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Urethral Play (UP) is any play or activity, usually sexual in nature, that involves the insertion of toys or items into the urethra. The urethra or urethral tract is the membrane lined tube that leads from the external meatus (opening) of the male or female into the bladder. Its main purpose is the elimination of urine (urination) from the bladder. However, in the male it also serves as the delivery mechanism for semen and fluids during the act of reproduction.

Any time an object is introduced past the meatus and into the urethra, most authorities would consider this action to be of a medical nature (see urethral sounding or catheter), considering the delicate nature of the urethra lining and associated membranes. Any item not properly sterilized can easily introduce infection into this area, so the medical implications of urethral play must be taken into account.

For males who are interested in urethral play, the introduction of either soft or rigid items into the meatus of the penis (and further down) is quite thrilling. Items and toys, such as urethral sounds, are usually inserted down the penis to Cobb’s Curve (considered to be the "Safe Area" of the urethral tract) and can usually be easily retrieved. Other toys and items, like catheters, are introduced deeper and in some cases even into the bladder. Some items may even be allowed to curl several times or expand within the bladder in this regard. This action in the male seems to be directly or indirectly associated with simulation of the prostate gland and some types of bladder control (BDSM).

When these items are left in place for sexual pleasure or other activity (BDSM), and orgasms are allowed then special care needs to be taken. After either a male or female orgasm the bladder's mouth becomes very tight and removal of objects can be very difficult and may tear tissue. Usually, several minutes need to pass to allow slow removal of deep object or toys and usually some kind of urinary effort to aid in that process.

Urethral play is more common in the male homosexual community than elsewhere. However, its popularity is growing in other sexual communities.^{[citation needed]}

Note: Items should usually be introduced with plenty of lubricant, typically after sterilization of the items, and with use of latex gloves or other medical precautions.

Sounds - These are rigid rods typically of metal. Glass and Plexiglas rods have known to have been used as well but breakage of these can be fatal. These rods may be straight or have a slight curve to them (Van Buren Sounds), and are used for the purpose of prostate stimulation via the urethra. Each rod has a very smooth insertion end and may vary in both length and diameter. Some sounds known as "j sounds" have a curvature on the inserting end that is particularly useful for prostate stimulation. In some rare cases, longer rods or sounds can be threaded thru Cobb’s Curve and inserted all the way to the roof of a liquid filled bladder.

Flexible Tubing - In most cases, this is just standard medical catheters. However, other types of tubing have been rounded on the end such that some kind of liquid is introduced into the bladder as the tubing is inserted. Known cases of tubing over one inch in diameter and/or over six feet long has been successfully inserted and removed from filled bladders. One problem with curling tubing within a filled bladder is the fact that the tubing can intertwine and create a knot that can not be removed.

Rubber Toys - A wide assortment of rubber toys has been modified by Urethral Players for their enjoyment. Many consist of some kind of latex snake or worm bought from local sporting goods stores and modified with removal strings. Other smooth tipped rubber items may be found and used as well. Items entering the Unsafe Zone pass Cobb’s Curve always require some kind of removal string or method and then are still considered unsafe acts.

Micro Bullets – (Note: these are not real bullets.) These items are toys that are typically very short and have removal strings or covered wire coming out one end. The 3/8” micro vibes found in adult stores have been used after being modified with a bit of glue to provide extra strength to the wire end and seal out water. The "bullets" are typically slid down the urethra with lubricant and a finger to Cobb’s Curve for use. In some cases, the user may insert a finger into the anus and slide the item deeper--even into the bladder.

• Go Ask Alice!: "Cock-stuffing"
• BMEzine.com article with links to images of urethral sounds