If you like it, put a ring on it! Cock rings are a type of sex toy worn around the base of the penis and sometimes the testicles to make erections harder, bigger, and longer-lasting. They come in different materials, from flexible silicone and rubber to leather and metal.
While maintaining a hard erection is the primary function of a cock ring, bells and whistles, such as vibration or anal beads, offer up other fun uses.
If you’re new to this type of toy, you’re likely wondering how to use a cock ring. We’ll be getting into all the dirty details, including what they’re good for and how to use them for various types of play.
Why Use a Cock Ring?
ED Treatment
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is difficulty getting or maintaining an erection long enough to perform sexual intercourse.
Though it’s more common in older people, it can happen at any age. It can be a one-off event after drinking too much or being tired, but it may also happen regularly due to medical, relationship challenges, or mental health conditions.
A ring for ED works by slowing the blood flow back from the erect penis, allowing it to stay hard longer. It works best if you’re able to get a partial or full erection. If not, using a penis pump can help get you hard enough to use a cock ring effectively.
Bigger Erections
Even if you have no trouble getting hard, a cock ring can give you a bigger and harder boner that lasts longer. Some people do it for the way it looks, others do it for the sensation.
While it can make your package appear slightly larger, don’t expect miracles. A slight increase in size is all you’re likely to get safely. Wearing it too tight could cause swelling, but not the kind you want.
Sensation + Pleasure
Wearing a cock ring may increase sensation, which can make masturbation, oral sex, and intercourse more pleasurable.
Cock rings slow blood flow and prolong sensation, which can also result in more powerful orgasms. While we’re on the subject of feels — more sensation is great, but your cock ring shouldn’t hurt. Take it off right away if you experience any kind of discomfort or if something just doesn’t feel quite right.
On top of that, vibrating cock rings can add pleasure for your partner as well.
How to Use a Cock Ring (Solo or Partner Play)
Clitoral Stimulation
Yep, that’s right — a cock ring can pleasure the clit (even if there’s no cock to be found)! You can thank the invention of the vibrating cock ring for this.
How to use a vibrating cock ring? Simply wear on the cock when having penis/vagina sex, the toy should be designed to hit the clit. We’d recommend investing in a higher quality ring, as the cheaper $10-$30 options can break quickly.
You can also use it in more creative ways as well. Slip a vibrating cock ring over your fingers or a dildo for a solo session, or have your partner wear it on a strap-on. You can also use a vibrating cock ring over another vibrating toy to rock your insides and outsides at the same time.
Buzzworthy Hand Jobs
Vibrating cock rings are just so handy! Slide one over your fingers or the palm of your hand and wear it while giving a hand job. You can also have them wear the cock ring while you stroke them.
If wearing it over your hand, just be sure to use a light touch since this isn’t exactly what cock rings were designed for. Make sure to use lube and be especially careful around the pubes since silicone and rubber can sometimes pull.
Mind-Blowing BJs
Sure, a cock ring can be worn while getting a blow job, but that’s not the only way to enjoy one during oral. A flexible cock ring can be slipped over the tongue comfortably to wear while running your tongue up and down the shaft.
It should go without saying, but be aware of small parts (like batteries), which can be a choking hazard.
Explore Erogenous Zones
Get that ring off the penis and take it on a little trip over your or your partner’s erogenous zones. Our bodies are chock-full of erotically charged areas just longing to be explored and stimulated.
With a vibrating ring around your fingers or in your palm, you’ll be able to find the spots that feel best.
Anal Play
Cock rings can take anal play to a whole other level. A vibrating cock ring can be worn on the penis during anal penetration.
It can also be worn to make vaginal and anal double penetration more pleasurable — just add one to a penis or strap-on and one to a butt plug.
How to Safely Use a Cock Ring
Cock rings are safe when used as directed, but you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
Here are some cock ring safety tips to help you get the most out of these sexual toys without an embarrassing trip to the ER.
- If you’re using a cock ring for ED, speak to your healthcare provider first to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
- Don’t wear a cock ring if you have a bleeding disorder or a blood condition, such as sickle cell anemia.
- Don’t wear a cock ring for more than 20 minutes at a time.
- Be sure to use lots of lube if you’ll be engaging in any kind of butt play.
- Use a bit of lube to make the ring easier to get on and off.
- Unless you’re using a flexible cock ring, you’ll need to choose the right size so it does its job without cutting off circulation.
- Avoid rings made of materials you may be allergic to, such as certain metals or latex.
- Wash cock rings and other sex toys after every use to get rid of bacteria and reduce the risk of STI transmission.
- Take it off if you feel any discomfort or pain, or notice any bruising.
How to Pick a Cock Ring
With so many options out there, how are you supposed to know which ring to choose?
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Decide on Stretch
Cock rings are available in all sorts of materials. Hard materials, like metal or wood, have absolutely no stretch to them. Cock rings made of these materials can be more difficult for beginners to put on and it’s harder to find your ideal fit.
That said, if you’re looking for a sophisticated, serious look and are comfortable with the potential intensity, metal rings are where it’s at. Since these rings don’t stretch or change shape at all, you will need to find a specific size to make sure they fit properly.
For beginners, a material that’s stretchy is highly recommended. Rings made of materials like PVC, rubber, and silicone have more stretch and flexibility, making them easier to slide onto the penis.
Pick Your Tightness
Once you’ve picked your ideal material, you should consider the fit of the ring. Not all stretchy materials will provide the firmest grip.
If you want a ring to fit tighter, you’ll want to get it in a harder material. A tighter ring will lead to a firmer, longer-lasting erection and a more intense ejaculation, which can feel awesome!
Texture
Cock rings can vary in texture. While some people claim they can’t feel the texture of the material at all, others are driven wild by bumps or ridges or nubs. The texture may also determine the cock ring’s appearance.
Some rings are created to look like animals or other recognizable objects, while others may be decorated with simplistic or eye-catching designs. The design of the ring may determine the texture it will provide.
Plus, a big part of a cock ring’s appeal is the look. Not only will the penis look bigger, harder and more engorged, but you could choose to have an attractive looking ring to top it all off.
Waterproof Considerations
If you want a cock ring that’s easier to clean, or if you just want something to take in the shower with you, you’ll want a waterproof toy. Waterproof cock rings are either made of materials that can safely get wet and aren’t electronic, or are sealed to prevent water from getting into the electronics compartment.
Either way, waterproof is typically the best way to go. Toys that are waterproof tend to be better quality, last longer, and are easier to clean.
Seek Out Special Features
If you have specific fantasies you’d like to fulfill, it’s worth seeing if there’s a cock ring that matches your desires. Some cock rings include a small dildo that’s attached to the ring for double penetration.
Others may include two separate rings – one ring goes around the base of the shaft while the other ring encircles the very base of the penis, underneath the testicles, for additional restriction.
Some rings also double as cages for male chastity, while others are long and thin, covering the majority of the shaft to provide added texture during intercourse.
And then of course, we have vibrating options that are beyond popular.
Bottom Line
It’s all about enjoying the ride, so don’t sweat the small stuff. As long as you have a good fit (Think Goldilocks, just right!) and a willingness to try something new, you’re ready to open your world to the joys of wearing and experiencing a cock ring.
