Cock rings are sex toys that help make erections harder and longer by restricting blood flow to the shaft. They’re also good for anal penetration and can take your sexual arousal to new heights.
To use a cock ring, apply lubricant and slip it over a flaccid or semi-erect penis. It’s important to limit the amount of time you wear one and not fall asleep while wearing it.
Put the ring on
Whether you are new to the cock ring game or a veteran, the first step is always getting comfortable with how it feels. This means putting it on and testing out the vibrations. Most cock rings come with clear instructions on how to use them, so consult these and try out different settings if the toy has them.
Generally, cock rings should be worn when the penis is semi-erect or fully erected. This helps ensure that the ring can sit at the base of the erection and restrict blood flow, thus helping it stay hard for longer. This is also when it’s easier to get a good fit.
The ring itself can be made from anything that reduces circulation, including silicone, elastomer, TPE, metal, leather, shoelaces or even tiny rope. For a first timer, a stretchy, thick donut-shaped ring made from silicone or elastomer may be a great option. However, if you like more extreme restriction, something rigid like steel or leather might be more your speed.
If you are using a double ring that sits around both the penis and testicles, be sure to have enough water-based lubricant. It’s also best to put the ring on while flaccid because it can be difficult to bend over and access your penis. Once you’re comfortable with how the ring feels, it’s time to get it ready for action.
Position the ring
Apply lubricant to the inside of the ring and place it over a semi-erect or flaccid penis, carefully sliding it down to its base. This can be a new sensation for many people, so take your time and get used to it. If the ring has additional stimulators like clitoral vibrators or perineum ticklers, make sure they’re in position to touch their respective targets.
Cock rings work by restricting blood flow to the shaft of the penis, which causes the organ to swell and become “hard,” according to Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, a urology physician assistant and sexuality counselor and educator. Using a cock ring will increase this effect and can lead to intense orgasms, she adds.
You can buy a variety of cock rings, from inexpensive rubber/soft plastic types to high-end options that include rechargeable batteries and remote controls. Some are made of latex, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Others are made of PVC, which is less stretchy but still safe and hypoallergenic. Some have extra features that make them especially fun or intimate, including a remote-controlled disco light and an erection-stimulating tip.
Most experts recommend wearing a cock ring for 30 minutes at a time and taking it off as soon as possible after use. In rare cases, cock rings can damage the erectile tissue of the penis and cause an erection for too long, so it’s important to remove them quickly.
Use lubricant
When using a cock ring, lubrication is key. Whether you’re going solo or with a partner, it will enhance the sensations and make the experience more enjoyable. Plus, if you get a cock ring that’s a little too tight or doesn’t feel right, the lubrication will help you remove it with ease. Just remember to use water-based lubricant, as oil-based lubricants can damage condoms and increase their risk of breaking.
While cock rings are great for getting you hard, they can also hurt your dick and clitoris if you’re not careful. Always make sure to lube your dick and the ring before you put it on, and avoid pushing too hard. If you find that the cock ring is causing pain, stop and seek treatment as soon as possible. Pain or discomfort may be a sign of an infection, a symptom of something else, or simply that the ring is the wrong size for you.
In very rare cases, cock rings can cause damage to the erectile tissue of your penis if they’re worn for too long. The general recommendation is to wear them for no more than 30 minutes, and to remove them immediately if they begin to swell, hurt, or feel numb. And, as with all sex toys, it’s essential to clean them after each use.
Don’t leave the ring on for too long
While cock rings can be very satisfying, they are not meant to replace other forms of erection enhancement. They are not designed for ED, and they can cause damage to the delicate vasculature of your penis if left on too long. This is why it’s important to only use cock rings for short periods of time and to follow the proper safety rules.
Cock rings work by restricting the flow of blood into your cock. This can give you a hard, throbbing erection. They are safe to wear for up to 30 minutes at a time, but if you wear them for longer than that, they can restrict blood flow back out of the penis and cause pain or even permanent tissue damage.
Psychologist and sex expert Antonia Hall recommends putting the ring on while your penis is flaccid or only semi-erect. She also suggests using lubricant to make it easier to slide the ring onto your dick. Once the ring is on, you can continue stimulating it with your hands and your partner to get a stronger, fuller erection.
While the ring might feel different for everyone, most will find that it feels like someone squeezing your cock with pretty equal strength. The bigger the ring, the more it will feel that way, but even smaller cock rings can be hard and tight enough to make a difference.
