Sounding for Beginners: The Taboo Practice of Urethral Play
- Filip
- May 28
- 3 min read
In the world of kink, few things are as taboo — or as misunderstood — as sounding. Also known as urethral play, this niche fetish involves inserting slender tools (called sounds) into the urethra for intense physical and psychological stimulation. It’s not for everyone — but for those who get it, it’s everything.
At its core, sounding is about control, intensity, and pushing boundaries — both mental and physical.
What Is Sounding?
Sounding is the practice of inserting medical-grade tools (typically metal or silicone rods) into the urethra — the canal that carries urine (and semen) out of the body. Most often practiced by penis-havers, but not exclusively, sounding can be:
Sensory and erotic
Medically inspired (think: doctor play)
About power and vulnerability
For some, it’s about the feeling. For others, it’s about submission, humiliation, or body control. Some describe it as a “full-body” orgasm — a kind of pleasure that radiates from the inside out.
“It’s a mindfuck,” says Nils, a Berlin-based kink educator. “The first time I tried sounding, I didn’t even orgasm — but I was shaking with pleasure for hours.”
A Brief History
Sounding isn’t new. Originally used in urology to clear blockages or test for issues, the tools — often long, curved rods called Hegar sounds — eventually found their way into the BDSM toolkit.
Like many medfet (medical fetish) practices, the clinical roots give it that distinct mix of danger and intimacy. Add in taboo, and it becomes irresistible to some.
What Does It Feel Like?
The urethra has a surprising number of nerve endings, especially in the prostate region. When done right, sounding can trigger:
Deep, targeted pleasure
Heightened prostate sensitivity
Orgasms that feel “full-bodied” or longer-lasting
Some say the thrill is psychological — it’s not supposed to happen, which makes it so hot when it does.
Safety First: Read This Before You Try
Sounding can be incredibly rewarding — but it also comes with real risks. The urethra is sensitive and prone to infection or damage if play isn’t done properly. Always follow these basics:
Sterilize Everything – Use medical-grade stainless steel or silicone sounds. Wash with boiling water or hospital disinfectant.
Lube Generously – Only use sterile, water-based lubricant designed for internal use (like surgical lubricants).
Start Small – Choose a size slightly larger than your natural urethral opening to avoid sharp “edges.”
Go Slow – This isn’t a race. Listen to your body.
Never Use Random Objects – No pens, straws, bobby pins. That’s how infections — and ER visits — happen.
Pee Afterward – Flushing the urethra can help prevent UTIs.
Who’s Into It?
Sounding is popular in BDSM circles, especially among:
Submissives exploring body control or humiliation
Dom(me)s looking to push psychological limits
Medfet lovers playing out doctor scenarios
Sensation players wanting new textures, new highs
It's also got a techno-erotic side — a kind of cyberpunk vibe that’s all metal tools, latex gloves, and sterile seduction.
Where to Explore Sounding
Looking to dive deeper? These platforms and shops are known for safe, kink-positive education and gear:
Mr S Leather – High-quality sounding kits + lube
Extreme Restraints – Variety of sounds and medfet tools
FetLife – Urethral play discussion groups and local meetups
MedicalToys – Fetish gear inspired by clinical precision
If you’re more curious than confident, workshops at sex-positive spaces in Berlin, Amsterdam, or London often include intro-to-sounding segments.
Sounding isn’t about pain — it’s about power, precision, and feeling something you’ve never felt before. In a kink scene that’s constantly evolving, this fetish stays quietly underground — but fiercely adored by its followers.
If you're curious, approach with care, stay clean, stay safe, and maybe — just maybe — unlock a new kind of pleasure.
