It doesn’t have to be deep. There’s more to sex than jackhammering away at your partner, shallowing is an underrated technique that’s subtle but satisfying.
So, read on as we take a not-so-deep dive into this often over-looked erogenous zone
What Exactly Is Shallowing?
As you might have worked out from the name, shallowing is a penetration technique – whether with fingers, a penis, tongue, or sex toy – that focuses on the opening of the vagina and the first few centimetres inside.
It’s incredibly stimulating both physically and mentally as you’re ‘in’ but not fully, which builds anticipation for a supercharged sexual experience. It’s intimate and can involve other kinds of play, so it’s ideal for partners who struggle to climax together or through vaginal penetration alone.
Why Bother?
Did you know that most of the clitoris is internal? What you see (and play with), the Glans Clitoris, is just the tip. Not only are 90% of the vagina’s nerve endings at its opening, but the arms of the clitoris surround the opening, making the area super sensitive to strokes and light touches.
A study on female sexual pleasure found that 83% of women involved could orgasm more often, or experience an increase in pleasure when they used shallowing during sex or masturbation. But that’s not all! According to the Mayo clinic less than 1-in-5 women can orgasm from penetration alone, however, practicing shallowing can ‘teach’ your body to orgasm more easily from penetrative sex.
While the anus doesn’t quite boast the same numbers, it too is sensitive around the entrance so you don’t have to have a vagina to try shallowing. Like we said before, the delayed gratification and edging potential are well worth exploring.
Where Do I Get Started With Shallowing?
As with most new techniques, we’d recommend starting with your fingers – solo or otherwise – before involving a sex toy or partner. The key point is to take your time and enjoy it as an act of self-exploration.
Masturbation
Start by rubbing your fingertips around the opening of your vagina or anus. You can circle a single finger around the rim or lips, or trace the edges with two fingertips moving parallel either side.
When you’ve had enough teasing you can dip your fingers inside your body and massage the first few centimetres of your vagina or rectum. It’s similar to stimulating the G-spot, but without the depth.
Using lube throughout will make the experience even better.
Toys, toys, toys.
Using your favourite dildo or vibrator while touching your body will provide simultaneous pleasure, as well as a fuller sensation. The Treble Cleft‘s short shaft is perfect, and the rolling arm features strong vibrations that sits snug against your clit or perineum. However, something small like our Gentle Touch is better for teasing as you’re limited to ‘dipping’ the tip inside.
You can also combined shallowing with nipple stimulation to amp things up. Whether your like the pinch of clamp, or the gentle suction associated with a clitoral stimulator, you don’t have to confine yourself to phallic toys. The Womanizer OG comes into it’s own here. Not only does it feature suction that can be used on your clit or nipples, it’s stimulator head is insertable.
Shallowing with your partner
It’s a silly phrase, but shallowing during sex really is ‘just the tip’. Patience is key to maintain the gentle strokes, or rocking motion that builds their pleasure gradually.
Missionary is actually great for this as there’s the face-to-face intimacy that can heighten the aspect of being teased with penetration. Just like with your fingers, you only want to penetrate your partner with the tip of your penis, tongue, or sex toy or strap-on.
Focus less on thrusting and more on pelvic alignment (the Coital Alignment Technique). Also, keep your chest parallel to their shoulders with your hips close. Combine this with clitoral stimulation for all encompassing sensations.
Not just a warm-up, shallowing gives receiver’s a break from deep penetration – especially if their partner has a large penis. Mix things up too; shallowing works well in a slow doggy style, or for lazy Sunday morning spooning sesh.
It’s so simple! You might have been doing it without even knowing. What are your experiences of shallowing? Got any tips to share? We’d love to hear it all in the comments below!
