Cock rings are one of the most underutilized sex toys out there.
They’re simple to use, can help with erectile dysfunction, and can increase the strength of orgasms for both you and your partner.
Yet many folks don’t use cock rings because they simply don’t know enough about them.
But rest assured, by the time you’re done with this article, you’ll know everything you need to know.
Quick FAQs
Only if misused or if they are just too small for you.
This depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you want one that you and your partner can enjoy, you'll want to go with a vibrating cock ring. If you want something you can 'grow' with, so to speak, then maybe an adjustable one is the type for you. No matter what you're looking for, we'll help guide you to the ring that's just right for you.
This again will depend on the type you choose, but for the most part, you slide it to the base of your penis. Some of them have straps that also go around the testicles. While others have anal inserts for the person wearing the cock ring to enjoy penetration simultaneously.
Yes, because of the way a cock ring traps the blood in the penis, it is possible to have both larger erections as well as erections that last longer.
A cock ring keeps the blood in place, not only prolonging an erection but also improving the look and strength.
Sometimes cock rings are worn around the testicles as well, which is more of a personal choice. The benefits here can increase sexual pleasure but don't really affect erections that much.
Beyond that, there are tons of additional accessories that a cock ring can come with, including:
Vibrators (which benefit you and your partner)
Anal beads
Penis extenders
No joke, some have lights, which is fun
The materials most commonly used for cock rings typically need to be stretchy but still durable and strong enough to constrict blood flow out of the penis.
The most common materials are rubber and silicone, but there are also leather and even metal rings.
Types of cock rings
As we spoke about, there are different types of cock rings, and each has its own benefits.
Not everyone who uses a cock ring is going to dig all the different ones available; you might love a rubber ring, but a metal one is too constrictive, for instance.
Softy and stretchy
These rings are typically made from silicone or rubber, though leather is another option.
Stretchy rings are more comfortable and are usually the best ones for beginners.
These rings constrict penile blood flow but don't cut it off completely and are less likely to cause any kind of potential side effects that other cock rings sometimes do.
This is an excellent place to start if you're having difficulty maintaining an erection or you want to spice up your sex life in general.
Even if you're not having ED problems, cock rings can maintain an erection after orgasm, so there's less downtime.
Adjustable
They can fit different penis sizes and handle differing levels of engorgement.
An adjustable ring is good for someone dealing with ED and is actively resolving it.
As your need for the ring diminishes, you can adjust it to fit better.
Vibrating
Most everyone likes a little vibration during sex, and these types of rings bring that to the table.
Vibrating cock rings are typically used for clitoral stimulation during penetration but can also be highly pleasurable for the wearer as well.
Additionally, even if you're not the owner of a penis, you can slip one of these over a dildo and get the same wonderful results.
Use some on the shaft and on the inside of the ring and run it down a semi-erect or completely flaccid penis.
Then, as you get hot and heavy, blood will flow in, but the ring will prevent (or slow) the outflow, keeping you extra-hard for longer.
2. Achieve erection as normal
If you have difficulty achieving erections, a penis pump can help get the blood going where you want it.
Otherwise, continue with foreplay until you're erect.
3. Have sex!
At this point, with your erection and the ring in place, you should be ready for penetrative sex.
Pro Tip: Now that you're ready to try your new cock ring out. Check out this article on how to last longer in bed to help make the experience last as long as possible.
The biggest concerns with using a cock ring are:
It should feel constrictive but in an appealing way. If it hurts your penis, where it's wrapped around the shaft, or in your abdomen, you should take it off. People using rigid rings who have experience with c-rings will know the difference between good and bad pain. For a beginner, listen to your body; pain is not something you want to ignore.
Never leave it on for longer than half an hour at a time. Give your vessels and penis a break for a bit. Focus on your partner, and then slip it back on when you're ready again.
Benefits of using cock rings
There are a lot of benefits to cock rings for you and your partner.
As we stated before, they're a good way to improve ED, but there's much more going on than just that.
1. Increased pleasure (for you)
The extra blood supply in the penis makes it more sensitive and prolongs orgasm.
This can mean mind-blowing orgasms that last longer than normal.
Additionally, being harder, especially for someone dealing with ED, can lead to better overall feelings about sex.
This alone can lead to better, more pleasurable intercourse.
2. Increased pleasure (for your partner)
A harder, more confident penis feels better for everyone, including the receptive partner.
Additionally, you can get different types of cock rings that add more pleasure during penetration:
Vibrating cock rings feel good for both of you, but particularly for partners with a clitoris. During the deepest part of penetration, the ring will vibrate their clitoris and drive them wild.
Cage rings surround the penis in ridges that add different sensations to penetration. While restrictive cages are used in various types of sexual play, we're not talking about those. Cage rings are designed to allow you maximum erection while benefiting your partner.
Textured rings are similar to cage rings but do not fully encompass the penis. These, like the cages, add differing sensations to penetration.
Pro Tip: Another great way to help enhance intimacy and extend pleasure is with a Climax Control Spray from Promescent.
3. Boosting foreplay
If you or your partner slips a cock ring around their fingers or tongue during foreplay, it can make oral sex or handjobs out of this world.
This works for literally any form of hand/finger/mouth sex and on any partner, so give it a try!
Harder erections
Even if you're not suffering from ED, a cock ring can make your penis larger and harder when erect.
This can look and feel better for both parties, and as long as it doesn't cause discomfort, it's a fun bit of extra spice to your sex life.
Risks of using a cock ring
There are some potential risks with using a cock ring, just like almost anything else.
You should be fine as long as you take your time and don't try to go all-in with a metal ring on your first outing.
Just pay attention to what you're feeling during sex and dial things back if they get to be too much.
1. Priapism
Priapism is a medical term for an erection that lasts too long, usually in excess of 4 hours.
These can be painful, leave lasting injury to the penis, and are most closely associated with the result of ED medication not wearing off quickly enough.
In one NCBI study, a 47-year-old gentleman experienced priapism by wearing his cock ring for too long.
The most likely cause of this condition during cock ring use is not taking a break or removing the ring after ejaculation.
Remember, don't keep it on for much longer than 30 minutes at a time, and give your penis a chance to get flaccid before putting it back on.
2. Pain
Your ring should feel snug and tight but not painful. If you're feeling pain, get a bigger ring.
If you experience severe pain, that’s usually an indicator that something is very wrong, as is pain that travels up into your abdomen.
It might not mean you need a doctor, but you could be pinching a nerve or something similarly horrific.
3. Allergies
If you're allergic to rubber, silicone, latex, or certain metals, make sure your ring isn't made of that material.
You might not know about an allergy before it happens, so if you see redness, pain, or itchiness, then you may have an allergy.
Get a different material ring and give your penis some time to recover before hopping back into the saddle.
Common myths about cock rings
As with most sex-related things, cock rings come with their own host of myths and misconceptions.
We're hoping we can dispel some of those so you feel better about giving them a try while also educating you on things you might not consider.
1. Diseases still possible
You can definitely still get STIs while using a cock ring without a condom.
While many rings work pretty well alongside condom use, using a ring without protection is in no way going to prevent infections.
Glove up if you don't know your partner well, and put the ring on the outside with plenty of lube.
2. Pregnancy is still a risk
Just like STIs, you can still get someone pregnant during sex with a c-ring.
It simply restricts blood flow, not sperm quality or volume, so again, use a condom if you're not ready for kids.
3. They are painful
You might have thought that a cock ring is always painful and unpleasant and something only masochists would enjoy, but that simply isn’t true!
The fact is that they can be painful if misused or if they're too small.
However, if you have one made of the proper material that accurately fits your penis, there should be no pain.
Takeaways
Cock rings aren't for everyone, but at the same time, anyone can use them to enhance their sex play.
While cock rings are often used to treat ED, they're in no way something designated only for ED patients.
Anyone can achieve harder, longer, bigger erections with a cock ring—ED or not.
Just be careful, use plenty of lube, and listen to your body.
Consider your options, pick your favorite, and enjoy your c-rings with newfound confidence!
Zachary Zane is a Brooklyn-based columnist, sex expert, and activist whose work focuses on sexuality, lifestyle, culture, and the LGBTQ community. He currently has a sex advice column at Men's Health titled "Sexplain It" and a relationship column at Queer Majority titled "Zach and the City." His work has been published in Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, GQ, Playboy, Slate, NBC, Cosmo, and many others. He also has a weekly newsletter, BOYSLUT, where he writes erotic essays detailing his wildest and raunchiest personal sex stories.
Sources:
Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Somorendro Paonam, Nillachandra Kshetrimayum, and Indrajit Rana. 2017, January-March. Penile strangulation by iron metal ring: A novel and effective method of management. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5308044/
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
