Cock Rings 101

Cock Rings can be lots of fun for both men and women and despite their namesake, you don’t need to have penis to use them. Yay!

Cock rings are designed to be worn around the base of the penis and/or behind the scrotum (the sac containing the testicles); the pressure provided by cock rings can be pleasurable and they promote longer-lasting, harder erections. However, as they come with various attachments, they can be used for a variety of purposes.

Some rings are textured, ribbed or include a vibrating portion designed to stimulate a partner’s clitoris or prostate. These make for fun finger toys as well. Just slip them on your finger(s) and massage the vulva, anus, vagina or any other body part of your choice. If introducing the cock ring to your partner seems intimidating, you may start by using it as a finger ring first. Textured rings can make for some fancy, fingering fun!

Some cock rings are made of flexible material that can be stretched onto a hard or soft penis and these tend to provide less pressure. This design may be best for first-time users/ cock ring virgins, as they are usually cheaper and generally easier to put on and take off. Some users may not like the tight pressure, so beginning with a soft ring allows you to change your mind in the middle of sex play.

Those made of rubber or leather are sometimes fastened and tightened with a bead or knot, while others use velcro or snaps. Be careful to avoid getting skin caught when tightening and rub some lube on the penis and scrotum before putting on the ring. If you’re using a ring with a bead/knot, avoid lubricating this portion of the contraption, as it can become slippery and release its tension.

Other cock rings are made of metal and are not adjustable. They need to be appropriately sized and put on before achieving an erection; they cannot be removed until the erection subsides. These rings should only be used by more experienced “ringers”.

A cock ring should only provide a slight increase in erect penis size. If it swells up more than a little, then it’s likely too tight and should be removed immediately.

Here are some basic guidelines:

• Experiment with the ring yourself before introducing partnered activities.
• Cock rings that fit behind the scrotum can be used with condoms and it may be easiest to put the condom on first and add lubricant.
• Stretchy cock rings that sit at the base of the penis can also be used with condoms, but make sure that the closures are not positioned in a way that can cause the condom to tear.
• If you experience any pain, coldness or discomfort, remove the ring immediately.
• For new users, begin with short sessions of five to ten minutes.
• Do not wear a ring for more that thirty minutes straight, as painful bruising and capillary damage may result.
• Cock rings are not recommended for those with vascular disease (including diabetes and nerve disease).

Have fun and always practice safer sex!