It’s proven to reduce stress, help you get to sleep and even boost your mood.
But one unconventional ‘self pleasure’ technique could increase a man’s risk of erectile dysfunction, doctors warn.
On TikTok, videos instructing social media users how to practise ‘edging’ have attracted millions of views, with a similar appetite for the method among Instagram users.
It involves ramping up sexual pleasure until moments before the point of orgasm, and then stopping and starting again.
Advocates claim it has multiple benefits; not only is it said to ‘intensify’ orgasms, but some say it can help men last longer in the bedroom. However, experts have now issued a stark health warning against it.
Edging could be increasing men’s risk of erectile disfunction, warns Dr Donald Grant
‘The technique essentially allows individuals to enjoy more arousal before climax,’ said Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.
However, he explains that prolonged exposure to edging could also have a ‘negative impact’ on erectile function.
Dr Grant explains that our bodies quickly get used to our habits including when it comes to sex and masturbation.
As a result, long-term use of the edging technique can make the body become desensitised to normal intercourse or masturbation techniques, and require delayed gratification in order to climax.
Although there is no evidence it will impact your sex life long-term, edging can certainly lead to penile discomfort and temporary issues achieving orgasms
‘This can have a lasting impact on men’s ability to maintain stimulation, making it more difficult to achieve or maintain an erection — a common sign of erectile dysfunction which may require treatment,’ Dr Grant said.
There is also an increased risk of injury from friction, as well as the chance of tears in the genital area due to ‘overstimulation’.
He warns that preventing orgasm can also lead to testicular tension, also known as ‘blue balls’, which happens when an erection lasts for an extended period of time without an orgasm. It can cause pain and discomfort.
It’s caused by pressure building up in the epididymis — which is the coiled tube that joins the site of sperm production. This can cause blood vessels around the epididymis to become congested giving the area a blueish-grey tinge.
Although it may be uncomfortable in the short term the condition does not cause any long-lasting effects and can be helped by allowing yourself to ejaculate, according to Lloyds Pharmacy.
‘Overall, like any masturbation technique or sexual activity, there’s a range of risks to be aware of,’ Dr Grant said.
‘Edging varies from person to person in terms of length and frequency.
‘I recommend managing how often this technique is used and combining it with normal sexual intercourse and masturbation techniques to help protect against desensitisation.’
He added: ‘With the increased risk of injury, it’s also important to use lubricant products to avoid dry skin and chafing.
‘It’s interesting to discover the potential erectile issues men can face when edging — with stimulation and blood flow both impacted in the short term.’
