Hey everyone, just looking for some general advice and suggestions. Sounding is something that's interested me for years and I finally decided to make the jump and try it.

I originally contemplated a set of metal sounding rods, but after reading some on it, I didn't want to spend a significant amount of money on something that I didn't know if I'd like or buy something really cheap, but of inferior quality. Seriously, the thought of a really microscopic nick or chip kinda didn't sit well with me. After some shopping around, I decided on this vibrating sound: https://a.co/d/3cboLXZ

Just got it today, unpacked it, cleaned it with hot water and soap, dabbed some alcohol on the cock head, lubricated the sound (I got the Mickelson individual one time use packets), and got to work. It went in with little effort, I made sure to use plenty of lube (I think), but after a few minutes, I could feel the sting and that was my cue to pause, stop and seek a second or even third opinion. I came and it stung a slight bit, peeing on the other hand....yeowch!

Is this normal for a first time? Did I use enough lube? Should I have done a smaller sound or even gotten a lube injector instead?

Any advice is appreciated! I wouldn't want to just give up after the first try, but the results are far less than satisfying😅