Urethral sounding

This article is about the sexual act. For the medical procedure, see urethral dilatation.

Urethral sounding is the practice of inserting objects (typically made from metal or silicone) into the urethra for sexual gratification.^[1] Medical probes called sounds are often used, giving the name.

Urethral sounding
A Hegar sound being inserted into a male's urethra
Other names	Sounding, urethral play
ICD-9-CM	58.6
HCPCS-L2	Image

It resembles urethral dilatation, a urological procedure that uses urethral sounds to enlarge the inside diameter of the urethra and locate obstructions in the urethra, or as a treatment for urethral strictures, but is not carried out for medical reasons, nor typically with the same level of safety and hygenic precautions.^[2][3]

Practice

Urethral sounding can be performed on both the male and female urethra.

Risks

Urethral sounding can be considered as edge play because of its risks.

The insertion of foreign bodies into the urethra can present serious medical problems. If not conducted carefully, sounding carries a risk of irritation, tearing of the urethra, or urinary tract infection.^[4][5] Infections may become serious if they progress to the bladder or kidneys.^[6]

Urethral play

Urethral play can involve the introduction of either soft or rigid items into the meatus of the penis (as well as farther in) or vulva.^[7] Other toys and items, such as catheters, may be introduced deeper; in some cases even into the bladder. Some items may even be allowed to curl several times or expand within the bladder. This action may be directly or indirectly associated with stimulation of the prostate gland and some types of bladder control.^{[citation needed]} In women urethral sounding can lead to clitoral stimulation.^[8]

See also

• Urethral intercourse
• Urethral foreign body