r/sounding • u/stainafoot Moderator • Oct 23 '20
Sounding F.A.Q. NSFW
note: I've reposted this because our head moderator BiFuriousDude has moved on from moderating. I will be expanding/revising this FAQ to answer more common questions in the near future!
These are some of the most frequent questions people tend to have about urethral sounding. Feel free to ask other questions in the comments if you have any, they may be added to the list later on.
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Why would anyone want to insert things in their urethra?
Urethral sounding originates from the medical practice of dilating the urethra using steel rods in order to resolve issues such as strictures. As it turns out, it can also feel really good. Whether you're in it for the mental stimulation of doing it or for the physical aspect of it, there's no invalid way to enjoy it. This community only encourages safe and smart play, however.
Does sounding hurt?
While it may sting a little after the first few attempts, sounding in a safe manner should not hurt. If you feel any pain, see any blood or feel anything is off, you should stop immediately, wash the area and take a few days break from sounding.
How do I sound safely?
Three main things must be considered when sounding:
1. Don't overdo it
Start slow! You don't have to use huge sounds right away, or ever. Listen to your body, don't force anything too big or too deep into your urethra, it may come in time and sounding doesn't have to hurt if you just take your time. Don't insert anything you may not be able to pull out! If you feel any pain in the following days, please consult your general practitioner or a urologist. They will not judge you and are here to help under medical discretion.
2. Sterilise everything
Use medical-grade steel or high-quality silicone sounding rods only, clean them with a quality sextoy cleaning solution before and after use, clean your hands and genitals before and after sounding. You should also use, if possible, sterile water-based lubricant. Silicone-based lubricant isn't as easily flushed out and may degrade most silicone toys. Be sure to pee afterwards in order to flush any bacteria that may remain inside.
3. Lube, lube, lube
There's no way to overstate the importance of lube in safe sounding. The more you protect your urethra from irritation, the better. Sounding without lube can lead to some tearing of the tissue, making it vulnerable to bacterial infections. In men, the walls of the urethra are coated with small glands that must be given some time to heal when disturbed, and in women the shorter length of the urethra means that bacteria can get to the bladder more easily. All the more reason to avoid scratching or tearing anything! As previously mentioned, water-based lube is the way to go, and a sterile certification is a big plus. For example, KY Jelly can easily be found in drug stores.
How does sounding feel?
Sounding is something that can give a multitude of different sensations, both physical and mental. Physically, it gives a sensation of fullness, not unlike how some people describe anal to feel aside from prostate stimulation. Mentally, many people report enjoying the thought of doing something kind of taboo, loving the sight of a sounding rod moving up and down the urethra, or even just imagining how deep it is going inside.
For people with male genitalia, sounding goes through the meatus at the top of the glans, which is an especially sensitive part of the penis. This adds a more superficial kind of stimulation to the whole. Additionally, reaching the prostate and bladder can give strong sensations thanks to all the sensitive tissue and the outer and inner sphincters, although this kind of deeper play is usually reserved to seasoned sounders as it may be more risky if not done well.
[Female input wanted for further explanations! Please submit your thoughts in the comments below]
u/dragonflymermaid said:
As a woman, I would like to add that as far as the feeling goes, for me, it is similar to having my G-Spot continuously aroused. The deeper the sound goes, the more aroused I am. I am definitely a squirter, so for me, having the opportunity to have the clit exposed, aroused as well as the G-spot AND the urethral tube, heaven...let the waterworks commence!
Is it okay to use this or that?
As mentioned above, safe sounding is best practices with tools meant for it. If you can't be sure of the material's composition, smoothness or cleanliness, it should probably not go anywhere near your urethra. Some materials are porous and retain bacteria no matter how well you clean it. Some materials are inherently irritating to the sensitive tissue or can lose small bits inside. It may be safe, but it also may not, so play at your own risk if you decide to go with it anyway.
Where can I buy good sounding equipment?
As far as steel and silicone sounds go, most sex shops should be able to provide some of the basic tools you need to get started. As mentioned above, sterile water-based lubricant can be found in most drug stores in the sexual health aisle. If you choose to order your equipment online, make sure to buy it from a reputable reseller to avoid any risk of lower-quality or bootleg products for which the materials or manufacturing may not be at the best standards. A list of some of the best resellers worldwide will be posted in the comments to this post. Feel free to contact the moderators to suggest new ones.
How do I stretch / go up in size?
Stretching is something you'll want to do slowly. While it may be a little scary at first, it's important to know that even just keeping your current maximal comfortable diameter sound inserted contributes to your progress. In fact, this may comfortable size should be where you stay for a good while each time you manage a new size. Just give it time!
If you really feel like it's necessary, as it may be for the bigger diameters, you can do some active stretching using .5mm steps increase sounds, tapers, speculums... Just make sure whatever you use is progressive enough for the process not to hurt unreasonably. Using good amounts of quality lube is especially important while stretching, as the pressure of the urethral walls on the sound suddenly increases, making it that much easier to tear the tissue.
You should wait a while after successfully reaching your new comfortable max, let the tissue settle down and heal and do some long and calm sessions, maybe going deeper and deeper with your new max diameter if you want to.
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u/shelvac2 Nov 20 '20
I remember seeing a video of someone injecting fluid and then ejaculating it back out. How can I do that safely? What do I buy?
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u/BoiPony Jan 04 '21
As far as i know, you cant really ejaculate what you injected in. What i know is possible that you use a thun silicone tube and fill your bladder with something that you like and safe and you can let that fluid out afterwards. That can be done safely but im not entirely sure what the correct method is.
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u/intimitate2003 Dec 17 '20
Almost every time i insert a sound i nearly cum only by the insertion. The penis ist soft and no other penetration occurs. Its like shock waves flooding me. But this happens only with a thicker sound. Anyone with the same experience?
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u/joey5519 Jan 21 '21
Yes when I go deep with a 12 mm sound I cum right away and the sensation is awesome. You can practice more but try going really slow.
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u/quarabs Jan 04 '21
does sounding make it to where having kidney stones not hurt?? genuinely curious LOL
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u/Wings0fFreedom Feb 12 '21
I doubt it. The reason kidney stones hurt is because of both their structure and their size. If you looked at one closely under a magnifying lens, you would see that it isn’t smooth, but actually a compounded mass. This mass is formed from hardened compounds in the kidney, most commonly calcium and uric acid, and hardens into spiky needle-like structures that stick out from its core. Obviously the bigger it is when passed, the more painful, so you might decrease the pain experienced by sounding but the spikes will still make it at least somewhat painful.
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u/Throwaway88122 Jan 14 '21
Is there a sub like this just for women? All I found was subs swarmed with men. I am more on the voyeuristic side instead of wanting to try it myself.
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u/Toonix101 Nov 01 '20
Why is it called sounding?
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u/stainafoot Moderator Nov 15 '20
Simple answer is that sounding is the act of using a sound. I would guess that the name is derived from things like depth sounding, but maybe not.
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u/Toonix101 Nov 15 '20
Thats a really late reply but thanks
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u/stainafoot Moderator Nov 15 '20
Hah yup missed your question so better late than never I suppose...
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u/tigerwedgewood Nov 26 '20
"Depth sounding" is an old nautical term for measuring the depth of bodies of water. "Sounding" is probably derived from that.
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u/dirt_stroker Nov 29 '20
what’s a good thickness for a beginner silicone sound?
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u/stainafoot Moderator Dec 04 '20
5-7mm is a typical starting size for males. Silicone can be more difficult to insert comfortably however, so be sure to use plenty of lubrication.
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u/dirt_stroker Dec 04 '20
oh i hadn’t thought about it being more difficult to insert but that makes sense. i’m kind of scared of the rigidity of metal and hurting myself
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u/flipinhagboy Dec 16 '20
How long should you wait between sounding sessions? For example, is it okay to sound multiple days in a row? Or, should you give your member a break for a few days between?
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u/stainafoot Moderator Dec 17 '20
That'll vary from person to person, but in my experience your body will make it pretty clear. When I try again too early it tends to be pretty uncomfortable, but there's users here who say they do it multiple times a week.
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u/ta941 Jan 15 '21
Hey there, I had my first attempt sounding but had pain less than half an inch in. I tried a couple of different angles but gave up after about 10 minutes because I couldn't seem to get it through.
I've heard you can injury yourself so I didn't try force it, but it was quite a sharp pain.
Any tips or info?
I'm using a 6mm silicone sound because I'm curved in a way that would make a metal impossible to use. Used a bunch of lube too. No lasting pain or burning the next day either.
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u/Birthdaysuit100 Apr 11 '21
I managed to get a larger sounding in today. When you are going with a larger one lots of lube helps. When you get in partway stop and let the pain go away. Need to sort of pushing your gripped dick up a little at a time then pull out a little and sort of fuck the sound till it feels comfortable going in and out. Then you are ready to go a little deeper. Then once you geet the sound in slowly pull it out and put it in using more lube and it will slide in and out nicely
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u/seink Nov 06 '20 edited Nov 06 '20
I have never dine thus before.i m male.
Whats the difference between a long sounding rod and a penis plug?
Can i stroke my penis while having the long rod inserted?
Do i just put a lot of lube on the rod and slowly jam it down my urethra?
Do i move up and down or do sideways when inserted?
Once your hole is stretched, woudbit return to normal if you stop? Would you start leaking liquids from havingbit stretched?
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u/_y4_b0i_ Nov 09 '20
I can't answer all these questions, but here's what I've got:
Can you stroke? yes you absolutely can stroke and even cum with a rod in your urethra
How do you do it? yes, apply as much lube as you possibly can while still being able to hold it, and you don't wanna so much "jam it in", as you want to let gravity pull it in while you guide it
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u/Insert_witty_title69 Nov 12 '20
I have a plug that i used to be able to put in with some ease but now it isn’t as easy I use other sounds as often as I can but I miss using this particular plug it has a hole to allow me to urinate I used to wear it for most of the day it was fun but now it take some effort to insert and I bleed a little from my tip not a lot but still worries me how can I fix this so I can use it again
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u/stainafoot Moderator Nov 15 '20
Sounds like you may need to do some stretching to get comfortable with it again. If you find it's painful be careful though, if it were scarring causing that it may be a bad idea.
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u/imaliveunfortunately Nov 22 '20
When was this discovered?
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u/ghandi001 Feb 07 '21
In Rome 2400 B.C. Emperor meatus phalllus discovered it while sticking papyrus reeds into his own meatus.
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Dec 04 '20
Saw just a small trace of blood no pain Should all be ok? A light sting at first then it was accommodating
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u/VerySmolRettiter Feb 07 '21
You should be alright if it was just a little bit of blood. This just means you've stretched the urethra a bit. Let it heal for a few days
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u/Zealousideal-Ad5970 Dec 10 '20
im happy to read that its safe but im scared really, its just so wack
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u/stainafoot Moderator Dec 11 '20
Certainly not conventional or for everyone - the taboo nature is part of the thrill for many who enjoy it.
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Dec 17 '20
[deleted]
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u/stainafoot Moderator Dec 17 '20
6-8mm is pretty typical - any less and the sounds can be a bit too pointy for comfort as well. Sizing isn't always consistent between sets though so keep that in mind.
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Mar 01 '21
I just ordered by first sounding kits from FortTroff.com -- they offered a beginners kits that was silicone but some people in the comments said they hurt more because they weren't as smooth as metal one. I ordered the metal ones. Here are the specs. It comes with four metal sounding tools - I'm assuming 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 & 9/10 for the four double-ended tools. I also ordered some sterile water based lube to go with it. I'll post on here what my experience is and if I'd recommend them. Based on everything I've read, the key is to go slow, feel/listen to your body, and if it hurts then stop. Also a little pain or burning while urinating for the next 24-48 hours after sounding is very common (in the beginning). Not sure if guys who have been sounding a long time have those after effects any more.
DIMENSIONS:
All plugs are double ended and have about 8 inches total insertable length with varying circumference.Plug 3 - Circumference: 3 mm
Plug 4 - Circumference: 4 mm
Plug 5 - Circumference: 5 mm
Plug 6 - Circumference: 6 mm
Plug 7 - Circumference: 7 mm
Plug 8 - Circumference: 8 mm
Plug 9 - Circumference: 9 mm
Plug 10 - Circumference: 10mm
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u/theLonelyFighter Jan 10 '21
My dick has a slight curve to the right, is it safe to have an erection with a sounding rod?
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u/adicktedtoit Jan 25 '21
I have a slight downward curve—kind of a prostate digger, if you will—and have no issue with 11” Pratt sounds (the middle 9” is ruler straight). Can get all the way in and out, even hard as a rock...which is good since I get hard just thinking about doing it again.
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u/PanickedSatanic Jan 27 '21
I started off on a 6 size sound and I'm trying to get to a 7-9 range for a plug that goes with my chastity cage. It helps keep me placed in it right so I'm really looking forward to using it but I'm having a very hard time trying to get to the 7 size rod I have. Been trying for weeks and I can't get it in after daily sessions. Any tips on getting to bigger sizes?
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u/GooberMcNoober Oct 24 '20
Wait, there’s medical reasons for sounding? For what?
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u/stainafoot Moderator Oct 24 '20
Besides more commonplace stuff like catheterization, it can also be useful for improving strictures.
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u/LusterBlaze Nov 13 '20
Thank you for this information! 😇
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u/stainafoot Moderator Nov 15 '20
All credit goes to the late (not really) BiFuriousDude. He is an encyclopedia of sounding info.
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Oct 26 '20
[deleted]
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u/stainafoot Moderator Oct 26 '20
That'll vary from person to person, but definitely invest in some sounds and sterile lube. Doing it that way leaves you much more open to injury / infection. I'd give it a few days to a couple weeks depending on how you're feeling.
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u/JJtravel200 Nov 26 '20
Question? Keep trying to post my sounding video, won't let me. Saying this subreddit does not allow vids. Can you let me know. Thanks
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u/JimmyLee61 Feb 02 '21
How long does it take for the stinging sensation to stop after sounding when urination. I stopped a while ago but for some reason ( I want to do this) I want to start again. I was using a 5mm beaded metal sound with a slight curve. It was about 8 inches long and could get it almost all the way in. Loved the feel of pushing it up and letting it glide back in. Just hated the stinging sensation afterwards when peeing.
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u/stainafoot Moderator Feb 03 '21
Depends on your body and how you sounded, but I've found that the feeling usually goes away after a couple days. Has it lingered much longer than that for you?
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u/JimmyLee61 Feb 03 '21
Only stings for a couple of hours after. Does it still sting for you still after many times?
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u/JimmyLee61 Feb 03 '21
I do love the feeling of the sounder going deep though. When I raise it up and let it slip back down is really different and pleasing
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u/JimmyLee61 Feb 03 '21
No only stings for a couple of hours then goes away. Does it sting all the time for you?
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u/kattyzee Feb 24 '21
How would someone go about this, with an extremely curved penis?
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u/Ejellow Feb 25 '21
Im by no means an expert but Chain Gang sells one that's almost like military dog tag chain. You might want to check them out
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u/kattyzee Feb 28 '21
I get inserting the objects, why stretching though, like progressing bigger and bigger?
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u/Ethan_doG_fOod_liD Mar 01 '21
So it's normal for it to sting when you pee after? I just moved from 9mm to 10mm and it was painful. Really scared me because it didn't happen with the other sizes except for 7mm (and that was just barely)
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u/Alformi04 Mar 12 '21
I heard you can experience incontinence because of sounding, is it true, if yes, there are any way to avoid it?
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u/fllwsfun Apr 05 '21
I actually surprised myself a couple weeks ago... was playing with a 5mm electrical silicone sound connected to a TENS unit. Sound on the positive, 2in pad electrode over my hole on the negative side. The sound was completely inserted past the prostate. Played for awhile with different frequencies and wavelengths. I finally hit a spot and had one of the most mind blowing orgasms I have ever experienced, accompanied by piss shooting about 8 feet away around the sound... after I recovered a bit, I found that I could keep stimulating and have multiple orgasms, sometimes a few minutes apart, sometimes just coming in waves. I kept riding that edge for almost five hours, and shot piss a few more times (I had thrown down a bunch of towels after the first squirt). In this case, it was entirely welcome, as I have nerve damage from diabetes that has caused me to have retrograde ejaculation for a couple years, so shooting anything felt amazing, and all went back to normal after rubbing a few out without the sound inserted. I believe that if you do it safely, with lots of lube (I use a 5in catheter syringe with about 10ccs of surgilube for a session, starting with injecting 5ccs initially, and applying more if needed) that sounding can help prevent incontinence by helping you focus on those muscles. My Kegels have become much stronger with just a few of these sessions.
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Mar 15 '21
Thank you all for the comments...I’m getting ready to start this journey. The more information the better!
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u/praguer56 Mar 23 '21
I just bought an 11mm sound to use to stretch my PA piercing hole. I wasn't thinking of using is for its intended purpose but now that I have it.... Is that too large to start off?
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u/Riskbreaker_Riot Apr 03 '21
so i'm trying to go up in size. i seem to be stuck at 8mm. i have a flexible silicone sound that's 9mm that i can use, but then can't get to the same size with a metal beaded sound, i think because the silicone can be compressed? anyways, i'm trying to stretch more and tried to use this thing but i think because it's only 2 rods it doesn't stretch me very well at all. wondering if anyone knows where to get one with 3 or 4 rods to stretch myself even more
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u/lilespanol Apr 08 '21
Tried the practice for the first time and didnt make much progress. Was mainly held back by a little sting but more so like a tingle close to the entrance of the urethra. Is that sensation normal and i just have to mentally break past it? Or should i just hold off and work my way further down?
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u/ajpringle Apr 11 '21
A year ago I got a hand job from a girl under the covers and I felt this great tingling feeling from it that I haven’t felt since then. She would never tell me what she did abs since it was under the covers I couldn’t see but after research I’m pretty sure she sounded me with her nail. How does that work with the nails? Can they be nails that have been done at the nail salon?And can I teach me new girlfriend it?
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u/closetedfemtrap Apr 13 '21
So a friend and I wanna do some deep sounding with the same silicone sound and were wondering if there is such a thing as a really long double sided silicone sound and where could be buy it?
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u/stainafoot Moderator Apr 13 '21
Sounds like fun! I always recommend silicone nozzles for anything silicone, but I'm not seeing any options right now without a flared end. Best of luck finding something!
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u/closetedfemtrap Apr 13 '21
Thank you for advice! I forgot to mention in the original question that I had already looked through a couple websites but thank you for looking! We were thinking of maybe commissioning someone on etsy to make one for us and it looks like we’ll have to. :3
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u/stainafoot Moderator Oct 23 '20
Where to find sounding equipment online
Please help me expand this list, write a comment below with your favorite reputable resellers!