Fetish defines the object of one’s sexual fantasies (a living being or an inanimate object), while kinks describe the ‘non-conventional’ practises that a person takes part in or fantasizes about. When considering either definition, both are typically viewed as diverging from mainstream societal norms.

Thankfully, in recent years, we have seen the world become progressively sex-positive. As a result, many fetishes and kinks are considered more ‘acceptable’ to talk about. Yet, still, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood by the general population. This is partly due to a diverse number of subcultures that can branch from a single fetish or kink, leaving outsiders uncertain of what it entails.

To help eliminate misperceptions and uncertainties on the topic, today, we’ve decided to delve into exploring urethral sounding, also known as ‘cock stuffing’ (when specifically referring to folks with penises). We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this fetish, as well as what someone who takes part in it is into.

What is a urethral sounding fetish?

Urethral sounding, also called ‘cock stuffing’ when referring to folks with penises, refers to the insertion of an object into the urethra (the tube that expels urine from the body) for sexual pleasure. As everyone has a urethra, anyone can participate in sounding.

This is rooted in medical terminology, where sounding refers to the insertion of probes — called ‘sounds’ — used to dilate the urethra to locate any obstructions that may be lodged there. A sound may also be used to open up the urethra on folks with penises receiving a genital piercing.

Common misconceptions

First of all, anyone can enjoy sounding as part of their sexual play, regardless of their genitalia! While ‘cock stuffing’ is often used synonymously, it only describes the act when it pertains to someone with a penis. That said, individuals with vaginas can engage in urethral sounding, too.

Not everyone who enjoys incorporating urethral sounding into their sexual play is into a feeling of pain or partakes in BDSM. The application of plenty of lube makes insertion more comfortable and less painful. In fact, if you are feeling pain (or numbness, swelling, or bleeding), it’s essential to remove the object.

How to talk about it with your partner

Curious about incorporating sounding into your sexual play with your significant other? It’s time to talk to your partner about your kinks and fetishes! Explain to them what sounding involves, why you’d like to try it (or, if you’ve already tried it solo, how you would like them to be involved in the insertion and removal process), and how you think it can make things more interesting for your sex lives.

Things to try

When it comes to inserting a sound, surgical-grade stainless steel or titanium, plastic, or silicone sex toys are recommended for use. Commonly between three to six inches in length (though that can vary), the girth (or diameter) of the object varies based on your comfort level. Not only can you experiment with different girths, but you can also try out varying combinations of texture, shapes, positions of insertion — you name it!

Are there risks to consider?

There are several risks to consider when it comes to partaking in urethral sounding. Smaller objects may become lodged in the urethra and become irretrievable without medical intervention. As well, sharp or jagged objects may result in tears and scratches within the urethra, potentially leading to infection and permanent tissue damage. With this in mind, bringing in bacteria into the urethra can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), while sharing unsanitary sounds with another person can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is why it’s so important to clean your sex toys properly!

How can I learn more?

As with any kink or fetish, there are plenty of online resources, including chat rooms and forums, dedicated to discussing urethral sounding. Here, you can talk about your fantasies, speak to others about what they have used as sounds, as well as seek advice on your concerns.

If you are apprehensive about the risks associated with inserting a sound into your urethral, we recommend speaking to a medical professional. If you prefer, reviewing peer-reviewed medical journals that have written about the subject is another option that provides greater anonymity.

After reading this, we hope you now have a deeper understanding of what urethral sounding is. The next time the topic comes up in conversation, we hope you will feel comfortable speaking about it. Whether it’s learning more about the fetish from someone who experiences it first-hand or educating someone who may be closed off to the idea, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.

Have you tried urethral sounding (or cock stuffed, for folks with penises) as part of your sexual play before? If you haven’t yet, is urethral sounding something that you would be willing to try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Fetish Friday: Sounding