What is a Cock Ring and What are They Used for?

While cock rings can go by many names including penis rings, c-rings, tension rings, and many others, the idea behind them remains the same. Cock rings are a sexual device that are designed to improve all aspects of intimacy and sex including achieving harder erections, lasting long during sexual activities, and even intensify pleasure.

What are cock rings?

Cock rings are bands that fit around your penis and balls that can be made out of many different materials such as rubber, silicone, metal, and leather. They are designed to restrict blood flow in and out of your penis to help keep your erection fuller and for a longer period of time. With the added blood in your penis you gain a larger erection and can prolong the amount of time you get to enjoy intimacy and prevent premature ejaculation.

If improving sex isn't enough, these rings also can provide a level of kink and fun to your sex life with the addition of vibrations and other sexy features.  

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What are the benefits of a cock ring?

The benefits of a cock ring include:

• They help you maintain erections even if you have trouble naturally
• You can achieve harder and stronger erections while wearing one
• They can help you last longer and avoid premature ejaculation
• They can temporarily increase the size of your erect penis
• A quick, cheap, and easy solution to many forms of erectile dysfunction
• They are extremely safe to use for anybody with a penis
• Helps relieve feelings of performance anxiety some penis-owners might have about their erections
• Vibrating cock rings can improve pleasure for both partners (especially for those with vulvas)
• A cock ring is a simple sex toy that will help give you better sex no matter your sexual preference
• They boost your confidence 

How do I choose a cock ring?

The first and most important aspect when choosing the proper cock ring is size.  You need to make sure you choose a ring that is not too tight or too loose. It needs to be snug enough so it won't move during intercourse, but not so tight that you're cutting off circulation.

Depending on your experience with a cock ring you might want to choose different materials. The most common rings are made from soft and stretchy materials such as silicone and rubber while more advanced users may opt for a more rigid experience with metal. Stretchy cock rings are much more forgiving.

Another option you might want to consider is if you want additional features such as vibrating cock rings with bullets for couples' pleasure or even an added dildo or butt plug for anal play.

What are the types of cock rings?

How to use a cock ring in 4 simple steps

Cock rings - sometimes referred to as 'constriction rings' or 'c-rings' - come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Whatever size or material you go for, putting one on is generally a similar process.

Step 1 - Have a quick pubic hair trim

If you want the best and most comfortable experience when you use cock ring, it's a good idea to shave or trim your pubic hair. It's not essential - cock rings will work whether you're hairy or smooth, but silicone rings often tend to snag the hair a little, and being in pain can be a bit of a mood killer!

Needless to say, be careful wielding any kind of sharp instrument around your scrotum and penis shaft. There are plenty of low-cost, safe hair trimmers on the market that'll make the job quick, neat, and danger-free.

The good news is, shorter pubic hair usually makes erections look bigger - and increases the sensation of masturbation, oral sex, or penetration - so good news all around.

Step 2 - Lube up

If you're going to wear a cock ring, lube will save you from any snags or pulls. You'll need to make sure the lubricant you're using is compatible with the cock ring you've chosen (and the condoms you're using, if you are) - but if in doubt, go with a water-based lube.

Water-based lubricants are suitable for all different kinds of cock rings - including silicone cock rings, the most popular type available. Water-based lube is far less likely to cause any kind of allergic reaction or irritation for you or your partner too - so it's a safe bet if you're not sure.

Rub some lube around the inside of the penis ring - and keep it to hand in case you need to add a little more as you get going.

Step 3 - Slip your cock ring into position

With your cock ring lubed up, it's time to slide it into position. You should aim to slide it down until it sits tightly around the base of the penis.

It's normal for a cock ring to be a little tricky to get into place - after all, it's a sex toy that's going to squeeze your shaft firmly enough to stop the blood flow, so it's needs to be snug.

If you're using a cock ring that's made of metal or another inflexible material, it's generally a good idea to put it on while you're penis is flaccid (soft) - as there's no stretching these tough materials to get them around your penis when it's hard.

Even if you're using a silicone cock ring, you might find it easier to get it into position while you're limp - although adjustable cock rings can usually be opened up wide enough to easily slip around your cock when you're hard before being tightened.

Many men find that pulling your balls through the ring too adds greater sensations, tightens things up, and keeps you going longer.  If you go this route, make sure the right sits flush to your pelvis and down around your penis and testicles.

Step 4 - Enjoy

Whether you're looking to maintain an erection a little longer than usual - or just get a little extra girth, a cock ring will almost certainly deliver. So, the next step is just to enjoy yourself.

If you're new to cock rings, you might find play feels a bit different. Your penis will often feel fuller - and men often report that a ring or band adds even more pleasure to sex. The idea of feeling larger inside your partner - or even just in your hand - can be a huge turn-on.

If you're using a penis pump to help you get hard, go through steps 1-3 before you pump. 

You can use a cock ring with a penis pump

When used with a penis pump, a cock ring really be life-changing if you struggle to get or keep an erection.

Once you are pumped up and hard, sliding on a cock ring will help you maintain the erection by keeping the blood in your penis.

Are Cock Rings Safe? How to use a cock ring safely

Cock rings are considered one of the safest and most risk free methods of penis enhancement.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons you might want to use a cock ring - but since they're going to squeeze your prize asset quite tightly, there are a few minor precautions to take to use one safely:

Cock rings are safe, yes, as long as you follow these guidelines.

Make sure the cock ring fits 

A tight cock ring is what you are looking for, it should fit snugly.  You do not want a ring that is too tight or it can cause damage to your penile tissue. You can tell if your penis starts to turn a shade of blue or gets cold to the touch.

Too lose and ring will not be effective.  Its recommended to measure your penis before you decide on the right ring, unless you use an adjustable style.

Don't exceed 30 minutes

30 minutes is the maximum amount of time that you should wear any kind of constriction ring for. If you exceed this, you might find that it causes your penis to ache or become slightly numb. 

Be aware of warning signs

The following are a list of symptoms you might experience if misusing a cock ring.

• Excess swelling
• Discoloration
• Discomfort
• Pain
• Coldness
• Numbness

These symptoms are extremely unlikely - but if you experience any of them, take your cock ring off straight away. You might need to look at a bigger ring - or adjustable rings that'll let you ease the pressure off as you get erect.

How to clean cock ring and aftercare tips

You may not know it but sex toys can transmit STIs and harbor harmful bacteria. The last thing you want is to get an infection or sick because you use toys.  You can easily avoid all of these issues by a simple cleaning and aftercare.

To properly clean your cock ring:

1. Remove any electronic components or other parts that are not waterproof.
2. Use a mild dish soap or an antibacterial hand soap and scrub the toy inside and out.
3. Wash off in warm water, not too hot to burn yourself.  You can submerge if you are certain it is waterproof.
4. Towel dry or let it air dry.
5. Store in a cool dry place like a bedroom drawer.
6. You may also use an anti-bacterial sex toy cleaner.

Note: You should clean before and after each use.

Learn how to store your sex toys

Do These When Using a Ring

Firstly, it's a good idea to use plenty of lube to get the penis ring you're using on. It's not essential - but it'll usually make for a more comfortable experience.

If you're just starting out with cock rings, a silicone ring is a good place to start. Silicone has a little more flexibility than some other materials - so you usually won't have a tough time finding a size that's comfortable.

Also, getting things just right with a cock ring is different for everything. In the event, you feel any numbness, coldness, discomfort, pain, or severe swelling - take the penis ring off. It might take a few attempts to get it just right, but it'll be worth persevering with.

 As mentioned, trim your pubic hair. Shaving or just cutting back will help reduce the odds of your hair getting stuck in a ring and pulled out. Nothing will kill the mood quicker than a shot of pain to your groin.

Don't Do These When Using a Ring

• Avoid wearing a cock ring for longer than 30 minutes. If you do, you risk long-term damage to the penile tissue.
• Avoid hard and stiff materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. The American Urological Association mentions that the use of these stiff materials can become stuck as the penis swells. This too can cause long-term damage to your penis. Only advanced users should try these.
• Don't be scared to contact a medical professional if you experience issues while using a cock ring. There is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Cock rings should be used with caution if you have certain medical conditions too. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about the products you're considering if you:

• take blood-thinning medication
• have cardiovascular disease
• have any type of nerve or blood disease
• take any medication that affects your awareness or attention
• have any kind of existing injury to your penis, scrotum, or testicles.
• have any soreness in the groin or genital area
• have diabetes

Want some help choosing a cock ring?

What are the main materials used in cock rings? 

Erection rings come in many different materials. When determining the material you are going to get, there are things to think about such as how you are going to use them, what results you are looking to achieve, as well as cost.  We have outlined the most common ones below.

Cock Rings FAQs

What do doctors say about using a cock ring?

While there are many benefits to adding one of these inexpensive sex toys to your sex life one benefit stands out. According to Dr. Zhana Vrangalova, Ph.D., NYU professor of Human Sexuality, "The main benefit of cock rings is that they help with maintaining erections by preventing the blood from leaving the erectile tissues in the penis, making erections longer and stronger."

"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.

How do cock rings feel?

Wearing a cock ring can really improve how sex feels for both partners, and the best news is that they are not just meant for sex. Wearing a cock ring during masturbation can also make the feeling better.

Cock rings slow blood flow and restrict your urethra as well which will result in a more powerful and explosive orgasm. It should be mentioned that penis rings should never hurt, if it does, remove it immediately. Don't forget to trim your pubic hair so you don't experience a painful snag.

Do cock rings help with clitoral stimulation?

This popular sex toy can also feature a small vibrating bullet or even multiple bullets. So whether there is a penis involved or not, having these vibrators pressed against the clit will surely give tremendous pleasure to the person with the vulva.

You can easily replace a penis for fingers, a dildo, or other objects and really get the benefits and pleasure of the vibrating sensations.

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Can I use a cock ring with hand jobs and oral sex?

Of course, you can and boy do things feel better with one. Wearing a cock ring while getting a blowjob or hand job is only going to improve the experience. Let's not forget that if you are one of the many men that go soft during a blowjob or handy, wearing a ring can keep you hard. Adding a vibrating ring will take it even further.

Can I use a cock ring for anal sex?

Anal penetration is often more of a challenge than vaginal sex - simply because the butt is a much tighter ring of muscle. As well as using plenty of lube, wearing a cock ring to get a firmer erection will often be a big help if you're trying anal, as it'll make it easier to initially slide into your partner.

If you want to try double penetration or even self penetration, some penis rings even feature a small dildo or butt plugs.

Will a penis ring cause 'penile strangulation'?

As you can now probably tell, the idea of a cock ring causing any kind of lasting injury is very unlikely. In fact, a 2019 hospital study into 'penile strangulation' was completed after 15 years of experience at the front line of medicine - showing how rarely incidents happen.

The good news is, even in the very small number of cock ring-related medical problems worldwide, studies show that there are no erection problems after the successful removal of the ring.

Need more information?

Cock rings and sex toys in general might not be things you feel you could talk about on social media or chat about with friends at the bar - but that doesn't mean you need to have any unanswered questions.

Whether you've got a specific question about one of our products - or need more general advice, you're always welcome to get in touch. When you do, you'll be talking to one of our expert team - and there are no questions that are off-limits - we're here to help with any sex or sex toy-related query!