Doctors are warning a new kink called 'penis probing' can have nasty consequences for your health - and yes, it is exactly what it sounds like
After bedroom trends sploshing and gooning exploded in popularity online, 'penis probing' - or urethral sounding - is the new bizarre sexual practice on the block.
It's in the spotlight after being namedropped on Netflix show The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On.
For the more squeamish blokes reading this, you might want to click away now.
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As the latter word hints, penis probing involves popping a foreign object - usually a silicone or metal rod - inside the top of the penis.
Yep, it does sound like a grim medical procedure, but some people do it for fun apparently.
The kink cropped up on dating show The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, when one of the participants James Morris mentioned a 'sounding rod' - before quickly clarifying this isn't something he's into himself.
That might be a good thing, as medics have warned there are health risks from shoving a rod up your privates.
Dr Joshua Gonzalez, a urologist in Los Angeles who has several patients who enjoy urethral sounding, has a warning to men thinking of giving penis probing a go.
He told the Daily Mail: "I think one of the big issues with urethral sounding is safety.
"You want to make sure you are sterilising the sounding rods.
"I am pretty sure that if you are buying from Amazon or Walmart, these rods are likely not coming sterile."
The rods have the potential to be coated in bacteria and other nasties, which could trigger urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If you are set on using such a rod, it is advised you sterilise between each use and store in a clean area so they don't breed bacteria while sitting unused.
Dr Gonzalez recommends placing them in boiling water for three to five minutes and adding an antiseptic, such as betadine.
WebMD says: "There’s variability in the techniques and types of tools people use in recreational urethral sounding.
"This puts them at risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethral strictures, loss of the foreign body, and healthcare expenditures.
"Most who end up in the hospital complain of their inability to remove the objects after becoming lodged in their genital cavities."
Well, that certainly sounds like an embarrassing trip to A&E.
The website continued: "Fortunately, the simple act of seeking medical attention in good time reduces the risk of developing significant complications, especially in individuals without mental health disorders.
"Unfortunately, some repeatedly injure themselves for sexual gratification, much to the frustration of their healthcare providers."
Concerning complications have included penile necrosis, fistulae wounds, and perforation.
It goes without saying that you should immediately seek medical attention if you partake and it goes wrong, no matter how mortified you feel.
Topics: Sex Education, Sex and Relationships, US News, UK News, Health
Tom Earnshaw