Reaching the big O can feel short-lived or even underwhelming when you are really in the mood. While people with vulvas are more likely to experience multiple orgasms in a short period of time than those with penises, both parties can spice up the fun by practicing edge. This sexual technique is essentially the biggest tease you’ve ever felt. Edging can even help people with erectile dysfunction, though they can always choose to take these male enhancer pills. Read on for answers to the questions: “What is edging?” and “How should I edge properly?”

Edging: What Is It, Really?

Edging is a way to get as close to climaxing as possible without overdoing it. “Edging is a way to delay orgasm by choice,” explains a licensed therapist at MysteryVibe. A plateau phase is part of the human sexual response cycle and is scientifically defined as an extension of it. It follows the excitement phase (foreplay) and precedes orgasm. Experts mention that edging is basically when someone extends their period of arousal to the point of being on the verge of orgasm.

When you edge, you are essentially building anticipation, and ideally, pleasure. Once you edge a few times, you will be able to completely surrender to a deep and intense orgasm.

Benefits of Edging

Okay, now you may be wondering, “Is it really that good? Why should I try edging, while I can simply go ka-boom with my orgasm?” According to many sexologists, urologists, and sex coaches, there are quite a few benefits to having suspense in the bedroom, including:

• A pleasure that lasts: It is still unknown whether edging has any medical benefits, but it certainly makes for a good time. Edging is quite a popular sexual technique for heightening intensity and pleasure.
• A more intensified orgasm: Edging can lead to more intense and powerful orgasms due to prolonged anticipation and arousal build-up, but there is little research to support this theory.
• A better understanding and awareness of the body: In order to gain a deeper understanding of one’s arousal patterns and sexual responsiveness, people can edge, which results in a better command of their bodies.

Taking your time and letting go of the pressure to orgasm allows you to fully appreciate your body. You can basically learn more about how it changes, how it moves through the sexual response cycle, and what works best. You might even surprise yourself.

The Best Ways to Edge

Regardless of your anatomy and how you prefer to achieve orgasm, one tip is universal: make sure your partner is transparent when edging with you. Communicating where your partner is in the arousal phases is also important to understand. After all, if you don’t know where they are in the sexual response cycle, things may not go as expected. But for those who have a penis, the best way to edge is to squeeze it or pick an area that is highly sensitive. For most men, this is just below the glans. Once you’re close to it, stop. The goal is to learn more about your own arousal patterns so that you can eventually control your tipping point more effectively.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe during partnered sex, or find negative emotions like distress, panic, or dread coming up, trust yourself to take a break once you’ve strengthened your relationship with yourself. Take a break from edging if you find it difficult to reach orgasm when you desire.