How to Use a Cock Ring

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And why you definitely should.

If you ask us, cock rings are majorly underrated. They’re a fun, simple way to increase pleasure and sexual satisfaction for people with penises and people with vulvas—an all-around bonus for your sex life. Hi, we are *here* for better sex and more pleasure for one and all.

In case you’re new to the cock ring game, they’re probably best known for helping penis-havers maintain erections. A cock ring—also known as a penis ring, a C-ring, or a pleasure ring—slows down blood flow to the penis, keeping the blood trapped and making for longer, stronger erections. “They can help a lot with erectile dysfunction,” says Linnea Marie, a board-certified sex educator. “A robust erection is all about good blood flow.”

Using cock rings during sex can help penis-owners last longer in bed, which can lead to increased sexual confidence, Marie adds. Obviously, good sex isn’t all about hard penises, but a boost in confidence is not something to sleep on. We all know the more confident we feel in bed, the better the experience will be—for everyone involved.

For folks struggling with ED or otherwise trying to stay hard for longer, a cock ring might provide an easier, more accessible, and less pharmaceutical alternative to taking pills like Viagra or Cialis, says intimacy educator Taylor Sparks, founder of OrganicLoven.com.

That! Said! Cock rings aren’t just about having longer erections—they increase sexual pleasure, too. For penis-havers, adding a cock ring to playtime (whether solo or partnered) can provide a unique sensation that can feel pretty freakin’ good. So even if you don’t have issues maintaining erections, you can definitely still benefit from slipping a ring on it.

And don’t worry—dicks don’t get to have *all* the fun. For vulva-owners, certain cock rings come with a raised base (often one that vibrates), which can help provide that much-needed clitoral stimulation the vast majority of female-bodied folks require in order to experience orgasm. As many of us know all too well, it can be difficult to give the clit the attention it craves with P-in-V sex alone. Good news: Cock rings can help. More orgasms for vulva-owners? Yes, please!

Basically, using a cock ring is a win-win for everyone. So if you’re ready to put a ring on it, here’s everything to know about what a cock ring is, how to use one, and how you can start exploring this fun and fabulous addition to your pleasure chest.

As you’ve probably guessed, cock rings are, well, ring-like toys that are designed to go around the penis. They slow down the blood flow to the area, keeping erections harder and stronger for longer. “A cock ring is a ring or lasso that ‘enrings’ the base of the penis or the penis and testicles," says Sparks. “[They] can be made of rubber, silicone, leather, or metal.”

Cock rings come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and compression levels to suit a wide variety of body types and preferences, says Marie. Finding a ring that works for you will take some experimentation, as everyone enjoys different sensations. (Don’t worry, we have some *chef’s kiss* recommendations for ya below.)

As mentioned, cock rings are usually worn around the base of the penis, but these toys can also be placed under the balls as well—“whichever way is more comfortable for the wearer,” says Marie. That said, if you’re going to put a enring the balls, be very careful with placement and opt for a more stretchy material, like silicone.

There are two main reasons people enjoy using cock rings:

“These rings can add an exhilarating element to any sexual experience,” Marie says. This heightened sensation can be even more intense if you opt for a vibrating ring or pair it with your fave vibe. Both partners can feel the vibrations throughout their bodies, which can lead to turbo-charged pleasure. Sign us up!

What’s more, Marie says that using a cock ring during oral can add another level of intensity to your lip-service, especially if you go for a vibrating one.

“Most penis owners ‘enring’ the penis at the base, with a snug but not tight fit,” Sparks says. “Others enjoy enringing both the penis and the testicles.” It’s really about personal preference. Some rings are designed to be put on when the penis is fully erect and others when the penis is semi-erect, so always read the directions that come with your toy before use.

You can also use a vibrating cock ring on a strap-on, which can really intensify pleasure by essentially turning your strap-on into a vibrator. A cock ring with a raised base on a strap-on works the same way as it does for a penis, offering the receiving partner that coveted clit stimulation. Basically, these toys are super versatile and can be used by partners of all genders and body types.

Oh, and don’t forget the lube. Remember that lube is your very best friend for all kinds of sex, including cock-ring sex. Lube up the penis or strap-on and slide the ring down for a comfortable fit. If the ring has a vibrating base, go ahead and pop some lube on that part of the toy, too.

Before you embark on any cock ring adventures, it’s important to consider safety.

We recommend only using cock rings on penises for approximately 20 minutes at a time. Because they restrict blood flow, they have the potential to cause numbness or damage if they’re worn for too long. “Always listen to your body,” Sparks adds. If anything feels painful, numb, or uncomfortable, remove the ring carefully. You should also keep an eye out for discoloration of the penis, as this can be a sign that the ring is too tight.

Some cock rings are more likely to cause constriction, especially if they’re made of non-stretchy materials like metal or leather, says Marie, so be mindful of the materials and always handle with care. Again, always read the directions and make sure you’re following the instructions.

Now that you have all the information you need, let’s get to the fun stuff: The toys. Here are three expert-approved penis rings to get you started.

This cock ring is made from body-safe silicone and can be controlled with an app for hands-free fun. Plus, it has a vibrating base for all of that juicy clitoral stimulation. It’s very stretchy, making for a comfortable fit.

This simple and easy-to-use vibrating cock ring can be controlled by app or remote (which can be fun for long-distance partners). “The fact that this can be controlled while wearing it is so convenient because you don't need to remove it to change the settings,” says Marie. We love a little hands-free action!

This adjustable cock ring is super simple to use and has a sliding ring to adjust for your size and comfort preferences. It’s a great choice for cock ring newbies and comes at a very reasonable price point. Nothing better than a toy that doesn’t break the bank!

And if you don't see the ring for you, fear not: We have plenty more expert-approved options for ya right this way. Now go forth and explore!

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