Edging: Definition, How-to, And Benefits - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeEverything you need to know about edging in sex

Medically reviewed by Lori Lawrenz, PsyD — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on May 22, 2024

Definition
Benefits
Side effects
How to
Is it worth it?
Summary

Edging is the practice of engaging in sexual stimulation to the point of climax before stopping and starting again. A person can perform it alone or with others, and it 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 building confidence during sex.

In this article, we discuss edging, how to do it, and whether it is worth trying.

What is edging?

Silhouette of two people kissing — Vladimir Tsarkov/Getty Images

Edging involves sexual stimulation and stopping just before the point of orgasm. The practice aims to extend a person’s sexual enjoyment for longer periods. It may also intensify the experience.

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. People may use it as a way to avoid premature ejaculation.

Someone can perform edging alone or with others. Anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can engage in it.

Benefits of edging

There are several potential benefits of incorporating edging into sexual activity.

Orgasm intensity

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.

Sex duration

People who experience premature ejaculation may find edging beneficial because it can increase the duration of sex before orgasm.

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 could also help improve them.

Sexual exploration

Edging can allow people to try new activities and ways of touching or stimulating one another. It can also help people build confidence in one another. Sex is sometimes a difficult experience for new partners. Edging provides opportunities for individuals to discuss their sexual interests and learn about each other.

Side effects of edging

Edging is unlikely to have harmful side effects and will not cause any ejaculation problems.

Anorgasmia

People should also be mindful of how they approach this practice. While it may help individuals 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.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

As with any sexual activity, there is a risk of infection. Sexual activities can lead to STIs, such as chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea.

It is possible to reduce the risk of infection from edging by using barrier metxhods of contraception, such as a condom or dental dam, and receiving regular sexual health checkups.

How to do it

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 activities 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 it while the excitement slows down.

A person needs to 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 affect the mood.

Discussing edging with a partner before starting is essential — the practice may not be for everyone.

Is it worth it?

Edging is generally safe and could lead to a more intense orgasm. It can also provide a way for partners 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 it and discussing it with a partner or friend can help someone decide whether to try it.

Summary

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.

Edging is generally safe, and a person can try it in different ways. However, it may not be for everyone. A person needs to discuss edging with a partner or partners before trying it with them.

Men's Health
Sexual Health / STDs
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ejaculation problems. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/
Herbenick D, et al. (2017). Women's experiences with genital touching, sexual pleasure, and orgasm: Results from a U.S. probability sample of women ages 18 to 94.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0092623X.2017.1346530
What is 'edging' and why might it be employed? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-edging-and-why-might-it-be-employed/

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Medically reviewed by Lori Lawrenz, PsyD — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on May 22, 2024

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