Cock Rings 101: The Beginner's Guide to Penis Rings
What Does a Cock Ring Do?
Cock rings, or penis rings, as they’re sometimes known, are worn around the penis, usually at the base. There are a few other types of rings that go near the tip, around the glans, or others that go around the testicles.
The main way they work is by restricting blood from flowing away from the penis. The ring should be fairly tight to do this, otherwise the blood will just flow right past it.
With more blood trapped inside your erect penis, you might notice that it feels harder and looks slightly bigger and redder.
Don’t have time to read it all? Here are the key takeaways:
- Cock rings work by restricting blood flow away from the penis.
- While wearing a cock ring, you can feel harder, look bigger, get more stimulation, and stimulate your partner!
- You need to take some safety precautions, including using the right size ring and taking it off after 30 mins max.
- The benefits of cock rings can vary from person to person, as well as day to day.
Cock Ring Benefits
- Harder Erections — With more blood in your erect penis, you’ll likely find that you feel much harder.
- Look Bigger — More blood in your boner can also give you a slight boost in the size department! Don’t expect a miracles, though.
- More Intense Sensations —
- Last Longer — By stopping so much blood from flowing away from the penis, you can maintain your erection for longer.
- Pleasing Your Partner — We’re not saying that you need a cock ring to satisfy your partner, just that a cock ring can help you provide extra stimulation! Vibrating cock rings can stimulate the clitoris or perineum during penetrative sex – a great solution for the many vulva-owners out there who can’t orgasm from penetrative sex alone. There are even some cock rings with a dildo attached for some spectacular double-penetration action!
Who Can Benefit From a Cock Ring?
The benefits of a penis ring can be felt on any penis-owner, regardless of size, girth or other factors.
That being said, penis rings can be a valuable aid if:
- You experience erectile dysfunction. One type of erectile dysfunction, for instance, is called ‘venous leakage’, which is a bit of a scary way to say that the tissues in the penis can fail to properly ‘lock in’ blood. A tight cock ring can help with this by preventing the blood from leaving the penis and maintaining the erection.
- You have performance anxiety. It can be hard to stay erect when you’re stressed or nervous, but using a cock ring can make it easier to stay hard, which can make you feel more at ease and ‘in the moment’, which, in turn, can make your erection even better! It’s a cycle of good things.
Cock Ring Risks
Of course, using a cock ring doesn’t come without some risks and precautions.
If you have a blood or nerve disorder, or take a blood-thinning medication, then it may not mix well with how cock rings work to restrict blood flow. If you’re in doubt, talk with your physician before popping one on.
There are also some important safety tips to keep in mind when using a penis ring:
- Make sure to use the right size ring.
- Never wear it for longer than 30 minutes.
- Use lube to prevent any friction between your cock and the ring.
- Clean your cock ring after every use. If it’s a single-use ring, dispose of it properly.
While you’re enjoying your c-ring, you (and your partner) should also keep an eye out for signs that your ring is too tight. These include:
- Abnormal swelling
- Numbness
- Pain
- Irritation
- Changes in color or temperature
If you notice any of these, you should quickly but gently remove your cock ring. It should return to normal afterward, but if it doesn’t (or you’re at all concerned), contact a medical professional.
So, Do Cock Rings Actually Work?
When you read about cock rings, you often see them paired with the phrase ‘results may vary’. There’s considerable debate as to whether cock rings actually do all the magical things they promise.
In reality, whether your cock ring works really depends on your body and the circumstances you’re in.
Some penis owners respond better to penis rings than others, and you might not experience the same effects one day as another.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go! If you’re disappointed with the results, it might be that you need to experiment with placement or try a different type of cock ring.
Keep in mind that, even if you don’t feel harder or bigger in your penis ring, it could still help your partner. A vibrating cock ring will still provide that all-important clit stimulation, just like a hands-free vibrator!
Are Cock Rings Safe?
Cock rings are generally safe sex toys if you never wear them for more than 30 minutes at a time.
So, answering if cock rings will harm you has have a lot more to do with how you use them.
Here is how:
- Make sure your cock ring is not too tight! It should be a snug fit but not feel overwhelmingly tight. Check out our blog with a guide on how to measure your penis for the right cock ring sizing.
- Don’t wear it for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Let your dong breathe for a bit and let the blood circulate normally once in a while. You can always put it back on after a while.
- Take it off immediately if you notice numbness, discoloration, or pain. This might be a sign that something is too tight down there and the blood flow is way too restricted.
Different Types of Cock Rings
Cock Ring Materials
Who knew there were so many different types of cock ring out there?! It’s actually mad how far we’ve come as a sexual society that we have so many varied options available to us in something as small and simple as a cock ring! Let’s take a look at a few of them! First, let’s go through some of the different materials that cock rings are made of. Some are better than others, and some people might have a preference as to which they prefer. But here are a few of the most popular!
- Silicone cock rings – Soft, stretchy, and durable, silicone cock rings are a fantastic choice. It is a super body-safe material that is easy to keep clean and hygienic. Don’t use silicone-based lubes with it though, as this may damage the silicone of the cock ring.
- Metal cock ring – Ah, cold, hard, chunky metal will always feel industrial and serve as a solid cock ring! They have a weight to them that isn’t replicated by other materials, and because of how solid the material is, it makes metal cock rings perfect for more extreme penis ring adventures! You can also find solid cock rings out of other materials.
- Leather cock ring – If you want a material that feels nice and realistic, leather is a great way to go. Whether it’s real leather cock ring or faux leather, it is still great to the touch, warming up to body temperature in no time. There is a certain amount of movement available with leather, but it’s still a firm and strong material, being closer to metal than to silicone in the forgiving-ness department.
- Soft plastic – Soft plastic is quite similar to silicone in that it is durable yet stretchy and accommodating. It is also cheaper than silicone. Unlike silicone though, soft plastic cock rings are porous, meaning they can absorb bacteria and germs. It’s always important to keep porous toys clean if you want to avoid any nasty surprises!
Cock Rings for Beginners and Advanced Ring-Bearers
The most obvious take-away from learning about the materials of cock rings, is being able to know whether or not a cock ring is stretchy enough for you.
- Stretchy cock ring – As the title suggests, stretchy cock rings have a flexibility that allows them to stretch around your cock while still providing a tight and firm squeeze when released. Often made of materials such as silicone or soft plastic, stretchy cock rings are a great first step into the world of cock rings.
- Non-stretchy cock ring – Non-stretchy ones have no leeway in them whatsoever. They are firm and solid, so it’s best to make sure that you have the correct size for you. Non-stretchy cock rings are for more advanced users and tend to be made out of metal or hard plastic, so there will be no movement – no mater how much you try!
Cock Rings to Make Your Partner Orgasm
Cock rings can vibrate! I repeat, cock rings can vibrate! What an awesome feature! Who said that vibrators were just for women?! Well, it depends on what you want when you’re using the cock ring.
- If you just want one to feel that tight, grasping squeeze in order to help firm up your erections and last longer in bed, then the non-vibrating cock ring will do just that.
- But with a vibrating one, you get something different. An extra dimension that you might not have considered. The cock and balls are obviously very sensitive, so any additional stimulation is only a good thing. That’s why a vibrator on your cock will feel so good! PLUS (that’s right, there’s more) your partner will also get a buzz out of a vibrating cock ring if it presses and caresses against them during intercourse!
Adjustable cock rings
Sometimes you want a real tight squeeze, and sometimes you want a gentle but firm hold. This is where adjustable cock rings, like this Fifty Shades of Grey Adjustable Cock Ring, come into their own. Often featuring press studs or a drawstring, these kinds of cock can be positioned to the diameter of your choice.
Cock rings with a butt plug
A real two-for-the-price-of-one kind of toy, some cock rings come attached to a butt plug, so you can fill your butt up while your cock is taking a good squeeze, like the Nexus Stimul8. Easy to use and stretchy enough to be able to reach from your cock to your ass, cock rings with butt plugs are a fun toy with a cheeky bonus!
Vibrating cock ring
A vibrating cock ring is a fantastic sex toy for couples as it provides awesome stimulation for both partners. Both through the penis shaft, that vibrations will transfer too, and additionally directly from the cock ring vibrator itself. Especially good for hetereo couples if cock ring is aimed to hit the clitoris.
Teardrop cock ring
A teardrop cockring can serve two purposes. Shaped as a teardrop with a small outgoing bulb it is typically aimed back at the wearers perinium. It is also worn around the balls, so that there is better access to the perinium area, and will stimulate by pressing into this area. It can, however, also be aimed the other direction and be used to stimulate the parter – really good when riding. Sometimes teardrop cock rings will also have a vibrator.
Dual cock ring
A dual cock ring is a double ring system, that are typically attached together. One ring goes around the penis shaft, while another goes around the balls. This is meant to restrict blood flow in two places for an even more effectful experience.
Tri cock ring
A tri cock ring is a triple ring system. The cock rings goes around the shaft, around the shaft and balls, and lastly around only the balls. While the lasty cock ring that only sits around the balls does not have a blood restricting purpose it does help in other ways. First, because it can imitate the feeling of being under control like a chastity cage. Secondly, because it tightens around the balls, which in itself can feel wonderful.
Double penetration cock rings
If you want to have a cock ring, that at the same time works as an extra strap on dick then you can choose to find and buy a double penetration cock rings. These cock rings have a built in small silicone dildo, that will penetrate anally or vaginally, while you yourself take care of the other hole.
Magnetic Cock Rings
If you like the idea of a metal cock ring but aren’t into the difficult process of putting one on, why not try out a magnetic cock ring?
These attractive-looking toys (pun intended) are easily put on by simply placing the two halves in place around your penis and/or testicles and then connecting them together.
The strong magnets will keep the ring in place as you play, giving you all that weighty goodness that feels so good.
Then, when you’re done, just pull them apart — it’s that simple!
Beaded cock ring
A beaded cock ring is a ring with small beads that are sometimes visible through the see-through silicone or TPE material they are made of. The small beads will stimulate your penis shaft. Especially as or if the cock ring move up or down.
BDSM cock ring
So, a BDSM cock ring can refer to many different types of cock rings. For example “gates of hell”, which is basically X number of metal cock rings in differing sizes mounted to a leather straps. It can also refer to electro cock rings, cock rings with spikes or any other pain-inflicting mechanism. Some BDSM cock rings are also referred to as cock and ball torture toys.
Testicle rings / Ball stretchers
Some cock rings are only made for the testicles and are therefore called testicle rings. They are not meant to go around the penis shaft and balls but rather only around the base of the balls. This will wrap around the balls and cause a tightening sensation that combined with other stimulations to the shaft can give some powerful orgasms. Sometimes they are also reffered to as ball stretchers.
Glans rings
A glans ring sits right after the penis gland. This is more of a decorative cock ring than anything.
It is hard to keep it in place but will suddenly stimulate the glans.
Cock Rings vs Testicle Rings
When we talk about types of cock ring, oftentimes we are also talking about rings that go around the testicles.
So, what exactly is a testicle ring? And, is it different from a cock ring?
A testicle ring is:
- A ring that goes around the base of the penis, behind the scrotum,
- Or, a ring that only goes around the scrotum and not the shaft.
Here’s a quick overview of the different kinds of testicle rings that you might see…
Dual Cock Rings
Get twice the stimulation with a dual cock ring. There’s a cock ring that goes in front of the scrotum, and a testicle ring that goes behind.
This gives you extra stimulation and constriction, while also preventing the cock ring from rotating too much while in use.
Triple Cock Rings
There are several kinds of triple cock rings out there, but one of the most popular is this design. The Oxballs TRI-SPORT feels fantastically tight and supportive, whilst still being breathable and comfortable.
You can even turn it around and use it as a ball separator.
Ball Stretchers
If testicular stimulation is what you enjoy, then you may just love a ball stretcher like this one from Bondage Boutique.
They don’t do the same thing as a regular cock ring, but instead gently tug the scrotum, providing some unique hands-free stimulation.
Things to Avoid When Buying a Cock Ring
In the following, I will go through some important things to be aware of when buying a penis ring.
Too small
I am not saying, that you shoudn’t avoid buying a cock ring that is too big for you. Ideally, you should get the right size. However, I honestly believe that getting a too small penis ring is more critical, as that can be a risk to your health. Typically most men tend to buy penis ring that are over their true size, so even though this is a word of warning that might not be needed, I feel it is important to say.
Buying the cheapest
Do not go out, thinking that buying the cheapest cock ring will do you any good. For one, the materials will typically be questionable at best. Secondly, a cheap cock ring can prove dangerous if it hard to remove and completely cuts off blod flow. Cock rings are already very cheap to begin with, so it is definitely not worth it to try and save a few extra bucks by buying the cheapest plastic option.
Do not buy hard cock rings as a first
If you are a beginner to cock rings, and you are looking for your first one, then please do not buy one of either metal or any other hard material. Choose a soft silicone cock ring. They are a lot easier to use and will give you a way better first time experience than any of the harder and unflexible materials out there.
Cock Ring Brands to Look for
If you are still in doubt what cock ring to choose, you might want to go down the route of looking for brand or shop specific cock rings.
Cock Ring Fitting - Find Your Size
Finding the perfect size for your new cock ring is important to get the best experience. Too tight, and the cock ring will either be impossible to get on, or induce pain. Too loose, and you won’t get the benefit of harder erections and longer lasting sex. The guide below helps you on this quest to find your size and choose a cock ring that fits your penis.
You will need:
- Flexible measuring tape
OR:
- String
- Ruler
#1 Where are you placing the cock ring?
First of all, you need to find out where you want your new cock ring to be places. And the base, head or around your testicles. Typically any cock ring you purchase will mention if it is specifically for the head or testicles. But those are also a good idea to measure. Even if you do purchase a normal cockring, you might want to place it in a thicker area of your penis shaft. Therefore, measure the area you intend to use. Typically the very base of your penis.
#2 Use the string to measure
Take either your flexible measuring tape or the string and wrap around your penis. If it is flaccid when measuring you should be able to fit about a finger in between. Preferable have an erect penis when measuring. Then measure while it feels tight and snug.
#3 Find the diameter
If you use a string, mark the ends that meet. Use the string markings to measure on the ruler. This measure is your ideal cock ring circumfrence. Most retailers will use this measure. If they instead use the diameter you can calculate this by PI (3.14). So, if your circumfrence is 2 inches, then the calculation used should be 2 / 3.14 = 0.64 inches. This is the diameter.
Sizing chart
| Cock Cirumference | Penis Ring Diameter |
|---|---|
| 4.00 | 1.27 |
| 4.50 | 1.43 |
| 5.00 | 1.59 |
| 5.25 | 1.67 |
| 5.50 | 1.75 |
| 5.75 | 1.83 |
| 6.00 | 1.91 |
| 6.25 | 1.99 |
| 6.50 | 2.07 |
| 6.75 | 2.15 |
| 7.00 | 2.23 |
| 7.25 | 2.31 |
| 7.50 | 2.39 |
| 7.75 | 2.47 |
| 8.00 | 2.55 |
| 8.25 | 2.63 |
| 8.50 | 2.71 |
| 8.75 | 2.79 |
| 9.00 | 2.86 |
| 9.25 | 2.94 |
| 9.50 | 3.02 |
| 9.75 | 3.10 |
Benefits of Using Cock Rings
- Help maintain harder erections. When you put a cock ring at the base of your penis blood can flow relatively undisturbed into your penis. But because the cock ring sits tight around the base it restricts blood flow in the veins that transports blood back to the body. This means that more blood and fluid is pushed into the cells in your penis making it grow larger and harder than normally.
- Help you last longer! They don’t necessarily decrease sensitivity during sex, but since cock rings will slow down the blood flowing from your penis, your erection will last longer.
- More intense orgasms for you. When wearing a cock ring, the increased pressure on your penis will mean that the semen canal will have pressure on it. This will shoot out the sperm harder and make the orgasms feel a lot stronger if you haven’t used a cock ring.
- More intense orgasms for your partner. When you are wearing a cock ring your penis will have a slight size increase because of the additional blood in your penis. On top of it feeling amazing for yourself, you are also very likely to give your partner a better experience. Especially if you add some buzzy vibrations to that pleasure with a vibrating cock ring.
