Edging can be enjoyed during partnered sex or during solo sessions.
Benefits of edging
According to Knight, there are plenty of physiological benefits of edging. “One of the most well known benefits of edging is stronger and more enhanced orgasms,” she says. “By delaying climax, you allow the body to build up more sexual tension, which often leads to a more powerful release when orgasm does eventually occur.”
As for why that is, Knight tells us: “This is because the pleasure centres in your brain are activated for longer, releasing more dopamine and endorphins. So, when you finally reach orgasm, the experience can feel much stronger and more satisfying.”
And there’s more. “Edging can help to train the body and mind by becoming aware of and controlling the ejaculation reflex,” Knight says. “By practising the art of delaying orgasm, individuals can learn to better recognise the sensations leading up to climax and become more skilled at halting before they reach ejaculation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with issues like premature ejaculation, as it improves awareness and self-control.
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“There have been some studies that suggest an extended period of sexual arousal (without reaching orgasm) might cause a temporary spike in testosterone levels,” Knight adds. “While more research is needed to look at this in more detail and over a longer period, there has been some evidence to suggest that short-term abstinence from orgasm can lead to a brief increase in testosterone, which may contribute to heightened sexual desire, energy and vitality.”
Beyond the science, many Mumsnet users have shared their own positive experiences with edging. “I find that when I do cum after a few days of edging, it’s so intense,” says @thisismysexforumname, while @stephy1886 agrees that edging sex made her partnered sessions “even better”. Similarly, @ahobbyaweek says “edging and a slow build can keep me happy for longer.”
As well as increasing pleasure during sex, there are also mental health benefits to edging. “Edging trains you in self-control, which can improve patience, emotional regulation and even carry over to other aspects of your life,” Knight says, adding that this can help with mindfulness and improved sexual confidence.
The mental health benefits don’t end there, either. “Without the pressure to climax quickly, edging can remove performance anxiety, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable experience in the bedroom,” she tells us, adding that “the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin during edging can improve mood and help reduce stress and anxiety.”
If you’re edging with a partner, you may also notice benefits to your relationship. “Edging can lead to increased intimacy and communication between the two of you,” Knight notes. “Because edging involves prolonged arousal and often requires mutual understanding and cooperation, it can strengthen your emotional bonds and deepen the sexual connection between you two. The shared experience of delaying orgasm can foster trust and intimacy, as partners learn to communicate openly about their desires and limits.”
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Potential edging risks and misconceptions
As with most sexual practices, there are countless misconceptions and you might be wondering whether there are any risks to edging. ‘Is edging bad for you?’ and ‘Can edging cause prostate cancer?’ are just some of the questions we frequently see being asked on our Sex Talk board on the topic of edging. But, worry not, the risks with edging are low, as we’ll go into here.
“For people with prostates, frequent edging may lead to prostate congestion, which can sometimes result in discomfort or even inflammation. If you practise edging often, be on the lookout for any symptoms like pain or discomfort in your pelvic area,” Knight says. “For others, edging could lead to frustration or even physical discomfort. If the practice is taken to extremes — such as orgasm denial — or done too frequently, it might cause soreness or difficulty achieving orgasm later on.
“If you repeatedly engage in edging,” Knight adds, “it could cause some issues with delayed ejaculation or might make it harder to orgasm when you eventually do allow yourself to finish. This is more likely if edging is a regular practice for you, or if you're holding off for extended periods.”
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Knight says that, although unlikely, “in very extreme cases, excessive pressure or overstimulation of your sensitive genital tissues during prolonged arousal could lead to bruising, swelling, or even injury. While this is rare, it’s always good to be mindful of your body's limits, and give yourself a much needed break.”
In terms of misconceptions, a common one about edging is that it's only for people with a penis, when actually, everyone can enjoy it. Another myth is that edging is bad for you, with claims floating around on the internet that it can cause sexual issues like delayed orgasms or trouble getting erections. Some even suggest that edging can cause semen to ‘back up’ into the body, but this isn’t true.
If you’re worried about specific risks unique to your situation — if you/a partner is experiencing erectile dysfunction, prostate issues or pelvic floor dysfunction, or you’re taking certain medications, for example — then it’s best to speak with a medical professional before trying anything new in the bedroom, to be on the safe side.
What is the purpose of edging?
As we’ve already covered, edging is a sexual practice in which an individual or partner brings themselves close to orgasm before allowing climax.
The purpose of edging is to enhance pleasure by prolonging arousal, leading to a more intense orgasm at the finish line. This technique can also help with building anticipation and increasing overall sexual satisfaction by allowing the body to remain in a heightened state of excitement for longer periods.
Is edging safe for everyone?
For most people, edging is a safe and beneficial practice, but it may not be suitable for everyone. As advised, it’s best to reach out to a professional if you have specific medical concerns.
That aside, if you’re prone to frustration or psychological distress related to orgasm control, edging might not be for you. As with any sexual activity, listening to your body is important to ensure the practice remains enjoyable and comfortable.
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How does edging affect intimacy?
If you’re looking for better intimacy practices, look no further. Edging during partnered play can foster a deeper emotional connection, ultimately enhancing the intimacy you share.
By slowing down the sexual experience and focusing on arousal rather than immediate climax, partners may develop a stronger connection, better understand each other’s desires and build anticipation together. Remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.