foreplay. Other than intense power play between Dom and sub.
For sounding, so-called dilators are used, long thin rods made of steel or silicone that are inserted into the urethra. They come from the medical field and are generally used to expand body openings. Other helpers have now become established in the BDSM scene, such as the sperm stopper or the prince’s scepter. These are designed for the penis.
Why do you do sounding?
The appeal behind it is simple: Even if many people find it painful to read at first glance, sounding brings joy to many people! Some prefer it as foreplay. Other than intense power play between Dom and sub. Basically, a distinction can be made between mental and physical stimulation.
Physical: Extremely intense stimulation. Because in people with penises, instead of just the outside of the penis, the inside is also stimulated when sounding. This unusual and attractive internal stimulation opens up completely new possibilities. If the dilator is inserted particularly deeply, it can even reach the prostate. Stimulating this is comparable to the G-zone in people with vaginas.
Mental: Sounding creates an incredible power dynamic through the shame factor and the mind game it brings with it. An overwhelming feeling of being at the mercy, of exposure, of humiliation. For most people, the thought of having something inserted into the urethra is not an everyday occurrence. This practice can also irritate the bladder. Voluntary or involuntary pee games are also possible with sounding. In addition, in people with penises, ejaculation is inhibited or stopped by the inserted object.
The stimuli for the passive side are diverse and numerous. But even on the active side, the exciting thing about this type of game is the power that is handed over to you by the passive person. After all, the person playing below cedes control of a physical need completely to the active partner. If it involves the penetration of a penis, for many Doms the practice is a special game of humiliation on the sub, since this organ is usually used for penetration itself.
How does sounding work and how do you play with it?
Sounding itself only describes the insertion of an object into the urethra. There are many options here. Medical dilators are the most popular. There are two types: dilators according to Haegar and dilators according to Bakes, which in turn differ in their shape. Haegar dilators are uniformly thick rods, while Bakes dilators are thin, flexible rods that only have a teardrop-shaped thickening at the end. With Haegar dilators, the expansion feels more drastic, but they are also suitable for longer wear. With Bakes dilators you can stimulate more actively and insert and remove them easily
Dilators in different sizes.
Photo: KatKristall
But so-called penis plugs such as sperm stoppers or the prince’s scepter have also become established. They are designed so that they penetrate the urethra and usually get thicker continuously towards the end. They often have a ball at the end or a ring that lies around the glans. The purpose is not only to penetrate the urethra, but also to stop ejaculate.
An improvement to these sex toys are dilators or plugs with vibration or electrostimulation that can be connected to an electrical device, or models that can be pumped up. However, these toys are more suitable for experienced players.
Another variation is the insertion of a catheter, which falls under the clinical play category. The tube introduced for this purpose can act as a dilator. It can be used, for example, to extract urine under duress or to flush the bladder. Naturally, pain can also be inflicted in the process. This play, which involves absolute control over the ability to urinate, is even more intense and creates a strong sense of helplessness.
What do I have to consider when sounding?
Sounding is not a play for beginners. The urethral area is incredibly vulnerable and susceptible to injury and infection. The most important thing is to only use toys that are intended for this purpose. While you always hear about a variety of practices or see in films how all kinds of objects are inserted into urethras, only those that can be boiled and thus completely disinfected are safe. Because hygiene is the most important point.
The biggest risk factors for urethral infections caused by germs and bacteria:
- dirty toys
- hands
Wrong lubricant. For sounding, instead of regular lubricants, syringes with sterile catheter gels are used, such as Endosgel or Instillagel.
- Stretching too quickly can cause tearing and other minor injuries
- Toys used may be too pointed or have too sharp edges
- Loose objects can be inserted too deeply and slip into the urethra
- * People with vaginas can develop bladder infections more quickly due to the short urethra
- Lack of hygiene
Also with sounding, a conversation about consent, limits, and rules must take place beforehand. This practice is very intense for the Bottom, both physically and mentally. Therefore, as a Top, it is especially important to be empathetic and attentive to your partner. Additionally, the reactions and needs of the Bottom must be closely monitored. Beginners should approach the topic very slowly, inform themselves about the correct techniques, and acquire some basic anatomical knowledge. Mentors and workshops can be a great help. And most importantly: if something goes wrong, be sure to call emergency services at 112.
Curious now? At our partner Orion, you’ll find a well-curated selection of the described dilators in various materials. From classic slim silicone models to start with to large sets with up to 14 pieces made of metal, featuring vibrations, ridges, or completely smooth… The possibilities are endless. Take a look and explore!
