Edging: what is it?

You might not be familiar with this term, which literally translates to being on the edge. Yet you may well have already done it without knowing! So what is edging, how does it work, and why give it a try? We explain it all right here!

Edging is a sexual practice and a pleasurable way to play with frustration. It involves bringing 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 to intensify the final orgasm tenfold. Incredibly intense!

Is it only for people with vulvas?

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

In practice, how do you do it?

Solo

Get into the right mood: get comfortable, bring out your favourite toys if you use them, dim the lights, put on some background music, light some incense... in short, create your favourite masturbation setup.

Start touching yourself and let the pleasure build. When you feel the orgasm approaching, slow down or stop the stimulation for a few seconds (for example, if you're using a sex toy, turn the power right down; 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, helping you control your sensations.

When you feel your arousal level has dropped by half (the idea isn't to stop all arousal entirely), start back up with renewed intensity, then stop again, and so on. Repeat this little exercise several times until you can no longer hold back your orgasm. At that point, let it all go! Congratulations, you've just treated yourself to an out-of-this-world orgasm! 🚀

Before sharing this experience with a partner, don't hesitate to practise it on your own to understand how your body works.

As a couple

First of all, don't hesitate to discuss this practice with your partner beforehand; you can, for instance, agree on a safe word or cue to say when you feel the orgasm approaching so they slow down the stimulation. Over time, your partner probably won't even need this cue anymore, as they will have tuned into how your body works and your physical cues.

Start the way you usually do, and gradually turn up the heat.

When you feel your partner is on the verge of reaching orgasm, slow down. If you're the one looking to delay orgasm, use the agreed cue with your partner, or simply ask them to slow down.

Just like with solo practice, use your breathing to let the excitement come down and maintain gentle stimulation to build your desire back up gradually.

Repeat these steps several times until you simply can't hold back anymore!

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

4 great reasons to practise edging 

• It helps you understand your body, its mechanics and your sensations better
• It multiplies the intensity of orgasms tenfold, along with the release of feel-good hormones
• Practised as a couple, edging enhances sexual intimacy between two people
• Edging is part of the slow sex movement, or how to make sex last even longer for even greater pleasure

Now you're all set to enjoy mind-blowing orgasms—best of luck on your quest!