September 13, 2022

What is edging, and how does it work?

Edging is the simple yet enjoyable method of stretching out how long it takes to reach orgasm, for one or both partners. This method comes with a range of benefits and is growing in popularity. But what is the base understanding of this technique, and how can you give it a go?

In practise it’s simple. It’s brining your body to the edge of the cliff, and letting it hang there. Delaying an inevitable, and incredible fall.

An orgasm is just one part of how your body gets pleasure; the moments before it can be just as pleasurable, and edging is a way to extend how long that delicious buildup lasts. Understanding what edging is and how to do it for yourself opens up a whole other part of your sexual experience. The point of edging is to make sex last longer, extend the feeling of an orgasm, and make the orgasm feel more intense.

So what areare the benefits?

It can help you have an orgasm. For many women, trying to have an orgasm can feel like a lot of anxiety-inducing pressure. A 2014 study of 96 women determined that women who masturbate reach orgasm more often. Edging by yourself provides the opportunity to get to know your own body better and what really sets it off when it comes to pleasure.

So what areare the benefits?

It intensifies your orgasm. Harrison reports that edging and orgasm control often leads to more powerful orgasms and extended sexual pleasure. OMGYes, a website focused on bringing attention to the female orgasm, reports that 66% of women who edge have longer, more intense orgasms.

It intensifies your orgasm. Harrison reports that edging and orgasm control often leads to more powerful orgasms and extended sexual pleasure. OMGYes, a website focused on bringing attention to the female orgasm, reports that 66% of women who edge have longer, more intense orgasms.

It increases sexual stamina. A study published in the 2Journal of Sexual Medicine2 found that men last an average of 5.4 minutes before finishing during penetrative sex. In comparison, a 2019 study found that it takes women an average of 13 minutes and 25 seconds to have a real orgasm—almost three times as long. Edging can help partners get in sync. "Edging can improve male stamina, and incorporating the 'stop/start' method in the bedroom can help both partners achieve greater sexual satisfaction and enjoy longer-lasting sessions," says Harrison.

It increases self-awareness. Since edging is all about being aware of your body and what it's feeling, the practice can really help you be more present as a whole. "It can help to build body confidence and allow individuals both within relationships and out to tune into their bodies with a greater sense of self-awareness, incorporating mindful values and approaches," says Harrison.

Want to trytry edging?

We recommend giving edging a go by yourself first, then when you've got the hang of it you can introduce the practice to your partner.

1/ Grab your favourite sex toy: For penis owners, any kind of stroker is a good bet for edging. For those with vulvas, we recommend any kind of clitoral stimulation vibrator which can be removed quickly from your hot spots. Avoid internal stimulation toys, as these may be too difficult to remove/switch off when you feel your climax coming round the corner.

2/ When you feel as though you're going to come, stop what you're doing: It's a good idea to move your hands away from your body here, so you can really focus on how your hot spots are feeling in the moment.

3/ Start again: Repeat the process over and over, until you feel you can't possibly last any longer.

4/ When you're ready, let it happen: After 2-3 times, allow yourself to reach orgasm and enjoy the benefits of your patience.