How To Use Penis Ring

How To Use Penis 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.

How an Erectile Dysfunction Ring Can Help Erectile Dysfunction

Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

Dennis Sifris, MD, is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. James Myhre is an American journalist and HIV educator.

Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .

Medically reviewed by
Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

Learn about our
Medical Expert Board

Is the erectile dysfunction ring safe?

How do you choose an erectile dysfunction ring?

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

How the Male Reproductive System Works

How to Use a Penis Pump for Erectile Dysfunction

The Anatomy and Function of the Penis

Can Exercise Increase Your Penis Size? Why You Should Be Skeptical!

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men

Shock Wave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

Could a High Blood Pressure Medication Boost Your Sex Life?

Do Statin Drugs Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction Cream: What You Need To Know

Does No Morning Wood Mean Erectile Dysfunction?

How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

Can Erectile Dysfunction Related to Diabetes Be Reversed?

Causes of Temporary Erectile Dysfunction

Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

Verywell Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, is a board-certified urologist and Chief of Surgery at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

The first treatments that tend to come to mind when you talk about erectile dysfunction (ED) are drugs like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) . But several nondrug options can also help improve erections either on their own or with other ED treatments.

This article explores one such option, called an erectile dysfunction ring, that may be useful in people with mild ED or those in whom ED drugs are either ineffective or cannot be used . The article also lists the possible risks of ED rings and the people who should not use them.

Marco Verch / Flickr Creative Commons license 2.0 generic

An erectile dysfunction ring is an elastic or solid band that fits around the base of the penis to help maintain an erection. Also known as a penile ring, tension ring, or "cock ring," it helps treat ED by preventing the backflow of blood from the penis when it is erect. By doing so, both the quality and duration of an erection can be improved. 1

Some people with mild ED may benefit from using an ED ring on its own or with a device called a vacuum pump ("penis pump") that draws blood into the penis using suction.

Others may use ED rings as part of a holistic treatment plan involving ED medications called PDE5 inhibitors , lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise and weight loss), counseling , injectable drugs like Caverject (alprostadil) , and testosterone replacement therapy . 2

Erectile dysfunction, formerly known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. It is a condition that commonly affects people over the age of 40. The risk increases with age, with around 40 percent affected by age 40 and nearly 70 percent affected by age 70. 3

There are many possible causes of ED, many of which are aging-related and others of which are not . It is not uncommon for several different conditions to contribute to ED.

Causes and risk factors of ED include: 2

ED rings can help treat certain aspects of erectile dysfunction, namely those affecting blood flow to the penis (such as high blood pressure or vascular disease) or the entrapment of blood once the penis is engorged (such as penile trauma and Peyronie's disease). 1 They may not be as useful if ED is due to a neurological, hormonal, or psychological cause. 1

An erection is a complex physiological response involving nerves, hormones, blood vessels, connective tissues, and smooth muscles.

The penis itself is comprised of two tube-like structures, called the corpora cavernosa , that run the length of the penis and become engorged with blood during an erection.

To prevent the backflow of blood, a band of fiber near the base of the penis called the tunica albuginea will tighten, capturing blood that would otherwise escape. When sexual arousal has passed, the tunica albuginea will relax and the penis will return to its flaccid state. 4

In people with ED, the flow of blood into the corpora cavernosa may be impaired and/or the tunica albuginea may become less efficient. 2 An ED ring can help overcome both of these issues. Even if the blood flow is reduced, any blood that enters the penis will become trapped as the base of the penis begins to swell and becomes compressed by the ring. 1

ED rings work by supporting the tunica albuginea, which tends to thicken and harden with age and become less efficient. 5 It can do the same if the tunica albuginea becomes lax, such as can occur with Peyronie's disease or penile trauma. 6

Erectile dysfunction rings are popular options for people with ED in that they don't require a prescription or a doctor's visit. They are relatively cheap, reusable, and can be easily found online or in adult sex shops.

There are both soft and hard ED rings made with different materials, including silicone, rubber, neoprene, leather, plastic, or metal. Many are designed as solid rings of various thicknesses and circumferences. Others are adjustable types and held in place with snaps, velcro, or other fasteners.

There are also variations that not only fit around the base of the penis but have a second attached ring, sometimes called a "ball stretcher," that is worn around the base of the scrotum . This additional attachment is said to enhance erections.

There are also vibrating rings that can be stimulating for both male and female partners. Lasso-type rings are long pieces of cord, often made of leather or rubber, that are held in place by a neck bandanna-type ring.

The choice of ED ring is largely a personal one. With that said, solid rings need to be properly sized so that they are comfortable and neither too tight nor too loose when you get an erection. This is less of a concern with adjustable rings or soft silicone rings that are stretchy.

Before use, some people will "manscape" the area around the base of the penis, shaving away excess hair so that they don't get snagged as you put on the device. It can also reduce irritation and chafing if you are especially hairy.

Because the design of ED rings can vary, follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the ring is put on and worn correctly. This can reduce the risk of discomfort or injury.

Vacuum pumps can be used beforehand to achieve an erection. After suctioning, grab the base on the penis with one hand to keep blood from escaping and quickly apply the ED ring with the other hand. Soft silicone or adjustable ED rings are best suited for this.

There are risks associated with ED rings and certain people who should not use them.

Because ED rings restrict blood flow, it’s important to not wear one for longer than 30 minutes. 7 This is especially true if you take Viagra or other PDE inhibitors. Doing so can lead to a medical emergency called priapism in which the penis remains erect.

If an ED ring is "stuck" and cannot be removed, blood circulation can become strangulated and lead to tissue death or nerve damage. 8

Adjustable rings or soft silicone rings are generally safer as they can be easily removed or cut off in an emergency. Metal rings should be avoided . 7

If an ED ring causes pain, numbness, bruising, pins-and-needles sensations, or the skin to turn blue, remove it immediately. These are signs that the ring is too small and needs either adjustment or replacement.

Certain people should not use ED rings. These include people with sickle cell disease and blood-clotting disorders , as the restriction of blood flow can lead to the formation of clots and the total obstruction of a blood vessel. 9

Speak to your doctor if you are on blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like Plavix (clopidogrel) before using an ED ring or any other constrictive ED device. 10

Never fall asleep with an ED ring still on. 7

An erectile dysfunction ring is a band that goes around the base of the penis to restrict blood flow out of the penis and maintain an erection. ED rings are available over the counter in many different designs. Care must be taken that the ring is not too tight or there can be damage to the penile tissues. People with clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants should not use an ED ring.

Erection dysfunction rings are simple and often effective means to improve the quality or duration of erections. For some people, they may be all that is needed to sustain an erection suitable for intercourse.

If they are not, do not be embarrassed to speak with your primary care provider, who may refer to you a urologist for further evaluation. Generally speaking, a urologist should be seen if you are failing to get or sustain an erection 50 percent of the time or if ED is causing emotional distress or affecting your relationship or ability to conceive. 11

There are many treatments for ED today that extend beyond Viagra or Cialis. By meeting with a specialist, you can pinpoint the cause and find the options that work best for you as an individual.

It can be if used correctly. The International Society of Sexual Medicine recommends silicone or adjustable rings that can be easily removed rather than metal rings that can get "stuck" and cause a medical emergency known as priapism in which an abnormally prolonged erection can cut off blood circulation in the penis. 7
Size matters when choosing a ring. If you choose to use a solid ring, you can get the right size by wrapping a length of string around the base of the penis, ideally while it is erect. To get the correct circumference, fold the string in half and measure it. Soft silicone and adjustable rings are generally easier to use and size.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
There was an error. Please try again.
Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R. Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices . Int Braz J Urol. 2019 Mar-Apr;45(2):384–91. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667
Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW. Erectile dysfunction . In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education. Erectile dysfunction .
Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM. Physiology, erection . In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
El-Sakka AI. Reversion of penile fibrosis: current information and a new horizon . J Urol. 2011 Mar;9(1):49–55. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2011.03.013
Cuartas JPS, Sandoval-Salinas C, Martínez JM, Corredor HA. Treatment of priapism secondary to drugs for erectile dysfunction . Advances Urol. 2019;2019:6214921. doi:10.1155/2019/6214921
Kato GJ. Priapism in sickle cell disease: a hematologist’s perspective . J Sex Med. 2012 Jan;9(1):70–8. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02287.x
Yuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al. Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence . Int J Impot Res. 2010;22:211-9. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4
Cleveland Clinic. Erectile dysfunction .
There was an error. Please try again.

InStyle is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

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 thei
Hot Fuck Shemale
First Bi Stories
Sarah Lace Porn

How To Use Penis Ring

Report Page