“Urethral sounding is a form of sexual play that involves inserting a thin sex toy, known as a sound, into the urethra. Proponents of this sexual practice claim that it can help heighten pleasure and satisfaction.” – Medical News Today Definitions
Urethra: The urethra is the tube that lets urine leave your bladder and your body. If you were assigned male at birth, your urethra passes through your prostate and into your penis. If you were assigned female at birth, your urethra is much shorter. It runs from your bladder to open in front of your vagina. In females, the urethra is roughly 1.5in in length. Males tend to average 7-8 inches and transport semen in addition to urine.
Urethral Sounds: A medical device used to maximize the inner diameter of the urethrImagea and locate any obstructions.
Why Do People Enjoy Sounding?
Most kits on the market are sized and geared towards males. There are several sensitive nerve endings available inside the urethra. If properly used, the sounds massage these nerve endings, creating and enhancing penile pleasure. Additionally, in males, the urethra passes through the prostate gland. If a person is able to insert a urethral sound deep enough, they may be able to stimulate the prostate.
Urethral Sound Benefits
1. Incredible Feelings: Urethral sounding offers pleasurable sensations so unlike external stimulation. Many men and penis owners claim it as their favorite type of sexual experience, even more so when it’s combined with external pleasure.
2. Expanding Sexual Repertoire: Urethral sounding provides a fresh and adventurous way to pleasure your sub. Additionally, it is a wonderful way to mind-fuck and play with the psychological aspect of unconventional body manipulation
3. Unique Sensations: Urethral play brings entirely new sensations that cannot be replicated by other means, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
4. Stronger Orgasms: With urethral sounds, orgasms can become more intense and longer-lasting due to the added stimulation.
5. Direct Prostate Stimulation: Urethral sounding allows for direct prostate massage, a sought-after technique for those interested in prostate pleasure.
6. Penis Enhancement: While not a primary purpose, some clients find that using urethral sounds can temporarily make their penis appear bigger and their erections stronger.
7. Building Intimacy and Trust: Urethral sounding as a shared experience fosters trust and intimacy between Domme/sub dynamics.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Urethral Sounding
1. Sterilization: Ensure proper sterilization before starting the sounding process. All sounds at both Studio Ludus and Studio Morta are washed prior to being placed in an autoclave. However, if one is not available sounds can be sterilized in a betadine solution to eliminate any potential harmful bacteria. Clean your hands, and put on nitrile or latex gloves before cleaning the clients outer genital areas with an alcohol wipe or iodine.
2. Position: Get them into comfortable position that allows easy access to the urethral opening. The client can stand, sit, or lie down based on your preference. Wipe down the sound with an alcohol wipe and place on a sterile surface. To start you’ll apply a generous amount of sterile water-based, chemical-free lube to the urethral opening and your sound. If they have a vulva, spread their labia to make access to the urethral opening easier. If your client has a penis, being erect may make the insertion more challenging due to tightening of blood vessels.
3. Insertion: Using one hand, gently spread the urethral opening, and with the other hand, guide the sound into the urethra. Take it slow and never force it in if you feel any pressure. Some heavier toys may glide in on their own, so be patient and let the toy find its way. If it gets stuck, gently shake their genitals or ask them to gently move their pelvic area to help move it along. If the sound is not going in as far as you'd like, don't force it. Instead, remove it gently, apply more lube, and consider trying a smaller or thinner toy. Most clients will be in the 5-8 range of the “standard” Flat Ended Sounds
4. Manual Stimulation: Once the toy is comfortably inserted, experiment with moving it in different directions to find what feels best and stimulates their nerve endings. You can gently move it in and out for added sensations. Additionally, massaging the genital area can enhance the sensations. For some unique experiences, you can use a vibrator on the penis or top of the sound. Avoid quick, jerky movements. Additional lube application will be needed to keep the movements smooth. Only move to the next size if there is no resistance and the client isn’t expressing pain or discomfort.
5. Removal and Clean-Up: When you are finished, remove the toy from the urethra gently and slowly. Take your time and stop if they feel any pain or discomfort. If needed, add more lube near the urethral opening during removal. Wipe the urethral opening to clean off lube and clean with another alcohol wipe. After sounding, it's essential to urinate to flush out any bacteria or remaining lube from the urethra. It's normal to experience a slight burning or stinging sensation for a day or two after the session.
Main Types of Sounds
Hegar Sounds
Diameter: 3mm-18mm
Ideal for male or female sounding
Typically made of 316L Surgical Steel
Rosebud Urethral Sounds
Diameter: 2mm-13mm
Designed for more sensual pleasure – great
starting point for beginners.
Length: 12”
Flat Ended Sounds
Diameter: 4mm-17mm
Insertable length: 7-1/2”
Easy to hold due to the flat end
Treble Sounds
Diameter: 7mm-14mm
11 inches (8” insertable length)
Gives more stimulation than Rosebud Sounds
Sounding Risks & Things to Consider
UTI from improperly cleaned sounds.
Sounds should not be used with anyone prone to/with a history of UTI’s.
An increased risk of sexually transmitted infections as sounding might create micro tears.
Use of too large or under lubricated sound could cause the following:
• Pelvic pain
• Obstruction
• Hematuria, which is blood in the urine
• Dysuria, which is prolonged painful urination
• Changes in urinary frequency
It is best to utilize a R.A.C.K (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) approach with urethral sounding. Communicate with your partner about aftercare requirements prior to your scene.