How To Use A Cock Ring

How To Use A Cock Ring
Medically Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on December 16, 2020
Cock rings are rings that go around the penis and/or scrotum. They slow blood flow out of an erect penis and can help make erections harder and longer-lasting. Some may also have little vibrators to increase pleasure for you and your partner.
Cock rings are also known as penis rings, tension rings, and constriction rings. They may also be marketed as erectile dysfunction (ED) rings, but people without this condition may want to use them, too.
Soft and stretchy rings. These are the most common and generally the cheapest rings available. They are circles of a soft material, often silicone. They’re easy to use and remove. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit.
Adjustable cock rings. These use lasso adjusters, velcro, or other fasteners to allow the wearer to adjust the fit as needed.
Vibrating cock rings. These have a small vibrator attached. The sensation may feel good for men, but these are generally designed to stimulate a woman’s clitoris during sex.
Solid cock rings. These rings are only for very experienced users. Even then, you may want to avoid them. There is a danger of penis strangulation with metal cock rings that fit poorly, get stuck, or are left on too long.
Cock rings make sex more intense and last longer. Specific benefits include:
There are a few common misconceptions about cock rings:
They’re Only for Older Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Not at all. People with no medical issues use cock rings. They may want the erection to last longer, increase sensitivity, or add a new element such as vibration or texture for their partner.
No. Cock rings cannot help you avoid pregnancy in any way.
When you use them correctly, cock rings should not cause pain. The new sensation may take some getting used to, but if it hurts, remove the ring right away. It may be a symptom of something else or simply an indication that you need a different size or style of ring.
Pick a beginner-friendly ring, something soft, stretchy, and easy to remove. Use the least constrictive size that still stays on and helps maintain your erection .
Psychologist and sex expert Antonia Hall, in an interview with Cosmopol itan magazine, recommends putting the ring on while the penis is flaccid or only semi-erect. Use lubricant to make it easier to slide the ring on, and then continue stimulating the penis until it’s erect.
If you want to wear your ring over your testicles, Hall suggests sliding them in one at a time. Remember: the fit should be snug but not uncomfortable.
The best way to use a cock ring to help with ED will depend on your specific problem.
If you can get an erection but have trouble keeping it, you can try the cock ring by itself. If you struggle to become erect, you may want to use your ring with a penis pump.
After pulling blood into your penis with the pump, slip your ring around the base of your penis before you remove the pump. The erection should last long enough for sex. A little light bruising afterward is normal.
Because cock rings restrict blood flow, it’s important not to wear one for longer than 20 minutes. Start by wearing one for just 5 minutes at a time to give yourself time to get used to the feeling. If you feel discomfort, take it off immediately.
If you’re using the cock ring as a sex aid for erectile dysfunction, make sure that you’ve talked to a doctor about your symptoms. There are many health conditions that can cause ED or make it worse, including heart disease, diabetes, alcohol problems, and mental health issues. It’s important to get help for those conditions and not use a sex toy to mask the symptoms.
Also, consult a doctor before use if you are on blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder.
Do not fall asleep while using the ring, and don’t use it while you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol. It could lead to potential injury.
Allow at least 60 minutes between uses.
Remember that sex toys can transmit STIs . You may also risk other kinds of infection if you don’t clean them properly.
For most toys, water and a mild dish soap or antibacterial hand soap should do the trick. If your device vibrates or otherwise uses power, you may not want to submerge it in water, but make sure you get it fully clean with soap and a damp cloth.
For further instructions, refer to the directions on your sex toy’s label. At the very least, it should list the material, which may require special care.
Cosmopolitan : “Can You Use Cock Rings for Stronger Orgasms?”
Food and Drug Administration: Center for Devices and Radiological Health: “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: External Penile Rigidity Devices.”
Journal of Pharmacy : “Successful Removal of Metal Rings Causing Penile Strangulation.”
Mayo Clinic: “Erectile dysfunction: Nonoral treatments.”
Men’s Health : “How Penis Rings Can Help You Have Better Sex.”
Self : “How to Clean Your Sex Toys So You Can Use Them Safely.”
© 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Published on July 30, 2021 @ 03:32PM

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Gabrielle Kassel is a sex and fitness journalist who writes at the intersection of queerness, sexual health, pleasure, and sports. She is a CF-L1 CrossFit trainer and locally competitive athlete based in the greater New England area. Her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Health, Hello Giggles, Cosmopolitan, Well & Good, Healthline, SELF, Women's Health, Greatist, Bustle, and more. In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, or recording episodes of her queer education podcast, Bad In Bed: The Queer Sex Podcast.

'Cock ring' may sound like the name of the junk jewelry or boner bling you'd put through a Prince Albert (piercing). But a cock ring is actually a category of pleasure products — and a very underappreciated one at that!

Never heard of 'em or unsure how to use them? Not to worry. Below, three sex educators explain exactly why cock rings can be a fun addition to any sexual play involving a penis or dildo.

Let's start with a definition, k? Also known as pleasure rings and c-rings, cock rings are round (or oval) rings that are designed to either snuggly hug the base of a penis (or dildo), explains Taylor Sparks, erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven , the largest BIPOC-owned online intimacy shop. Some cock rings secure around both the penis and the testicles, she says.

There are cock rings available in a number of materials including leather, stainless steel, ABS plastic, glass, and ceramic, says queer sex educator and lesbian Marla Renee Stewart, MA, sexpert for Lovers adult wellness brand recommends. But the bulk of them are made out of stretchy silicone. And stretchy silicone is exactly the material you want if you're new devices (more on why below).

When worn on a biological penis, cock rings are designed to place slight (slight!) pressure on the vein at the base of the penis in order to (slightly!) restrict blood flow, explains sex educator Lisa Finn with sex-toy emporium Babeland . The point? More blood flow = stronger erection + more sensation.

Does this mean cock rings can help a penis-haver with erectile dysfunction stay hard longer? Yes, it does! However, says Finn, "if someone has issues with erectile function, they should check in with their doctor before jumping right into cock rings." Fair.

Vibrating cock rings have the added benefit of providing buzzy stimulation to both the wearer and the receiver. "The vibrating piece of the ring can be placed against the balls to stimulate the balls and perineum, or on top of the shaft to stimulate the receiver's anus or vulva," she says. For vagina-havers who need clitoral stimulation to climax ( and most do ), vibrating cock rings could be the difference between touching the O-zone and not.

On store-bought cocks (AKA dildos), "cock rings can be used to keep a dildo in a harness during strap-on sex," says Stewart. And vibrating options have the ability to transform non-vibrating dildos into vibrating dildos, sending buzz up and down the shaft that stimulates both the wearer and receiver, she says. Woo!

There's a misconception that cock rings are accouterments for P-in-V intercourse, only . But this is most definitely not true. Cock rings can be used during any kind of solo, partnered, or multi-partnered sex act that involves a penis or dildo, says Finn. Including: Anal penetration, masturbation, oral sex, hand sex, outercourse, and more.

Sparks adds that there are some cock rings designed for day-long wear, for kink and/or aesthetic purposes. A Leather Daddy, for example, might choose to wear a leather cock ring to a leather competition, while a Professional Dom might choose to wear a stainless steel ring to a sex party.

Yep! So long as they are used correctly. Here's exactly how to use a cock ring correctly.

1. Use a silicone ring for your first dozen uses.

The silicone used in cock rings is pretty darn stretchy, explains Finn, which means silicone-based cock rings are more likely to provide slight pressure for slight blood flow constriction, compared to more rigid metals.

Also: While there are cock rings that go over the shaft and balls, she recommends starting with one that only goes over the shaft. "It's the easiest way to start because it cuts down on the risk it will be too tight, and makes it easier to remove if it feels uncomfortable."

Looking for some product suggestions? Finn says her favorite three for first-timers are the Screaming O Primo Tux ( Babeland.com , $26), Je Joue Mio ( Babeland.com , $109), and Fun Factory Nos ( Babeland.com , $99).

"Silicone cock rings are one size fits most girths," says Finn. "But if you know you have a girthier shaft, buy a ring marketed specifically towards girthier shafts." For example: The Ringo Ritz XL ( Babeland.com , $15).

Another option is to try a bolo-style cock ring like the Toyfriend Buddy Ring (Babeland.com, $12) or JBoa by Vel'vor (OrganicLoven.com, $34), which allow you to customize how snug the fit is, she says. When adjusting one of these babies on your shaft, aim for "pressure" not "pain".

If you eventually level up to a metal or glass cock ring, you'll need to do a little measure-and-math. Start by wrapping a string around your penis, then measuring that length on a ruler or measuring tape to find the circumference of your penis, explains sex educator Bobby Box , co-host of the Bad in Bed: Queer Sex (Education) podcast recommends. "Cock rings are sold by diameter (not circumference)," he says. So, you'll need to divide that measurement by pi (3.14) to find your diameter. Then, when metal ring shopping, look for that diameter on the packaging.

3. Put it on before you're rock hard.

Ideally, you want to slide the ring down the shaft when you're flaccid or just semi-erect. "You don't want to put it on a penis that is above half-mass, unless we're talking about a store-bought penis," says Finn. Why? Because sliding the ring down an erency penis can create an uncomfortable tugging sensation, she says.

No matter the state of your peen, she suggests applying lube to both the inside of the ring and the shaft before trying to shimmy the ring down to minimize friction, she explains.

As a reminder: Silicone-based lubricant is not compatible with silicone pleasure products. And oil-based lubes aren't compatible with latex barriers. So opt for a water-based lubricant like Sutil Water Based Luxe Body Glide ( Babeland.com , $42).

Usually, people wait to remove the cock ring until after they've ejaculated and/or become less-hard. When the penis is soft, the cock ring will slide off pretty easily with a lil lube.

That said, it is possible to remove the ring if you're still hard! And you should do so if you're uncomfortable or your body is turning blue, says Sparks. "Always follow the signals from your body. Your body will tell you if the ring is too tight."

Good news: Doing so won't hurt, according to Finn. "Simply apply lube and slowly, slowly roll the ring back up the shaft if at any point the ring starts to feel uncomfortable." (It shouldn't need to be said, but please don't take scissors to the ring while it's on your shaft!)

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A beginner’s guide to the popular sex toy.
You've probably seen penis rings, a.k.a. cock rings , on the shelf at a sex shop or even at your local bodega. But you might not know that the cock ring is basically the superfood of sex toys : It pumps up your performance and enhances your pleasure in many different ways. And unlike other sex toys that require extensive preparation (e.g., butt plugs , masturbation sleeves , and anal beads ), you can easily pop on a cock ring within seconds and be ready to go.
A circular band that wraps around the base of your penis, a cock ring can not only make your erection bigger and harder, it can also help you last longer during sex and even help your partner reach orgasm. (Not to mention that it also feels pleasurable to have additional pressure and stimulation on your penis, and when you use a powerful vibrating cock ring, you experience a more full-body orgasm, as opposed to an orgasm that’s localized to your genitals.)
Regardless of the benefits of cock rings, some people with a penis may still be apprehensive about the prospect of sticking their members into a snug little hoop. ( What if it gets stuck?! What if I can’t orgasm with it on? ) So if you're curious about trying one, here's everything you need to know about how to safely use a cock ring, so you can take your sex life to the next level. (We also provided a few of our favorite recommendations, but if you want specifics on each cock ring and why we recommend it, head here .)
No matter what type of toy you use, they all work similarly: the ring traps blood inside the shaft of your penis, which helps you maintain an erection, says Brian Steixner , M.D., chief of urology at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center.
A tight-fitting ring at the base of your penis can also help prevent "venous leakage," a type of erectile dysfunction that results from tissues in your penis failing to properly lock in blood, Steixner adds..
Stressing about staying hard may prevent you from doing just that. "Erections require relaxation," explains sex and relationship therapist Chris Donaghue , Ph.D. Using a penis ring may help relieve some of that performance anxiety, Donaghue says.
A cock ring can also boost your confidence size-wise, says Taylor Sparks, erotic educator & sex goddess of OrganicLoven.com , a company that improves adults' sexual health and wellness through organic and eco-friendly products, sex-positive books, and educational seminars. "Men of all sizes can benefit from the additional blood in the penis, 'making their junk look bigger,'" Sparks points out.
Anecdotally, some men say that cock rings can help delay ejaculation by compressing the area surrounding the base of the penis and testicles, says Brandon Bartling, manager of the Pleasure Chest sex shop in New York City. Which makes sense: It's almost like a modified version of the squeeze technique , a common tactic to delay orgasm. There are also penis rings that have a second ring that wraps around your testicles. That second ring pulls your testicles down, which helps to delay ejaculation.
If your partner is female, she may need a little extra help getting off: only a small percentage of women can reach orgasm from penetrative sex alone . Vibrating cock rings can help stimulate your partner’s clitoris during intercourse, Bartling says. Other cock ring models have built-in "girth extenders" that make your penis feel wider to your partner when you’re inside them if that's something they're down to try.
Most of the time, yes. Just follow these simple guidelines.
You want the ring tight but not so tight that you feel numb.
"I recommend adjustable or stretchy silicone for novices because they are easier to adjust to your size," says Kara Emry, manager of the sex-toy store The Stockroom in Los Angeles.
This one is pretty important. "The penis can be permanently injured if the ring is left on too long," Steixner says. If you feel numbness, pain, or notice the skin changing color, remove it immediately.
It's smart to trim or shave your pubic hair before strapping on your new toy. "Nothing spoils the mood like unwanted pain from hair being pulled when putting on a cock ring," says Hernando Chaves , a sex therapist based in Beverly Hills.
These rings use Velcro, snaps, D-rings, or lasso-style adjusters to help you easily wrap on and remove the toy, says Emry. They’re worn underneath your scrotum and around your penis.
Usually made of a soft silicone, this type of ring is a closed circle that you stretch to wrap around your penis and under your scrotum.
"They’re a popular choice because they are easy to remove, but because they’re not adjustable, they may not be as tight as the wearer would like," Emry explains.
Vibrating cock rings feature a small motor that provides vibrating sensations for you and your partner. "Some men love the vibration, but mostly these are worn to help the woman achieve a more intense clitoral climax," Emry says.
Unlike the other rings on this list, vibrating cock rings are usually worn at the base of the shaft—but not below the testicles.
Stimulating her clitoris with a vibrating ring can take a little practice. You may need to stay deep inside her, working your hips from side to side instead of moving in and out, says Chaves. "Missionary and girl-on-top work best with vibrating cock rings when it comes to clitoral sensation," he says.
Solid rings are not for beginners. They’re worn at the base of the penis and behind the scrotum. Exercise caution before using one of these: "If a man uses one that’s too small for his erectile capacity, it can cause penile damage," Donaghue says.
When it comes to solid cock rings, Sparks recommends the Jnaja, from Vel'vor . "The Jnaja cock ring fits snug against the body, as it is curved, and fits around both the cock and the penis," Sparks says. "It also has a small 'tail' that stimulates the perineum with each stroke, giving him a much more intense orgasm. This cock ring is designed to be worn all day, but must be sized correctly." (Sizing instructions are available on Organic Loven's website .)
Some penis rings actually have two rings, one that wraps around the base of your penis, and one that wraps around your testicles. These rings are great for folks who like testicle stimulation during sex (or enjoying having their balls pulled lightly). These rings also are particularly helpful for delaying ejaculation because it pulls your testicles away from your body (and in order to ejaculate, your testicles need to retract into your body).
There are certain cock rings that connect to a butt plug. It’s a two-for-one deal! You place the cock ring around your base and then insert the butt plug for additional stimulation.
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