“Edging” is a sexual practice that allows a person to delay orgasm. Some people find that this technique makes their orgasm more intense, once it does occur.

The practice usually follows this pattern:

• A person is stimulated almost to the point of orgasm (“the edge”).
• Stimulation is then reduced, so that the person does not actually climax. 
• Stimulation increases, bringing the person to the edge again.

The steps continue until the person wants to reach orgasm.

Men with premature ejaculation sometimes use a version of edging. When a man senses that he will climax before he wants to, stimulation stops for 30 seconds before resuming. This is called the stop-start method.

Another technique for men is called the “squeeze method.” When the man is about to climax, he or his partner gently squeezes the tip of his penis and stops stimulation for 30 seconds before continuing.

Edging is not just for men with premature ejaculation, however. Some men enjoy delaying their orgasm because it makes their eventual orgasm more pleasurable.

Women can “edge” by focusing on physical sensations during sex. When they feel they are about to reach orgasm, their partner can stop stimulation or change its intensity.

Couples who wish to try edging might want to talk about it first. It’s important to know what a partner likes or dislikes and get a sense of one’s sexual timing.

Partners should also be willing to compromise. One partner may want to edge for a long time, which can become tedious for the other partner. Knowing each other’s expectations can make edging more satisfying for both.