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Is edging healthy?
Purpose
Risks
Benefits
How to do it
Is it worth trying?
FAQ
Summary
Edging involves sexual stimulation to the point just before orgasm before slowing down again. It is generally a safe practice and unlikely to have any detrimental health effects.
Individuals, couples, or groups might practice edging.
A person can use the technique as a way to extend the duration of sexual activity, increase its intensity, or explore a different sexual activity.
This article discusses what edging is and any possible risks relating to it.
Edging involves cycles of increasing sexual stimulation and then stopping just before the point of orgasm. People can perform edging alone or with others.
The “edge” is the point just before orgasm. Individuals practice edging to reach this point multiple times during sexual activity.
Anyone can engage in edging, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
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What is the purpose of edging?
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Edging can serve different purposes for different people. It might also depend on whether someone is performing edging with others or on their own.
Anyone can use edging to increase the intensity of an orgasm or sexual experience. Others may practice it to make their sexual activities last longer.
Males can alsoTrusted Source use edging as a way to reduce premature ejaculation. Females can also experience premature orgasm and may use the method to help avoid this.
Some people may use edging to build confidence while engaging in sexual activity with others. It might help them learn about another person’s body and explore new things.
Are there any risks or health concerns?
Edging is generally safe and unlikely to cause any lasting side effects.
Considerations for females
One consideration regarding female edging is that a person may wish to know how long they can pause just before orgasm without losing arousal.
In Emily Nagoski’s book “Come as You Are,” Nagoski describes how every person’s sexual desire has both an accelerator and a brake. The accelerator helps an individual want to have sex, while the brake counteracts this. Every person has different accelerators and brakes.
Dr. Jennifer Litner, sexologist and founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness, explains how edging may influence someone’s desire for sex.
“If edging enhances pleasurable sensations, it could increase a person’s motivation for sex (an accelerator), Dr. Litner explained. “However, if edging leads someone to experience a loss of arousal, which is unpleasant, it could decrease their motivation for sex (a brake).”
For some females, stopping just before orgasm could cause them to lose their arousal or prevent orgasm. For these individuals, edging might not be a good fit. However, not every person considers orgasm.
