Sounding

Sounds Good?
I often get questions regarding ’sounding’ or urethral play - most people want to know why anyone would want to do this. So I thought I’d write a little bit about the whole ’sounding’ (no pun intended) thing.  I suppose the most  simplistic answer is; “because it feels good!” but as with piercings, there is a lot more to it than that.

Discovery
Some people that choose to have a genital piercing will sometimes want to go a little further. I don’t really know if “further” is appropriate in this context, I don’t think it is. Let’s say that urethral play is a cousin, rather than a direct descendant of piercing. Many of the trans-urethral piercings, such as the Prince Albert, may induce new sensations in the wearer. These can encourage the recipient explore this new area of pleasure, further.

Of course, once having taken the biggest step of all (having a piercing) many people feel liberated and much more comfortable with the concept of urethral play.

First Things First
The most important thing is SAFETY there are two main risks/concerns when undertaking these practices:

  1. Infection - You increase the chance of a UTI/Bladder infection
  2. Urethral Scarring / Damage

Having identified the main risks we can start to think about risk mitigation strategies.

  1. Infection
    It is crucially important to ensure that the dilators you use are of a suitable type (more later) and that they are sterile. If you don’t have access to an autoclave (most people don’t) Then cleaning with a steret and then boiling in water should be sufficient OR washing with anti-bacterial soap.
  2. Urethral Scarring / Damage
    It may sound (no pun, honest) obvious, but you should really only insert suitable tools in to a urethra. I’ve heard of people using the most unsuitable things; Thermometers, pencils, cacti (OK I made that last one up!). Always use the correct size tool for the job! Below you can check out which tools are the best for your particular circumstances.


The Tools
Sounds (or Urethral Dilators, to use the proper nomenclature) come in a variety of shapes and sizes - lets have a look at the differences:

Sounds - urethral dilators

These are the most common dilators - there are a few more than the four I’ve listed here, but you’re most likely to find the above types, when you go shopping for one.

Henk
Dilators are also suitable for women, the depth of insertion governed by the ’stop’ on the shaft, therefore, quite safe; but may not be long enough for everyone

Pratt
Sounds are quite similar to the Henk above - without the ridge.

Hegar
Sounds are one of my personal favourites - they are suitable for men & women and they are relatively safe.

Van Buren
These are for the experienced ‘player’ very long sounds especially for reaching the male bladder.

These tools are typically made from surgical stainless steel and are highly polished.

Lube
Plenty of lube is also required for sounding - KY, Fist or similar is fine as long as it clean. You can’t be too clean when sounding :)

Time
REMEMBER: Take your time, use plenty of lube (as above) and never use excessive force when sounding.

Have fun and play safe!

Stu