Urethral Sounding 101: What It Is, How to Do It Safely, and Tips for Beginners
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Urethral sounding is a kink that sparks a lot of questions. I remember the first time I saw it in porn, I was both terrified and curious. It took me years to feel ready, but I finally tried it last fall and now it’s one of my favorite kinks. Since then, I’ve taught several beginners how to do it safely and with maximum pleasure.
If you've ever wondered:
🔹 What is urethral sounding?
🔹 Is it safe?
🔹 How do you start as a beginner?
🔹 What precautions should you take?
You’re in the right place! Urethral sounding can be a deeply pleasurable and unique experience when done safely and with proper knowledge. This guide will cover everything you need to know—from the basics to expert tips on how to explore sounding in a safe and enjoyable way.
What Is Urethral Sounding?
Urethral sounding is the practice of inserting a sterile, smooth, medical-grade rod or dilator into the urethra (that’s the tunnel that carries urine out of the body). It’s commonly done for medical purposes, but in kink communities, it’s enjoyed as a form of sensation play, medical play, or even orgasm enhancement.
For some people, sounding provides:
🔥 Intense pleasure – The urethra is full of nerve endings, making the sensations unique and stimulating.
🔥 A new type of orgasmic experience – Some report deeper, full-body orgasms when incorporating sounding.
🔥 The thrill of taboo or medical play – The psychological aspect can be as appealing as the physical sensation.
🔥 Prostate play (if you have one) – The sounding tool can stimulate from inside of the prostate, providing a similar (but different) sensation to anal prostate stimulation.
🔥 Relaxing/satisfying sensation – You know that “ahhhhh” feeling when you pee? Sounding allows you to activate that same sensation, on demand, and with total control over the intensity. This is my personal favorite part. I feel the satisfaction of peeing without peeing.
Both people with penises and people with vulvas can engage in urethral play, though techniques and tools may vary.
Is Urethral Sounding Safe?
Yes, but only when done correctly, hygienically, and with the right tools. The biggest risks come from improper technique, using non-sterile objects, or pushing too fast. To ensure safety, follow these key rules:
✅ Use sterilized, body-safe tools – Medical-grade stainless steel or silicone sounds are best.
✅ Use a sterile, water-based lubricant – This prevents friction and makes the process smoother. Surgilube and DynaLube are two popular choices I’ve used before. And using a lube injector to lubricate the urethra before inserting the tool can make it a lot more comfortable.
✅ Prioritize hygiene – Wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap and rubbing alcohol. Sterilize your sounds by boiling them (⚠️ let them cool before inserting them into your body). And ensure a sterile environment. Use paper towels or disposable doggie pads to lay your tools on. Towels and other surfaces can harbor bacteria even after being washed.
✅ Go slow and listen to your body – Never force insertion. If you feel a pinching sensation: back off, add lube, and try again slowly.
✅ Reapply lube frequently – I’ve learned the hard way that these sterile lubes tend to dry out and create small crystals. Reapply fresh lube every few minutes to prevent micro scratches inside your urethra. You likely won’t notice the scratches till you pee later and it will burn! Not fun. Be proactive and keep applying lube.
✅ Know when to stop – If you feel pain or resistance, stop immediately. Try a thinner sounding tool. Or take a rest and try again another day.
How to Start Urethral Sounding as a Beginner
If you’re new to sounding, it’s crucial to start with the right approach. Follow these beginner-friendly steps:
1. Choose the Right Sounding Kit
Beginners should start with stainless steal straight or Hegar sounds. Steal sounds are easier to control and reduce the risk of accidental injury.
Avoid thin, flexible sounds when starting out, as they can bend too easily and cause discomfort.
I started with a 3mm-4mm stainless steal Hegar sound and now I like a 5mm-6mm.
2. Sterilize Everything
Before playing, wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap (I like to rinse mine with rubbing alcohol too), and disinfect your tools using medical-grade cleaner or boiling water (if your sound is stainless steel. Some silicone tools are safe to boil too. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).
3. Use Generous Lubrication
Lubrication is essential—choose a water-based, sterile lubricant for the safest experience. Coat the entire sound generously before insertion.
For extra comfort, use a lube injector to pre-lubricate your urethra. Don’t forget to disinfect the lube injector too.
4. Get in a Comfortable Position
Most people find that lying on their back or sitting in a relaxed position works best. The more relaxed you are, the easier the experience will be.
If you have a dick, it doesn’t need to be hard. In fact, it’s safest to do it your first time while soft. Once you get the hang of it and you’re more comfortable with your body, inserting with an erection is lots of fun too.
5. Insert Slowly—Let Gravity Do the Work
Gently place the sound at the tip of the urethra and let it slide in naturally. Never force it!
Some people find that lightly stimulating themselves can help relax the muscles.
6. Stop If You Feel Pain
If you feel resistance, pain, or discomfort, stop immediately. Pain is a sign that you may be going too deep or moving too fast.
7. Pee Afterwards
It’s important to urinate after sounding to prevent a UTI (urinary tract infection). A good rule of thumb is to pee within 30 mins of finishing your play. If you feel some discomfort from peeing that’s normal. A pinching sensation is ok, as long as there is no blood. If you still have any pain after 24 hours contact your doctor. If you see any blood, contact your doctor right away.
Advanced Sounding Play: What to Explore Next
Once you’re comfortable with basic sounding, you might want to explore deeper sensations:
🔥 Ribbed or curved sounds – Create additional stimulation inside the urethra.
🔥 Electro-stimulation (E-Stim) sounds – Introduce mild electrical pulses for new sensations.
🔥 Longer sounds or flexible catheters – For those interested in going deeper or even playing with urine control.
Always research and progress at your own pace!
Common Myths About Urethral Sounding
❌ "Sounding will cause permanent damage."
✅ Not if done correctly! With proper technique and sterilization, sounding is safe and has no long-term negative effects.
❌ "You can only do it if you're into extreme kink."
✅ Sounding is enjoyed by people across all levels of sexual exploration. You don’t have to be an experienced kinkster to try it!
❌ "It's only for people with penises."
✅ While more common among people with penises, people with vulvas can enjoy urethral play too.
Aftercare: What to Do After Sounding
After a urethral play session, proper aftercare is essential to avoid irritation or infection.
💖 Hydrate and urinate – Peeing after sounding helps flush out bacteria and reduces infection risk.
💖 Clean your tools thoroughly – Sterilize sounds before storing them.
💖 Check for any discomfort – A little sensitivity is normal, but prolonged pain or burning could indicate irritation. Contact your doctor if you’re concerned. If you see any blood, contact your doctor right away.
💖 Soothe with the right products – If you experience mild irritation, applying a gentle, antiseptic balm can help.
Final Thoughts: Explore Sounding with Confidence
Urethral sounding is a unique and deeply pleasurable kink that, when done safely, can open up new levels of sensation and intimacy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the key to an amazing sounding experience is:
✔ Using the right tools – Sterile, body-safe sounds only!
✔ Taking it slow – Let your body adjust naturally.
✔ Communicating with your partner – If doing it with someone else, always check in.
✔ Prioritizing hygiene and aftercare – Play safe and recover properly.
💡 Ready to go beyond reading and start exploring urethral sounding safely? Get expert coaching to build your confidence and ensure a smooth, safe experience. Book a private coaching session with me today. I’d be happy to help you safely explore one of my favorite kinks.