Pompoir

"Singapore grip" redirects here. For the novel, see The Singapore Grip.

Pompoir (/pɒmˈpwɑːr/ POM-PWAR)^[1], also known as the Singapore grip^[2][3], is an ancient sexual technique in which a woman uses her pelvic floor muscles, particularly the pubococcygeus muscle of the Levator ani, to rhythmically stimulate a man’s penis while both partners remain still. The practice emphasizes internal vaginal control to massage the penis with subtle, wave-like contractions, usually performed in a woman on top position.^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

In the cowgirl position, the man is passive while the woman takes the initiative (1906 illustration by Édouard-Henri Avril)

The term pompoir is the French transliteration of the Tamil city name "Pahmpur".^[9] Originating over 3,000 years ago in India,^[10][11] the practice was performed by Devadasis, female temple attendants skilled in dance and sexual techniques. It spread throughout Asia, particularly among elite escort communities, and was refined in regions like Thailand and Japan.^[12]

Pompoir vs Kegels

Basic Pompoir moves: Pulling and Pushing

A similar exercise, known as "Kegel", was developed in the 1950s by gynecologist Arnold Kegel. In 1952, he created exercises specifically designed for women experiencing urinary incontinence.^[13] While Pompoir targets the same muscle group, its primary focus is sexual mastery and pleasure.^[14][15]

Pompoir involves more specific control than traditional Kegel contractions, incorporating three primary motions:^[16]

• Pulling ▲ - Performed with the inner pull of the back vaginal wal, the same as a Kegel contraction.
• Pushing ▼ - Release of the front vaginal wall to create a downward pressure (unique to Pompoir).
• Squeezing )( - Uses the side vaginal walls to tighten around the penis (advanced Pompoir move).

Techniques

Pompoir techniques

The pompoir techniques are a combination of the advanced and basic moves:^[17]

• Sucking - literally sucking the penis into the vagina after only the glans has been inserted.
• Strangulation - squeezing the base of the glans penis with one of the three vaginal muscle rings.
• Expelling - to force the shaft of the penis out of the vagina leaving only the glans inside.
• Milking - massaging the penis in a manner reminiscent of milking, always using the vaginal muscle rings.
• Twisting - squeezing and turning the penis with the above mentioned vaginal rings.
• Locking - contract the vaginal muscles in order to prevent and literally block the advancement of the penis into the vagina.

Benefits

• Increased sexual pleasure: Muscle control allows for more intense and varied orgasms, including vaginal, G-spot, cervical, and uterine orgasms (according to anecdotal reports).^[18]
• Improved pelvic floor health: Can help combat urinary incontinence and facilitate childbirth by strengthening the pubococcygeus muscles.^[18][19]
• Sexual empowerment: Gives the woman greater control during intercourse, reversing traditional power dynamics.^[18]

Although pompoir offers many benefits, it should be practiced under the guidance of a pelvic floor specialist.^[20] Overtraining or performing these exercises excessively can increase the risk of incontinence or uterine prolapse, in some women.^[21]

Curiosities

There is a variant called Kabzah or "Kabza" (Hindi: कब्ज़ा, Urdu: قبضہ, Arabic قبضة), originating from South Asia, in which the woman also uses abdominal muscle contractions to stimulate the partner, who must remain completely passive. The term translates as "holder," and the sensation is likened to "milking." Women reportedly spend years training to master this technique, which is considered highly difficult and is associated with tantric practices to prolong and intensify intercourse.^{[22][23][24][25]}

The title of The Singapore Grip, a novel by J. G. Farrell, as well as its 2020 television adaptation, refers to pompoir.^[26] This technique is said to have been practiced by historical figures such as Cleopatra and Wallis Simpson.^[27]