How to Choose and Use a Cock Ring
Written for GFH by Luna Matatas
What’s the purpose of a cock ring?
Cock rings serve both a decorative purpose and also help restrict blood flow at the base of the penis. They allow blood to flow in but not out of the penis, thus supporting harder and longer-lasting erections. For many people, this means more pleasure during penetrative sex—for both the wearer and the receiver.
Decide whether you want to put it on behind the balls or in front of the balls. Putting it behind the shaft—including the balls—can have a stronger influence on keeping a harder or longer-lasting erection and can sometimes also provide gentle pressure to the prostate. Some folks twist a super stretchy ring into a figure-8 to go around the base of the shaft as well as around the scrotum. Some folks also like cock rings on the middle of the penis or just under the head of the penis. Don't be afraid too experiment whilst still being safe.
Warning: cock rings aren’t recommended for people with vascular issues. If you are unsure, check with a medical professional. For everyone, it’s recommended that you wear one on an erect penis for about a max of 20 mins to avoid any potential damage to the capillaries.
How to Choose a Cock Ring:
For beginners, go with a stretchy material like latex, rubber or silicone, especially if you’re not sure what the diameter of the penis is or the tightness that you like. A stretchy ring also means that you can put it on a non-erect or erect penis, so you don’t have to worry about being “too late” to put it on. Snap or metal ones have to be put on before an erection, otherwise they won’t be very tight.
One very important note: metal rings cannot come off unless the penis ejaculates or otherwise loses its erection. These are only recommended for experienced ring users. If the wearer cannot lose their erection, a trip to the emergency ward is in order where they need to be pried or sawn off, and that's no fun for anybody.
When you're considering what kind of cock ring you want to use, ask yourself these questions:
Do you want your penis ring to be adjustable or not?
Adjustable and stretchy penis rings are great for beginners. If you can, measure ahead of time—either around the balls and shaft, or just the shaft, depending on how you plan to use it—and get the diameter in cm and mm just in case! Then subtract about 5 mm—you want the cock ring to fit snugly around the base if you're using it to maintain longer erections. If you are unsure of size, try a set of 3 or more to determine how tight you like it and you can experiment with different ring positions on/around the penis.
Here are a few to consider:
- Aslan Leather 5 Snap Cock Ring: has adjustable snaps for a snugger or looser fit
- Rubber O Ring pack: four different sizes included
- Perfect Fit Snap Neoprene cock ring: three snaps and flexible neoprene strap
Do you want a smooth or a textured cock ring?
Some cock ring wearers will tell you they are super stimulated by ridges, nubs, and other textured styles of cock rings. For other penises, these textures don’t add much, or are even uncomfortable. Texture is also sometimes used during sadomasochism play (pain and pleasure) to add a harsh contrast to a growing erection. The Tantus super soft cock ring is very stretchy and has soft edges that help avoid tangles into pubic hair.
Do you want a vibrating or non-vibrating cock ring?
You can find cock rings with vibrators built-in or with removable bullet vibes. Other cock rings operate with watch batteries that can be replaced. For more powerful sensations, try rechargeable built-in vibes like the Je Joue Mio. There are cock rings with multiple types of vibration and some with a single and consistent speed and intensity. The vibration can benefit both the wearer and the receiver of penetration. The receiver can feel the vibration on their clitoris, which can increase the chances of multiple orgasms. It might also stimulate the perineum (between the testicels and anus).
What style do you like?
Using it for a sexy visual aesthetic? You can use cock rings for symbolism or penis decoration. Think about what colours, materials, and what decorations or designs might be a visual treat. You may want the significance of a particular or your favourite colour and/or the feel of your favourite material and/or a more decorative cock ring that has playful designs. Have fun, make the aesthetic part of the choice; it’s a toy, after all—it’s supposed to be fun!
Getting started with a cock ring
Take care of your new cock ring like other sex toys, including washing it between uses. If you’re sharing penis rings with a partner, remember that sexual health includes being mindful of sharing sex toys and sanitizing them effectively.
Depending on the type of cock ring, you are putting it on an erect or semi-erect penis. Be careful not to snag any pubes in the process! Try it solo at first so that you have an idea about the sensations before the added pressure of being with a partner. Also, try allowing the feeling of the cock ring to settle in while doing sexy activities you enjoy either solo with a toy, or hand-job, or partnered like kissing, or oral or hand stimulation. Notice what feels good and what doesn’t. And communicate about it. Be sure to use lube to stimulate the penis. Leave expectations aside and enjoy the heightened sensations and the fun of trying something new!
