Urethral Sounding 101

There's one thing we've noticed from running classes and workshops for the last few decades: talk to a room of people about "sounding" and you get a lot of questioning looks and shrugs. Once you start explaining what sounding is and what utensils we recommend using for this fun type of play, the next thing we hear is the sound of 30 legs slamming shut echoing across the room. And as sadists, we must admit that sound is pretty gratifying!

For many people, sounding is the final "cherry" they have left. That might be because there are some daunting aspects that can make people steer clear—whether it's fear of infection, concerns it will be painful, fears of incontinence, confusion about cleaning and sterilisation, and, for a lot of people, a lack of knowledge that sounding is actually a thing!

So what is sounding? Does sounding hurt? Why are people afraid of it? And if you want to give it a go, how can you do it in a safe and enjoyable way? We are here to share with you our knowledge of this little covered topic.

What is sounding?

Sounding is the practice of inserting stainless steel or silicone rods down the urethral passage of the vagina or penis (there's that echo!). With plenty of lube and a go-slow attitude, the gradual opening and stretching of the urethra can be an intensely pleasurable experience.

Your urethral passage has many nerve endings that are pleasurable when stimulated. Additionally, if you have a prostate, deeper sounding play can even lead to orgasm. When done right, sounding shouldn’t hurt but be strangely pleasurable – like an inside massage. Many enjoy the psychological thrill of having their “peehole fucked” by cold, hard steel sliding in and out, simply because it’s a little unnatural.

Originally, sounding started as a medical procedure – for instance, when a catheter is inserted to help drain urine. Over time, those undergoing the procedure discovered the enjoyable sensations and the practice crossed over into the realm of kink. Although technology has moved on in medicine, within the BDSM community, sounding has become more popular than ever.

Now there's a huge range of sounds and plugs on the market, generally made from silicone or metal (please don’t use glass rods or any other material!). They vary in length, width, ribs, and some offer vibrations or even electrical pulses. Some sounds feature a hole to allow for urination or cum, while others serve as cum stoppers.

Can people with vaginas sound?

Absolutely! Often it is presumed that sounding is strictly a penile treat, but vagina owners can also experience intense pleasure with pee hole play. Some plugs sold at Eagle Leather are intended for penises (recognizable by their lasso-type head ring), while silicone sounds and especially Hegar stainless sounds are perfectly shaped for vaginal use.

What safety precautions should I be aware of?

Because you are inserting a foreign object into your urethra, important safety aspects must be considered. Always wear gloves (latex or nitrile if you’re allergic) since your hands pick up a lot of dirt from daily activities. Keep some alcohol wipes handy to clean your genitals before play.

Ensure your equipment is hygienically clean by autoclaving your sounds between sessions. If you don’t have an autoclave at home, consider using a piercing studio service (like Piercing HQ). Boiling may help, but it is neither as effective nor as safe. When not autoclaving, make your toys "monogamous" to reduce infection risks.

Thirdly, always use single-use sterile lubricant to slide the rod into your urethra – only sterile lube from an unopened sachet is safe for this type of play.

Can't I just use something I have lying around the house?

No, absolutely not. Housewares are not sterile and may not be designed for urethral stimulation; they can cause painful abrasions or tears. Only use sounds built for this purpose and made from silicone or stainless steel, which can withstand proper sterilisation.

So, I'm keen to give this a go. What sounds should I start off with?

The easiest sounds for beginners are silicone ones due to their softness and pliability. However, if you prefer metal sounds, we recommend the Hegar Double Ended sounds. This kit includes eight sounds, each with two ends (one slightly larger than the other), offering 16 sizes in total – starting small for beginners and gradually increasing in size.

OK, I have my sounds. How do I go about this?

First, sterilise your sounds, put on your gloves, and have your sterile lube sachets and alcohol wipes ready. Keep one hand “sterile” (only handling the sounds) and use your other hand as needed – or double-glove and remove the top layer before handling sterile items.

Wipe down your genitals with an alcohol wipe to kill surface germs, then lube your chosen sound with sterile lubricant. Take a deep breath, relax, and gently press the tip of the sound into your urethral opening. With a natural lip at the entrance, the sound should slide in with mild resistance. If using a penis plug, many incorporate a taper that locks into place behind the glans. Secure with a cock ring for added safety.

Once comfortable, you can slowly slide the sound back and forth. Vaginal users might insert 5–10 cm, whereas penile users might only use the shaft initially to gauge comfort. Always ensure a portion of the sound remains outside to grip onto, preventing it from slipping too far inside.

If you feel pain or discomfort, stop immediately, remove the sound, and allow your body to recover.

For those more experienced, advanced sensations can be achieved with vibrating sounds or electrodes. For example, combining a urethral electrode with a butt plug electrode can send pleasurable pulses through your prostate – even enabling hands-free orgasms.

After your session, it is advisable to urinate as soon as possible. Urine, being sterile, will flush out any lingering bacteria or seminal fluids.

Any other advice?

Always enter any BDSM or sexual activity in a relaxed headspace and go slow. If you don't enjoy it at first, take a break and try again later – your state of mind can greatly influence the experience. A warm bath beforehand can also help relax and stretch your skin.

Stay safe and have lots of fun!