Edging

Edging comes from the English word edge: it means getting close to the peak of pleasure and stopping just before, then starting again. It can be practised alone, as a way to get to know your own body better, or as a couple.

Tease and denial

In BDSM, edging often becomes tease and denial: one person decides when and whether the other will be allowed to reach pleasure. Permission may come at the end of the evening, the next day or not at all, according to rules set beforehand. It’s often combined with caging, small tasks or the opposite game, forced orgasm.

Why people enjoy it

Waiting makes everything more intense: sensations build up and desire grows. The person in control enjoys directing and being patient; the person being controlled enjoys surrender, discipline and the final reward. Many couples also use it to break out of routine and prolong intimacy.

Safety and consent

• Agree on the rules beforehand: how many times, for how long, and whether final release is planned or not.
• A safeword applies here too: frustration and pleading are part of the game, a real request to stop is not.
• Listen to your body: discomfort or pain that persists after play isn’t normal.
• Control extended over several days should be renegotiated often, because mood and desire change.

It’s generally a low physical-risk practice, but emotionally intense: a little aftercare and a chat at the end help bring it to a good close.