Why ‘urethral sounding’ sex toys (also known as penis exploration) are the next biggest trend for men

Doctors have warned that American men taking part in a bizarre new sexual trend could be at risk of nasty infections, which could lead to permanent erection problems.

The kink, also called ‘urethral sounding’, involves inserting a small metal or silicone rod into the urethral opening at the tip of the penis – as this is said to induce extreme pleasure.

According to some retailers, sales of the rods themselves have skyrocketed since 2019 — and kits can be purchased at Amazon and Walmart for as little as $8.99.

Insiders say the craze has been popularized by men on social media talking about its benefits, as well as reality TV shows such as Netflix’s The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey.

But doctors have warned that swabs bought online could be covered in bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), potentially leaving men with long-term erection and urinary problems.

Patients who practice urethral tubes start by using a small wand – which fits into the urethra – before progressing to larger wands to ‘stretch’ the tube.

The rods are said to stimulate the inside of the prostate, causing intense feelings of pleasure.

But Dr. Joshua Gonzalez, a urologist in Los Angeles who has several patients who enjoy urethral sounding, warned people to be aware of the risks.

He told DailyMail.com: ‘I think one of the big issues with urethral sounding is safety.

“You want to make sure you sterilize the dipsticks.

“I’m pretty sure if you buy from Amazon or Walmart, these rods are probably not going to be sterile.”

Dip sticks should also be sterilized between uses, he added, and kept clean to ensure they are not colonized by bacteria.

To sterilize dipsticks, recommendations include placing them in boiling water for three to five minutes and adding an antiseptic, such as betadine.

In addition, if the rods are shared between people without being cleaned, they can transmit sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Approximately eight to ten million Americans are treated for urinary tract infections each year.

These infections can usually be treated with antibiotics, but in some cases they can lead to long-term damage, especially if left untreated.

Other complications of urinary tract infections include incontinence, a higher risk of bladder cancer and problems with the prostate.

Patients who have urethral tightening are also at greater risk of irritating the lining of the urethra, which can also cause problems with ejaculation or urination, experts say.

They can also damage or puncture the walls of the pipe. One case described in a medical journaltells about a man who developed a leaking urethra and bladder after inserting a pin into the urethral opening.

Dr. Gonzalez told DailyMail.com that urethral sounding is most common in middle-aged gay men.

He hasn’t seen an increase in the number of patients coming to his clinic, or in the number of injuries, but there has been an increase in interest.

He said: ‘This may be an unintended consequence of the internet, so those who first hear about it on TikTok may search and learn more about it.’