What Is Urethral Sounding?

To the untrained ear, this may sound like a type of double glazing for your home, but “urethral sounding” is nothing of the sort – though some might say it’s a window to some incredibly rewarding pleasure.

Originally, urethral sounding was used as a medical procedure and you may be wondering why this would be a pleasurable sexual practice but the answer is simple. The head of the penis is filled with nerves, as is the urethra, which feel amazing when stimulated. And who doesn’t want to feel amazing?

So what exactly is it?

Urethral play is the process in which a plug or probe (known as a sound) is inserted into the urethra to cause dilation. This play, or practice, is possible for both men and women as both sets of genitals are packed with nerve-endings. With that said, the majority of play is focused for people with penises as their urethral canal is much longer, and thus carries less risk of carrying infection to the bladder. Furthermore, one of the main reasons men find urethral play so exhilarating is because the infamous erogenous zone known as the prostate can be directly stimulated using certain urethral toys, resulting in incredible orgasms.

So, if you can understand the “why”, but can’t quite visualize the “how”, then keep reading.

There are lots of different types of urethral toys with different purposes. Some are specifically designed to cause stretching sensations, while others are dedicated to deep insertion and targeting that prostate gland. The types of toys used in urethral play can be grouped into two different categories: penis plugs and urethral sounds.

Many people considering dipping their toes into the pool of pleasure that is urethral sounding might be put off by the prospect of something as long as a steel sound going so deep inside them. That’s why penis plugs are a great first step.

Fear not, the penis plug is in no way the Jan Brady of urethral play. It’s certainly a wonder in its own right; it’s just not as intimidating as a “sound”.

A penis plug is a short, insertable item that is normally inserted into the first few inches into the urethra and works to stimulate the tip of the penis from the inside. Many are fairly slim, however some can be thicker than a sound, which can be great for giving that feeling of fullness that some men seek. While the feeling of a penis plug may be thrilling, and appeal to your adventurous side, it can also increase sensitivity, prolong erections and intensify orgasms during play.

Urethral sounds are much longer than penis plugs, and so have a much deeper reach inside the urethra, allowing them to explore deeper nerve endings and uncover brand new sensations. Like plugs, they come in different sizes and styles, but many will be long and have the purpose of internal prostate and bladder stimulation. Direct prostate contact can incur orgasms without any other kind of stimulation necessary.

With any kind of play, it’s important to do your research and make sure this is the right kind of stimulation for you. First timers should opt for a probe that’s size-appropriate for their level. A good option is the Master Series Silicone Cum-Thru D-Ring Penis Plug, as it’s small and flexible and perfect for first-time play. The base prevents over-insertion, while the soft silicone allows for safe exploration. (When you’re ready to level up, you can find more advanced options here.)


Anna Lee is a blogger and sex toy expert who writes for Lovehoney Australia. You can see a list of their best-selling products here.


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