Edging: what is it?

This English term, which literally translates as "edge", may not mean much to you. And yet, you may have already practised it without knowing it! So what is edging, how does it work, and why give it a try? We explain everything right here!

Edging is a sexual practice — or rather, a pleasurable way to play with frustration. It involves pushing yourself (or your partner) to the brink of orgasm, then letting the arousal subside. The goal isn't to stop there, but to resume stimulation afterwards in order to multiply the intensity of your final orgasm. Terrifyingly intense!

Is it only for people with a vulva?

Not at all — whether you have a penis or a vulva, you can practise edging! The good news is that it can be done solo, as a duo, as a trio... in short, no limits other than knowing how to control yourself and knowing your body!

So, how does it actually work?

Solo

Get yourself in the right headspace: settle in comfortably, get out your favourite toys if you use them, dim the lights, put on some background music, light some incense... in short, set up your favourite masturbation setup.

Start touching yourself and let the pleasure build. When you feel an orgasm approaching, slow down or stop stimulation for a few seconds (for example, if you're using a sex toy, turn the intensity down as low as possible; if you're using your fingers, go more slowly). Don't hesitate to use your breath to channel and circulate the energy! By breathing deeply, your sexual energy will flow through your body and help you control your sensations.

When you feel that your level of arousal has dropped by half (the idea being not to cut off all arousal completely), start again with renewed vigour, then stop once more, and so on. Do this little exercise several times until you can no longer hold back your orgasm. At that point, let go completely! Congratulations, you've just given yourself an out-of-this-world orgasm! 🚀

Before sharing this experience with others, don't hesitate to try it solo first to understand how your body works.

As a couple

First and foremost, don't hesitate to discuss this practice with your partner beforehand, and you could for example agree on a word to say when you feel an orgasm coming so they can slow down the stimulation. Over time, your partner will probably no longer need that word, as they will have learned how you work and what your physical signals are.

Start as you normally would, and gradually turn up the heat.

When you feel that your partner is about to reach orgasm, slow down. If you're the one who wants to delay the orgasm, use the word previously agreed upon with your partner, or simply ask them to slow down.

As with solo practice, use your breath to let the arousal subside, then continue with gentle stimulation to gradually build your desire back up.

Repeat these different steps several times until you can no longer hold back!

Another possible method: masturbating in front of your partner so you can manage it yourself, at your own pace.

4 good reasons to practise edging 

• It helps you get to know your body, its mechanisms and its sensations.
• It multiplies the intensity of orgasms and therefore the wellbeing hormones secreted.
• Practised as a couple, edging builds sexual intimacy between two people.
• Edging is part of the slow sex practice — or how to make an encounter last even longer for even more pleasure.

You're all set to treat yourself to mind-blowing orgasms — good luck in your quest!