What are they and how do they work?
Cock rings, otherwise known as C-rings, erection enhancement rings or couple’s rings are simple, safe and time honoured devices beloved by many people with penises and their partners. They come in many shapes, styles and sizes but they are all based on the same simple concept.
A cock ring is essentially a circular band worn around the base of the erect penis and constricts the blood flow of out of the veins while still allowing blood to flow in. Simply put, by increasing and sustaining the amount of blood that’s collected in the penis, you can potentially make your cock stay bigger, stronger and harder for longer. Cock rings can also be especially helpful for men experiencing erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation issues. Many men also find sensation of pressure and tightness that comes with wearing a ring very pleasurable and in the case of vibrating rings, you can easily give your partner some extra hands-free stimulation during sex.
Are they safe?
They are completely safe to use as long as you use some common sense and follow a few basic rules.
- First and foremost, it’s essential that you do not wear a cock ring for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Constricting the blood flow for a longer period can put you at risk for injury. In situations where you’ve been drinking and may forget you’re wearing it or you’re really tired and likely to fall asleep with it on, you should probably give the cock ring a miss. If you’re concerned that you’ll lose track of time while wearing a cock ring, you could set the timer on your phone to remind you to take if off.
- It’s also important to have a quality lube that’s compatible with the ring material on hand (i.e., don’t use silicone lube with a silicone ring). Applying some lube before putting the ring on will make it easier and more comfortable by reducing friction and helping you avoid possible pain and irritation from the ring pinching on any sensitive spots. It’s also a good idea to do some manscaping first too if necessary so the ring doesn’t pull and catch on stray hairs.
- If you feel pain, numbness, coldness and/or discomfort in your penis, it’s important to remove the ring immediately. This kind of reaction can occur if the ring is too small or the wrong shape for you.
- If you have any complex medical conditions or relevant underlying health problems, we strongly recommend that you speak to your doctor before using a cock ring.
- It’s also really important for you and your partner’s health to keep all your toys, including cock rings, clean and free from bodily fluids and bacteria. We strongly recommend that you clean your ring shortly after use with a quality toy cleaner or warm water and mild soap then dry it completely before storing it.
What are they made of?
The most common type of cock ring is made of super stretchy, thermoplastic rubber or silicone. They come in a range of diameters, textures and thicknesses and are simple to use, easy to clean and effective, making them a great choice for beginners.
Metal and other solid rings are extremely durable, comfortable and effective but they require more care and experience to use. These types of rings don’t stretch or flex so it’s important that they fit properly as they can be ineffective if too big and dangerous and hard to remove if too small.
What size do I need?
Generally speaking, the stretchier the ring, the more universal a fit it will offer. Thermoplastic (TPR/TPE) rings tend to be the stretchiest option while silicone ones usually have less give but may last longer and offer a firmer fit.
As is the case with most adult toys, finding the product that’s perfect for you can require a degree of trial and error. Many cock rings come in a set of various sizes so you can experiment with different levels of tightness. The depth and thickness of a cock ring contributes to the fit, level of constriction and sensation it provides. If you’re interested in higher level of constriction than a standard, super stretchy TPR/TPE ring offers, taking measurements of your girth both while flaccid and hard will give you an indication of what size ring to try.
What type should I get?
Apart from the basic rings, there are several other styles of cock rings that offer extra sensation and satisfaction for you and your partner.
Adjustable rings give you the ability to control the level of tightness and styles include tie up, Velcro fastened and lasso types.
Double rings, also known as cock and ball rings, provide constriction around the base of the penis as well as the scrotum. Double rings provide extra stability, comfort and sensation and they can even help delay and intensify your orgasm as they restrict the scrotum from retracting up towards the body during ejaculation, something which some men with premature ejaculation issues find very helpful. One important thing to note with all double rings is that unlike single rings, they need to be applied while the penis is flaccid by poking your testicles one at a time through the bottom ring before bending your penis through the top ring.
If you’re after some extra stimulation, vibrating cock rings are a great option. These rings come with an attached bullet style vibrator offering buzzy stimulation throughout the penis. When worn with the vibrating part below the penis, it can stimulate the scrotum and perineum as well.
Vibrating rings are a must have for couples looking to share strong, targeted and hands-free stimulation. Vibrating rings can provide fantastic clitoral stimulation and help her reach orgasm during sex, especially with the missionary and cowgirl positions. Vibrating rings range in price according to features and power sources, from single speed, single use rings to rechargeable, app or remote controlled versions.
For those with a sense of adventure, there are also rings available that have extra attachments including butt plugs, prostate stimulators, dildos for double penetration, ball stretchers and chastity cages, to name a few.
Click here to view our range of cock rings.