What if we told you there’s a way to make your orgasms even more intense?
We can’t see you, but we’re assuming you’re shouting (or screaming?) yes! And edging is a way you can do exactly that.
Edging offers several benefits if you're looking to try something new or enhance your sexual and intimate experiences..
In our ultimate edging guide, we'll take you through what edging means, how to edge as a man, how to edge as a women, how to edge alone or with a partner. And you'll discover just how this technique could be the key to better sex.
First things first: what is edging?
Edging feels like it's everywhere at the moment, but what does edging mean?
Edging is the term given to the practice of pausing sexual stimulation just before you’re about to orgasm and delaying climax. The idea is that you get as close as you possibly can to coming, without actually tipping over “the edge”. Delaying orgasms can enhance pleasure, often through cycles of arousal and cooling down. Doing this repeatedly can build the pressure and excitement, so when you finally orgasm it’s a more explosive experience.
And the eventual orgasm? What can we say other than chef's kiss.
There’s a few reasons why people incorporate edging into their sexual play. From intensifying pleasure, lengthening the experience, as a way to tease themselves/their partner, or it can even be a kink. Many people explore edging to discover new aspects of their sexual experience and to improve the quality and intensity of their sexual encounters.
Here we’re going to break down its benefits, tips on how to add it in, and how our vibrators and lube here at Knude Society can help!
Benefits of edging for men/people with a penis
Trying or practising edging is a great way for men/those with penises to learn more about their arousal patterns and gain better control over sexual responses. Practicing edging can help men learn to control when they ejaculate and may also address issues like delayed ejaculation by increasing self-awareness and mastery over orgasm timing. Now doesn't that sound like perfection?
This is particularly beneficial if you experience premature ejaculation, as you can better control your body’s responses and teach yourself to delay orgasm. Edging can also help individuals achieve orgasm more reliably by understanding their body's responses and experimenting with different techniques.
Edging can lead to more intense orgasms — as the heightening and then delaying of gratification means the eventual release is more powerful.
There has been talk and research to see if edging increases testosterone levels, but while abstinence may cause temporary spikes, there is no conclusive evidence that edging itself results in a sustained increase in testosterone. As a result you can feel more connected to your partner/s, with this intimacy and act becoming a powerful source between you.
Benefits of edging for women/people with a vulva
For women edging can create a powerful exploration into truly understanding your body and discovering what brings you the most pleasure. Edging can also help you identify individual sexual triggers, allowing for better communication and confidence in sexual activities. The freedom in the act (which we know is a bit to get your head round) is empowering. There’s no time restraint, no rush to get towards orgasm.
In fact, because it’s the complete opposite, edging can provide that much-needed safe space for women to have the time to explore. Because most of the time, they feel pressured to come as soon as possible.
Focusing on the vagina and other erogenous zones can enhance the edging experience and increase pleasure.
In addition to this, if you struggle to orgasm, edging provides an opportunity to build and maintain arousal — which significantly increases your likelihood of coming. Changing positions during edging can also help manage arousal and make the experience more effective.
Heightened arousal also can lead to more explosive orgasms. With each “round” building on the last, so that when you do finally orgasm, its release is more potent and powerful.
Holy moly, can someone please pass us a fan?
How to edge alone
Edging alone, or solo edging, is a powerful way to explore your own sexual pleasure and gain greater control over your body’s responses.
To practice edging by yourself, start with masturbation or any form of self-stimulation that feels good to you. This could be using your hands, a favourite sex toy, or a vibrator. As you build up sexual stimulation and feel yourself nearing the point of orgasm, pause and stop stimulation for about 30 seconds. This is known as the “stop-start method,” and it allows your body to cool down slightly before you continue.
Pay close attention to how your body feels as you approach the point of orgasm. Notice your breathing, muscle tension, and any changes in arousal. What parts of your body are alight?
When you feel ready, resume stimulation, repeating the cycle of building up and stopping as many times as you like. This practice can lead to more deliciously intense orgasms when you finally let go.
Edging alone is a great way to improve your orgasm control, enhance your sexual health, and become more in tune with your body’s unique responses. Over time, you’ll learn exactly where your “edge” is and how to manage your arousal for maximum pleasure. Whether you’re looking to delay orgasm, increase sexual satisfaction, or simply enjoy a new sexual technique, solo edging is a fantastic way to explore your sexuality and boost your overall sex life.
How edge alone
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Edging starts and ends with feeling safe and relaxed. To perform edging effectively, create a space for yourself that’s warm and inviting and that doesn’t have a time limit. You want to use this all to yourself. Be selfish with it.
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Have your Glide lube on hand — whether that’s starting with it straight away, or adding it later to try out different sensations within your edging experience.
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Start getting hot and heavy with yourself — don’t dive straight in with a vibe or toy. Instead begin slow with your fingers, stroking and exploring.
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Just as you feel you’re about to go over the edge, stop everything. Take your hands away or slow down movements and change where they’re stimulating.
Bring awareness to your body: what were you thinking about or feeling at the point? Were you fantasising? Thinking about someone? Watching something? Take some deep breaths to connect with this.
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Start the process again, maybe this time introducing a vibrator. Each time stopping before that point of no return and taking a few moments to reflect like you did in step 4 and connect again.
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Repeat steps 3-4 as many times as you like until you reach your peak.
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Let go and ENJOY! Remember to enjoy edging as part of your solo sexual exploration, and use these steps to discover new sensations and pleasure.
Edging with a partner/s
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Like when you’re edging alone, edging with a partner starts and ends with feeling safe and relaxed. Create the space to set boundaries and talk about the process beforehand so you’re both on the same page.
Take this openness into the space you create for the both of you.
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Start to get hot n heavy with your partner in the way they love. Whether that’s oral, nipple play, clitoral, penis play, penetrative sex, sexual intercourse, etc…
Edging is about purely focussing on their pleasure, so the more you can take control the better. Let them fully immerse themself in the feelings you’re creating.
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Check in regularly until you’re sure they’re about to reach orgasm. Listen to their breathing, if they’re vocal take their cues.
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When you’re sure they’re about to come (if they tell you or you can just tell) stop all stimulation. Allow a few moments or minutes to let their breathing and body return to normal.
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Start the delicious process again, repeating as many times as you and they feel comfortable.
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For the final time, let that amazing orgasm come crashing down over them. Enjoy basking in their pleasure.
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After the orgasmic wave has passed — check in and see how you both feel. Ask yourselves questions like: how did you feel? What did you enjoy? What could make this better?
Practicing edging together, whether during sexual intercourse, penetrative sex, or other activities, can help improve mutual pleasure, control, and intimacy.
Overcoming common challenges when edging
While edging can be incredibly rewarding, it’s normal to face a few bumps along the way.
Especially if you’re new to this sexual practice or dealing with issues like premature ejaculation or delayed orgasm. One of the most common challenges is losing control and reaching orgasm sooner than you intended. If this happens, don’t worry! It's not a big deal or something to beat yourself over the head with.
Instead, next time try incorporating the “squeeze method”: when you feel close to climax, gently squeeze the top of your penis for a few seconds to stop stimulation and prevent ejaculation. This can help you regain control and extend your sexual pleasure.
Another challenge some people face is delayed orgasm or difficulty reaching climax, which can sometimes lead to frustration or reduced sexual satisfaction. If you find yourself stuck, try changing positions, switching up your stimulation technique, or introducing a new element like oral sex or a vibrator. Communication is key, especially if you’re edging with a partner, talk openly about what feels good and any challenges you’re experiencing. Remember, edging is about mutual pleasure and exploration, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
If you continue to struggle with sexual performance, premature ejaculation, or other sexual problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They can help you explore treatment strategies and address any underlying medical conditions that might be affecting your sexual health. With patience, practice, and a willingness to experiment, you’ll soon discover the many, many, benefits of edging. Including improved sexual stamina, more powerful orgasms, and a more satisfying sex life.
What's not to love about edging? Nothing, as far as we can tell.
But MOST OF ALL, remember, it takes practise — and that’s completely normal.