The best way to use a cock ring to help with ED will depend on your specific problem.
Everything you need to know about cock rings
A cock ring is a ring-shaped sex toy that goes around the base of a penis, dildo, or butt plug. It aims to increase sexual stamina and enhance stimulation and sensation. Cock rings are safe to use as long as a person chooses the right ring and use it correctly.
In this article, we explore why people may use a cock ring, how to use one, and safety tips to consider.
Share on Pinterest A person may use a cock ring to enhance sensation during intercourse.
A cock ring is a circular sex toy that can go on the base of the penis or on a dildo or butt plug. Alternatively, a penoscrotal ring can go around the base of the penis and the testicles.
Other names for a cock ring are:
- penis ring
- constriction band
- tension ring
A penis becomes erect when chemical messages from the brain cause the arteries in the penis to relax, letting blood flow into it. A cock ring applies pressure to the penis and surrounding areas to trap the blood in the penis for longer. In this way, it helps the penis become firmer and the erection last longer.
A person may consider using a cock ring for various reasons. Some of these include:
- Greater stamina: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that a cock ring may help increase sexual stamina. However, an older study looking at males who had premature ejaculation found that using a cock ring did not improve this sexual dysfunction.
- Erectile dysfunction: For people who can achieve an erection but have difficulty maintaining one, a cock ring may help. A cock ring traps the blood inside the penis, which can help keep it harder for longer. In cases where a person is unable to achieve an erection, they may pair a cock ring with a penis vacuum, also known as a penis pump.
- More stimulation for all parties: Some cock rings may also contain one or two small vibrating devices. As well as being pleasurable for the person wearing the cock ring, these devices can also stimulate their partner or partners.
- Increased sensation: Wearing a cock ring may increase the sensation in the penis, leading to a more pleasurable experience.
A cock ring can enhance masturbation, as well as vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
The sexual benefits of wearing a cock ring may vary depending on the type of activity in which a person is engaging.
If a person is using a cock ring on their penis or that of their partner, it is important that they apply lubrication and that the cock ring fits.
A person should put the cock ring on the penis when it is erect. However, a penoscrotal ring can go over a flaccid penis. A person may then engage in the following activities:
- vaginal sex
- anal sex
- oral sex
- masturbation
Some cock rings come with a vibrator on the top. People can use this during vaginal sex for clitoral stimulation. The vibrations may also enhance the experience of anal sex.
Other cock rings have a vibrator on the top and the bottom, which may enhance the sexual experience of all participants.
Sex toys
A person may consider using a vibrating cock ring alongside other sex toys, such as a dildo or butt plug. This combination can be pleasurable for masturbation or to use on a consenting partner.
Although it is usually safe to use a cock ring, a person may wish to consider certain factors prior to using one.
Lubrication
To avoid uncomfortable friction, it is necessary to lubricate the cock ring before placing it on the penis.
Materials
Cock rings typically consist of silicone, rubber, plastic, leather, or metal. If a person is new to using a cock ring, a more flexible material may be preferable.
Size
Cock rings come in varying sizes. Usually, the product will list the diameter of the ring. A person should select one that fits comfortably without excessively restricting blood flow. Alternatively, they can consider a cock ring made from more flexible material to fit the penis better.
Duration of use
It is best only to use a cock ring for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time and to wait 1 hour between uses. A person should always remove the cock ring before going to sleep.
A case study of a man who allegedly forgot to remove a metallic cock ring before going to bed notes excessive swelling of his penis, alongside tissue cell damage. Medical staff had to remove the cock ring by cutting it with a ring cutter.
Hygiene
As with any sex toy, a person should wash the cock ring after each use to get rid of any bacteria.
A cock ring is a ring-shaped sex toy that goes around the base of a penis or dildo. There are also cock rings that can go over the penis and testicles.
Some people may try a cock ring to help with erectile dysfunction or increase sexual satisfaction for themselves and their partners.
When placing a cock ring on a penis, it is important that it fits well and is well-lubricated. A person should avoid wearing a cock ring for more than 30 minutes, as this may cause penile strangulation.
Last medically reviewed on July 30, 2020
- Men’s Health
- Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
- Sexual Health / STDs
- Cat 1
- piercingandtattoos
How we reviewed this article:
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Hosseini, S. R. (2007). Does a constriction ring alter ejaculation latency?
https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2007.07004.x - How to use a cock ring during sex. (n.d.).
https://www.durex.co.uk/blogs/explore-sex/how-to-use-a-cock-ring-with-a-condom - Kumar, A., et al. (2017). Penile strangulation by metallic ring: A case report.
http://www.surgeryscience.com/articles/3/1-1-13-775.pdf - Low, L. S., & Holmes, M. (2018). The GEM ring cutter: An effective, simple treatment of penile strangulation caused by metal rings.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5991319/ - Purnell, S., et al. (2016). Successful removal of metal rings causing penile strangulation.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephanie_Purnell/publication/305659301_Successful_Removal_of_Metal_Rings_Causing_Penile_Strangulation/links/5798a7c308aeb0ffcd08b156.pdf - Saadat, S. H. (2015). Erectile dysfunction: An update review.
http://www.ijmedrev.com/article_68263_be7236a38fca2ecb185843e76d8d7d91.pdf - Wood, J., et al. (2017). A cross-sectional survey of sex toy use, characteristics of sex toy use hygiene behaviours, and vulvovaginal health outcomes in Canada.
https://www.utpjournals.press/doi/full/10.3138/cjhs.2017-0016
What Are Cock Rings?
Cock rings are rings that go around the penis and/or scrotum. They slow blood flow out of an erect penis and can help make erections harder and longer-lasting. Some may also have little vibrators to increase pleasure for you and your partner.
Cock rings are also known as penis rings, tension rings, and constriction rings. They may also be marketed as erectile dysfunction (ED) rings, but people without this condition may want to use them, too.
There are several different kinds:
Soft and stretchy rings. These are the most common and generally the cheapest rings available. They are circles of a soft material, often silicone. They’re easy to use and remove. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit.
Adjustable cock rings. These use lasso adjusters, velcro, or other fasteners to allow the wearer to adjust the fit as needed.
Vibrating cock rings. These have a small vibrator attached. The sensation may feel good for men, but these are generally designed to stimulate a woman’s clitoris during sex.
Solid cock rings. These rings are only for very experienced users. Even then, you may want to avoid them. There is a danger of penis strangulation with metal cock rings that fit poorly, get stuck, or are left on too long.
Why People Like Them
Cock rings make sex more intense and last longer. Specific benefits include:
- A delayed and more intense orgasm
- Boosted confidence in your erection and sexual performance
- Help keeping an erection
- Added sensation for you and your partner
Myths About Cock Rings
There are a few common misconceptions about cock rings:
They’re Only for Older Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Not at all. People with no medical issues use cock rings. They may want the erection to last longer, increase sensitivity, or add a new element such as vibration or texture for their partner.
They Can Be Used as Contraception
No. Cock rings cannot help you avoid pregnancy in any way.
They Hurt
When you use them correctly, cock rings should not cause pain. The new sensation may take some getting used to, but if it hurts, remove the ring right away. It may be a symptom of something else or simply an indication that you need a different size or style of ring.
How to Try Cock Rings Safely
Pick a beginner-friendly ring, something soft, stretchy, and easy to remove. Use the least constrictive size that still stays on and helps maintain your erection.
Psychologist and sex expert Antonia Hall, in an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, recommends putting the ring on while the penis is flaccid or only semi-erect. Use lubricant to make it easier to slide the ring on, and then continue stimulating the penis until it’s erect.
If you want to wear your ring over your testicles, Hall suggests sliding them in one at a time. Remember: the fit should be snug but not uncomfortable.
For Erectile Dysfunction
The best way to use a cock ring to help with ED will depend on your specific problem.
If you can get an erection but have trouble keeping it, you can try the cock ring by itself. If you struggle to become erect, you may want to use your ring with a penis pump.
After pulling blood into your penis with the pump, slip your ring around the base of your penis before you remove the pump. The erection should last long enough for sex. A little light bruising afterward is normal.
Safety Measures
Because cock rings restrict blood flow, it’s important not to wear one for longer than 20 minutes. Start by wearing one for just 5 minutes at a time to give yourself time to get used to the feeling. If you feel discomfort, take it off immediately.
If you’re using the cock ring as a sex aid for erectile dysfunction, make sure that you’ve talked to a doctor about your symptoms. There are many health conditions that can cause ED or make it worse, including heart disease, diabetes, alcohol problems, and mental health issues. It’s important to get help for those conditions and not use a sex toy to mask the symptoms.
Also, consult a doctor before use if you are on blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder.
Do not fall asleep while using the ring, and don’t use it while you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol. It could lead to potential injury.
Allow at least 60 minutes between uses.
Care and Cleaning
Remember that sex toys can transmit STIs. You may also risk other kinds of infection if you don’t clean them properly.
For most toys, water and a mild dish soap or antibacterial hand soap should do the trick. If your device vibrates or otherwise uses power, you may not want to submerge it in water, but make sure you get it fully clean with soap and a damp cloth.
For further instructions, refer to the directions on your sex toy’s label. At the very least, it should list the material, which may require special care.
Show Sources
Cosmopolitan: “Can You Use Cock Rings for Stronger Orgasms?”
Food and Drug Administration: Center for Devices and Radiological Health: “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: External Penile Rigidity Devices.”
Journal of Pharmacy: “Successful Removal of Metal Rings Causing Penile Strangulation.”
Mayo Clinic: “Erectile dysfunction: Nonoral treatments.”
Men’s Health: “How Penis Rings Can Help You Have Better Sex.”
Planned Parenthood: “Sex Toys.”
Self: “How to Clean Your Sex Toys So You Can Use Them Safely.”
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