A cock ring can be your best friend in the bedroom, but knowing how, when, and why to use one leaves a lot of folks stumped. Although often considered a tool for more extreme bedroom practices like BDSM, cock rings can be a fantastic pleasure object for anybody with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or a desire to increase stamina. Read on and let us explain.

A COCK RING BY ANY OTHER NAME…

Penis Rings, Pleasure Rings, C-Rings, Love Rings, Couples Ring

There are many names for cock rings, usually with the idea of making the rings itself sound less intimidating. When you get right down to it, the purpose is the same:

A cock ring or cockring is a ring worn around the penis, usually at the base. The primary purpose of wearing a cock ring is to restrict the flow of blood from the erect penis in order to produce a stronger erection or to maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Genital adornment is another purpose, as is repositioning the genitals to provide an enhanced appearance.

WHY USE A COCK RING

Cock rings are not as extreme or kinky as you may think. Here are some uses for cock rings you may not have realized:

To help folks with erectile dysfunction maintain an erection

To help you keep an erection longer

To make your erection firmer

To delay ejaculation

To make your penis or testicles more pronounced

To give your partner more pleasure during penetration

To turn your dildo into a vibrator

To turn your fingers into a vibrator for digital stimulation

To give more sensation when wearing a strap-on

HOW DOES A COCK RING WORK?

Cock rings are incredibly simple and work with the anatomy of the penis beautifully. When aroused, blood flows into the penis, making it engorged and causing an erection. A cock ring wrapped around the base of the penis constricts the blood vessels which carry blood back out of the penis. This slows down the release of blood and keeps it in the penis longer. That is how cock rings help make a penis look fuller and stay erect longer.

If you place a cock ring behind the penis and testicles, it puts pressure on the perineum and the root of the penis to stimulate all the erectile tissue found there. This also helps to stimulate the prostate, for bigger, more intense orgasms.  

HOW TO CHOOSE A COCK RING

Cock rings can range in price from under $10 to well over $100 and where you want to start is really up to you. We recommend a stretchy cock ring for beginners since they are easier to find a good fit and safer overall for the inexperienced user. Here are some pros and cons of the various types so you can make a great selection for your needs.

SIMPLE STRETCHY COCK RINGS

• Easy to use for beginners
• Many are very affordable
• Can be worn in various ways to control the amount of restriction
• Easy way to keep blood in the penis for longer lasting, firmer erections

DOUBLE COCK AND BALL RINGS

• Can be little more complicated to put on
• Gives more restriction since it encompasses the penis and testicles
• Will stay in place without slipping

SNAP ON AND LOOP COCK RINGS

• Incredibly easy to put
• Highly adjustable and customizable for size
• Can come off quickly if you are uncomfortable

VIBRATING COCK RINGS

• Easy to put on
• Can be positioned to pleasure a partner during penetration
• Can be placed to pleasure the testicles of the wearer
• Can be used on dildos to add another dimension to the toy

HOW TO PUT ON A COCK RING

Most cock rings are extremely stretchy and easy to put on. We advise starting with a stretchy ring rather than metal or aluminum, until you are more experienced.

AROUND THE PENIS SHAFT ALONE

• Stretchy rings can go on a flaccid, semi-erect, or erect shaft
• Apply some lubricant to the inner rim of the ring
• Ease the ring gently down the shaft with 2 fingers

PRO TIP: Trim your pubic hair at the base of your shaft to avoid it getting caught in or tugged by the ring

AROUND THE SHAFT AND TESTICLES

• The shaft should be flaccid or barely semi-erect
• Apply lubricant to the inner ring or rings
• Ease each testicle into the ring so it encircles the scrotum
• Gently fold the penis into the ring as well

PRO TIP: If this method feels uncomfortable to you, try placing the shaft in first, then the testicles.

COCK RING SAFETY TIPS (DON’T SKIP THIS PART!)

• A cock ring should always feel comfortable. If there is any discomfort, discoloration, dramatic swelling, numbness, or coldness – take it off immediately
• Practice with your cock ring before using it with a partner so you know it is a comfortable and safe fit
• DO NOT LEAVE A COCK RING ON LONGER THAN 30 MINUTES. Set a timer if you’re worries you can’t keep track of the time
• DO NOT FALL ASLEEP WITH YOUR COCK RING ON
• Keep lubricant nearby to help take off the ring if necessary
• Don’t use a cock ring with numbing creams because this may lessen your awareness of how your penis is feeling

WHO SHOULD NOT USE A COCK RING?

You should speak to your doctor about using a cock ring if you have any of the following

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• An existing or previous penis injury
• Any blood or nerve disease
• Are on blood thinning medications
• Have any soreness in the groin or genitals