How to use a cock ring
Cock rings, also called penis rings (or as we affectionately call them, “C rings”), are glorious little devices meant to encircle and bind the penis and testicles. They gently restrict blood flow out of the penis, which can make the penis temporarily firmer and more sensitive. This may prolong an erection, and some wearers find that it intensifies their orgasms. But mainly, cock rings provide sensations of tightness and pressure that many folks enjoy. Plus, they just look sexy.
Although it may not immediately be apparent, cock rings are extremely versatile sex toys: they can be used solo or during partner sex — and we mean all flavors of partner sex! Vibrating cock rings are especially great for partner play, as they can stimulate the clitoris or testicles (and sometimes both at once!). A vibrating cock ring can even be strapped around the base of a dildo or vibrator, transforming it into a sort of pseudo rabbit.
We get a lot of questions about how to choose and how to wear a cock ring. After reading this guide, we hope you won’t have many more questions about cock rings — except for which one you want to try next!
Choosing a cock ring
There are a few things to consider when ogling cock rings. You’ll want to take into account your skill level, your budget, and what you’ll be using the cock ring for (is it to simply enhance an erection, or to stimulate a partner as well?). If you have your eye on a vibrating cock ring, the strength of its vibration might be important, too. There are three main styles of cock ring: stretchy basic cock rings, vibrating cock rings, and solid cock rings.
Stretchy basic cock rings are the best choice for beginners, since they can be easily adjusted and removed during use. These come in various colors and sizes, so you can experiment and find the perfect fit. Other stretchy cock ring options include the Tantus Super Soft C-Ring, P.3 Stretch, and Lovering Rain, three pure silicone rings.
Vibrating cock rings are becoming very popular, and for good reason — these rings each have a vibrating attachment that can be used to stimulate the clitoris or testicles/perineum. A few, like the Duet, aim to stimulate both at once. Our very favorite vibrating cock rings are the luxurious Tor and Mio, which are rechargeable and come in elegant gift boxes.
Solid cock rings are non-adjustable, made of unyielding materials, and come in specific sizes. We currently carry several types of solid cock rings: the Chrome Ring Set, the Nitrile Ring Set, the Stainless Steel Ring, and the wooden Rendezvous Ring. Since these types of cock rings cannot be easily removed during use, they are recommended for advanced users only. To size yourself for one of these cock rings, you’ll need a piece of string or a cloth measuring tape. Get hard, then wrap the measuring tape behind your testicles and tightly around the top of your penis. Keep the tape close to your body. This measurement, in inches, is the circumference of your package.
Most solid cock rings are measured by their interior diameters, so you’ll need to take your circumference and divide it by 3.14 to find the right diameter for you. For example, a circumference of 5.5″ will call for a cock ring with an interior diameter of 1.75″. Don’t go smaller than your measurement — in the world of solid cock rings, the smaller the ring, the more advanced it is. You don’t want to get stuck!
Everyone is different, so come into the shop or contact us if you have any questions about choosing a cock ring.
Using a cock ring on a penis
If this is your first time using a cock ring, give it a solo test run for 5 or 10 minutes to acclimate yourself to the sensation and ensure that the fit is correct. A well-fitting cock ring should increase the size of your erection only slightly, and should cause no pain or discomfort. Follow the steps below for a worry-free cock ring experience.
Prepare. Some cock rings can tug on pubic hair, so you may wish to trim your pubic hair before use.
Lube it up. Spread some lube on your penis and testicles, or on the inside of the ring, to make everything go smoothly. If you’re using a silicone cock ring, be sure to use water-based (not silicone-based) lube.
The time has come. Stretchy cock rings can be put on at any time during an erection, but the process is easiest if you are semi-erect. Using a finger or two from each hand, stretch the ring underneath and behind your testicles, then over your penis and up against your body. Release the tension slowly and slip your fingers out. Most stretchy cock rings can also be worn solely around the shaft of the penis, although they may not be quite as effective that way.
Solid cock rings should be applied before you are completely erect. Drop your testicles through the ring one at a time, then fold your penis downward and ease it through the ring while pulling the ring back against your body.
Go to town! If you’re flying solo, masturbate and experiment with the rotation of the ring. If you’re wanting to stimulate a partner’s clitoris by wearing a vibrating cock ring during sex, try to keep your body parallel to your partner’s and communicate with them about your angle. Shallow, short thrusts should keep the ring in contact with their clitoris. Another good position is cowgirl, where your partner can grind against the cock ring at their own pace.
Be safe. Don’t wear the ring any longer than you are comfortable with; we recommended no more than 25 minutes. If you ever feel discomfort or a loss of sensation, remove the ring immediately. Wearing a cock ring for too long can damage the capillaries and bruise the penis, and nobody wants that!
When you’re done, remove the ring. Stretchy rings can simply be stretched back over and off the genitals. If you’re wearing a solid ring, reverse the steps you took to put it on: push your penis back through the ring, followed by your testicles.
Clean up. If applicable, remove the batteries from your cock ring. Be sure to clean your cock ring before putting it away; antibacterial soap and water should do the trick. Store your cock ring in a cool, dark place, and keep the batteries nearby for next time.