Curious about edging? Whether you’ve heard about it over a coffee catch-up or via your TikTok FYP, you’re here to find out more about edging — be that to enhance solo play or partnered sex.
From increased orgasm intensity to longer sex sessions, there are plenty of benefits when it comes to edging in sex or edging masturbation. But what is edging? We’ve spoken to the experts to answer all of your edging questions (including how to edge safely and whether edging is bad for you).
Now, grab your favourite vibrator — trust us, you’ll want it to hand — and read on for all there is to know about edging.
What is edging?
“Edging is the practice where you or a partner is brought to the brink of orgasm — either by someone else or themselves — then stopping or easing off before starting the stimulation again in order to prolong and/or intensify sex,” explains Annabelle Knight, sex and relationships expert at Lovehoney.
“There are four stages to your arousal: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. The first two stages — excitement and plateau — are where your body prepares to orgasm; your muscles will tense and your breathing will intensify,” she adds. “This is where you are kept when edging — as you refuse yourself access to that orgasm at the end.”
Knight continues: “As you start and stop, the pleasure intensifies; yes, you’ll need to have a great deal of self control to actually bring yourself back from the edge, but it should result in something truly explosive when you’re finally allowed to release.”
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The science behind edging
While edging is the term most commonly used, this sexual practice has plenty of nicknames, the ‘stop-start method’ is one, as is the ‘squeeze method’. You also might have heard people refer to edging as ‘orgasm control’. Whatever you decide to call it, the science behind edging is the same.
“During the build-up of sexual tension, the nerves in the genital area and the brain become more sensitive. This heightened sensitivity can make the eventual release or orgasm much more intense,” Knight says. “Edging prolongs this state of arousal, which may lead to stronger pleasure when you do eventually let yourself fall over the edge.
“After orgasm, the body releases prolactin, a hormone associated with the feeling of satisfaction and the refractory period — the recovery time after orgasm,” the Lovehoney expert adds. “By delaying orgasm through edging, you stop this early release of prolactin, which could allow you to experience multiple orgasms, or at least sustain a heightened state of arousal for longer.”
We’ll go into greater detail about the benefits of edging (and potential risks) later on, but for now, you can delight in knowing that more intense orgasms as well as increased intimacy are on the cards.
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How to practice edging
New to edging? No worries. There’s no right or wrong way to practice edging, but here are some helpful starter tips from Knight on how to edge in sex (and how to edge yourself).
1. Start by creating the right atmosphere. Whether you’re going to be edging solo or with a partner, you’ll need to be relaxed and somewhere you’re not going to be disturbed, and where you feel comfortable. If you’re playing with a partner, make sure you have a prior conversation about edging, and gain one another’s explicit consent.
2. With a partner, start with making out and engaging in foreplay, really building up the sensations between you and drawing out the pleasure rather than rushing towards the end. Once you’re ready, you can move onto manual stimulation with the help of a sex toy, and then even oral sex. Make sure to incorporate lube to reduce friction, and keep the pace slow and steady.
3. If you’re enjoying a solo edging session use your fingers or a vibrator to stimulate the clitoris or G-spot internally. For penis owners, you can use manual hand stimulation and try the ‘squeeze method’, which involves squeezing the head of the penis to stop ejaculation. Pay attention to the sensations in your body, and stop the stimulation as you feel yourself getting closer to orgasm.
Sex toys to help with edging
4. If you are stimulating your partner, pay attention to their body’s responses — are they starting to shake or is their breath quickening? Once you become familiar with their orgasm ‘tells’ you can stop short of sending them over the edge. Remember to be mindful of their consent, and if they ask you to keep working towards orgasm, you shouldn’t continue with edging.
5. If you do have their consent to ease off, disengage with the physical contact as they reach orgasm; sit back but stay in the moment. Physical contact may give them that release, but eye contact can help you stay connected and intimate. Wait for a few moments until the feeling of impending orgasm has subsided.
6. Ask your partner if they are ready to continue, and proceed with their consent. Repeat the process above, continuing with any kind of stimulation or penetration you have both previously agreed on.
7. Continue this process for as long as you both consent.
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Edging can be enjoyed during partnered sex or during solo sessions.
Benefits of edging
According to Knight, there are plenty of physiological benefits of edging. “One of the most well known benefits of edging is stronger and more enhanced orgasms,” she says. “By delaying climax, you allow the body to build up more sexual tension, which often leads to a more powerful release when orgasm does eventually occur.”
As for why that is, Knight tells us: “This is because the pleasure centres in your brain are activated for longer, releasing more dopamine and endorphins. So, when you finally reach orgasm, the experience can feel much stronger and more satisfying.”
And there’s more. “Edging can help to train the body and mind by becoming aware of and controlling the ejaculation reflex,” Knight says. “By practising the art of delaying orgasm, individuals can learn to better recognise the sensations leading up to climax and become more skilled at halting before they reach ejaculation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with issues like premature ejaculation, as it improves awareness and self-control.
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“There have been some studies that suggest an extended period of sexual arousal (without reaching orgasm) might cause a temporary spike in testosterone levels,” Knight adds. “While more research is needed to look at this in more detail and over a longer period, there has been some evidence to suggest that short-term abstinence from orgasm can lead to a brief increase in testosterone, which may contribute to heightened sexual desire, energy and vitality.”
Beyond the science, many Mumsnet users have shared their own positive experiences with edging. “I find that when I do cum after a few days of edging, it’s so intense,” says @thisismysexforumname, while @stephy1886 agrees that edging sex made her partnered sessions “even better”. Similarly, @ahobbyaweek says “edging and a slow build can keep me happy for longer.”
As well as increasing pleasure during sex, there are also mental health benefits to edging. “Edging trains you in self-control, which can improve patience, emotional regulation and even carry over to other aspects of your life,” Knight says, adding that this can help with mindfulness and improved sexual confidence.
The mental health benefits don’t end there, either. “Without the pressure to climax quickly, edging can remove performance anxiety, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable experience in the bedroom,” she tells us, adding that “the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin during edging can improve mood and help reduce stress and anxiety.”
If you’re edging with a partner, you may also notice benefits to your relationship. “Edging can lead to increased intimacy and communication between the two of you,” Knight notes. “Because edging involves prolonged arousal and often requires mutual understanding and cooperation, it can strengthen your emotional bonds and deepen the sexual connection between you two. The shared experience of delaying orgasm can foster trust and intimacy, as partners learn to communicate openly about their desires and limits.”
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Potential edging risks and misconceptions
As with most sexual practices, there are countless misconceptions and you might be wondering whether there are any risks to edging. ‘Is edging bad for you?’ and ‘Can edging cause prostate cancer?’ are just some of the questions we frequently see being asked on our Sex Talk board on the topic of edging. But, worry not, the risks with edging are low, as we’ll go into here.
“For people with prostates, frequent edging may lead to prostate congestion, which can sometimes result in discomfort or even inflammation. If you practise edging often, be on the lookout for any symptoms like pain or discomfort in your pelvic area,” Knight says. “For others, edging could lead to frustration or even physical discomfort. If the practice is taken to extremes — such as orgasm denial — or done too frequently, it might cause soreness or difficulty achieving orgasm later on.
“If you repeatedly engage in edging,” Knight adds, “it could cause some issues with delayed ejaculation or might make it harder to orgasm when you eventually do allow yourself to finish. This is more likely if edging is a regular practice for you, or if you're holding off for extended periods.”
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Knight says that, although unlikely, “in very extreme cases, excessive pressure or overstimulation of your sensitive genital tissues during prolonged arousal could lead to bruising, swelling, or even injury. While this is rare, it’s always good to be mindful of your body's limits, and give yourself a much needed break.”
In terms of misconceptions, a common one about edging is that it's only for people with a penis, when actually, everyone can enjoy it. Another myth is that edging is bad for you, with claims floating around on the internet that it can cause sexual issues like delayed orgasms or trouble getting erections. Some even suggest that edging can cause semen to ‘back up’ into the body, but this isn’t true.
If you’re worried about specific risks unique to your situation — if you/a partner is experiencing erectile dysfunction, prostate issues or pelvic floor dysfunction, or you’re taking certain medications, for example — then it’s best to speak with a medical professional before trying anything new in the bedroom, to be on the safe side.
What is the purpose of edging?
As we’ve already covered, edging is a sexual practice in which an individual or partner brings themselves close to orgasm before allowing climax.
The purpose of edging is to enhance pleasure by prolonging arousal, leading to a more intense orgasm at the finish line. This technique can also help with building anticipation and increasing overall sexual satisfaction by allowing the body to remain in a heightened state of excitement for longer periods.
Is edging safe for everyone?
For most people, edging is a safe and beneficial practice, but it may not be suitable for everyone. As advised, it’s best to reach out to a professional if you have specific medical concerns.
That aside, if you’re prone to frustration or psychological distress related to orgasm control, edging might not be for you. As with any sexual activity, listening to your body is important to ensure the practice remains enjoyable and comfortable.
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How does edging affect intimacy?
If you’re looking for better intimacy practices, look no further. Edging during partnered play can foster a deeper emotional connection, ultimately enhancing the intimacy you share.
By slowing down the sexual experience and focusing on arousal rather than immediate climax, partners may develop a stronger connection, better understand each other’s desires and build anticipation together. Remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
Edging can help enhance intimacy so long as both parties openly communicate
Can edging improve sexual performance?
The short answer to that question is, yes. But, it’s important to manage expectations — edging isn’t going to result in immediate, transformative sexual performance.
While edging can improve arousal control, orgasm timing, confidence and endurance, many factors contribute to ‘good sex’ beyond technique alone. Orgasms are great, but if you aren’t sexually compatible with someone, or comfortable, for that matter, then sex isn’t going to be as mind blowing as it can be.
As one Mumsnet user says perfectly, “I've had quick sex which has been amazing because we were just desperate to get at each other.... and equally wonderful hours of edging and teasing.”
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Are there risks to edging too often?
“As with any sexual activity, edging is meant to be explored and enjoyed, but pushing your body to its limits can result in some potential risks,” says Knight. “Repeatedly delaying orgasm can lead to desensitisation over time, so it may take more and more stimulation to reach the same level of arousal or satisfaction next time you play.”
It’s also worth noting that “frequent edging could cause you to develop a psychological association with delayed orgasm, which might make it harder to climax when you eventually want to.”
“If edging becomes something you feel like you have to do, rather than something you enjoy, it can lead to feelings of frustration or stress,” Knight adds. “The constant cycle of build-up and denial could negatively affect your mental wellbeing and your relationship with sex.” To that end, “it’s so easy to get caught in the cycle of ‘just a bit longer’ when edging, but this could end up leading to emotional burnout. Constantly focusing on sexual pleasure and control could become mentally draining, affecting your overall well-being.”
As for things to look out for if you’re edging with a partner? “If edging becomes a regular part of sex with your partner, but it doesn’t involve mutual satisfaction or communication, one (or both) of you may become frustrated or feel misunderstood,” Knight notes. “If one person wants to experience release while the other wants to delay it, this could cause tension.”
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The verdict on edging
When practised regularly (be it alone or with consenting partners), edging can be an enjoyable and tantalising sexual experience offering the opportunity for enhanced orgasm intensity, improved intimacy and greater confidence in the bedroom. While it won’t be for everyone — after all, nothing is! — you won’t know until you’ve given it a go…
About the experts
Annabelle Knight is the resident sex and relationships expert for Lovehoney
About the author
Jade Biggs is a freelance journalist with a decade of experience within the industry, interviewing leading researchers, high-profile influencers and industry experts in that time. Across her career she has worked with publications including Cosmopolitan UK, Refinery29 UK, Women’s Health UK and Glamour UK, covering everything from women’s lifestyle, beauty and health and fitness to sexual wellness and relationships.
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