Cock Rings 101

What Are They?

Cock rings are worn around the base of the penis behind the testicles or just around the base of the shaft. They can be made from leather, metal, rubber, nitrile, plastic, velcro, and even rope. Some have snap or velcro closures, while others are one solid ring. Cock rings are great for solo or partner play. They are hands free once put on and are very easy to use.

Some cock rings have vibrators in them. This can take the form of a single removable vibrating bullet, a built in vibrator, or even two vibrators (one for each partner!).

How Do They Work?

Cock rings work by applying a steady pressure to the base of the penis. This is intended to gently restrict blood flow out of the penis. There are a couple of benefits to using a cock ring. They can make an erection harder and firmer. They can make an erection last longer after ejaculation. Rings also help to bring focus to the genitals in a way that many people with penises aren’t used to. The blood being held in the penis combined with an extra focus on that area increases sensation for many people. Some people find that cock rings cause them to have more intense orgasms because the body has a longer time to build up the sensation.

New To Cock Rings?

Rings can come in all shapes and sizes, with extra attachments or multiple rings and dividers. Our advice to the cock ring novice is to start out with something simple.

If you are just starting out, try a ring made out of a stretchy material or that has a fastener. These are much easier to get on and off. Solid metal rings should only be used by experienced players who are familiar with their body’s response to constriction and who are familiar with techniques to remove these rings if they get stuck.

It can take a few tries to get comfortable using a cock ring. For rings made out of stretchy materials, the thicker the material, the less stretchy and more constricting the ring. You can also look at the diameter of the center hole to assess how tight a ring will be. It is better to start your cock ring exploration with a ring that is a little loose and work your way up to something that is tighter. Great starter rings include our Adore U Ring Set and the Cosmic Ring (which vibrates!).

Step By Step:

1. Choose a ring that suits your needs. Make sure you understand how to get it on and off and if it vibrates, how to turn it on or off.
2. Get your gear up! Now it's time to fantasize, masturbate, or get your partner to help you get an erection. If you are putting the ring just around the shaft of the penis, the ring should go on when you're erect. If you want to try putting the ring around the penis and behind the balls, you should be flaccid. Put the ring behind your balls and then stretch the ring around the whole sack and the penis. As you get hard, this will put a lot of pressure on the balls and the base of the penis and can feel really great. Rings must be larger if they are going to be put around the balls and the penis.
3. Make it wet! Waterbased lube can help the ring slide on or off the penis.
4. Experiment! You can wear a cock ring over the penis and testicles or just around the base of the penis. If you choose a vibrating addition, try moving the vibrating portion so it hits different spots on each partner. Test out different ways of wearing and positioning the ring so that it works best for you.
5. Masturbate! Although cock rings can be fantastic partner toys, if this is your first adventure with one, try putting it on alone and finding out what different sensations you can create and what feels best. You can always let your partner in on the fun later.

Safety

Cock rings should only be kept in place for a maximum of 30 minutes. After that, it is best to take it off and let the blood circulate into and out of the penis again. This doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop though! Just because the ring comes off for a while doesn’t mean it can’t go back on later or that you need to lose your erection or race to orgasm before the ring comes off. Of course, if you feel any discomfort or pain then take it off!

TIP: Trim or shave pubic hair for easy removal of the ring. If you or your partner prefer you with more hair, then use more lube with the ring.

TIP: If you are using cock rings with condoms, we recommend wearing a ring style that goes behind the testicles, this prevents it from interfering with the condom and potentially tearing it. If you do choose to wear a ring around just the base of the penis with a condom be aware of the potential for it to tear the condom and be extra careful! Soft materials like elastomer are less likely to tear condoms than rings with snaps or other fasteners. Use extra lube on the inside of the ring to help it move smoothly against the condom.

Wait, I don’t have a penis!

You can use a cock ring too!

Cock rings love silicone dicks! Whether to add a little buzz or to make a fashion statement, a cock ring is a stylish accessory to any dildo. 

Vibrating cock rings made from very stretchy materials (like elastomer) are perfect to make your everyday vibrator into a duel toy with both clitoral and internal stimulation. They can also be great for sliding over your fingers into your palm for buzzing hand jobs on men or women. Want a versatile and inexpensive option for all kinds of play? Try the Cosmic Ring.

Wanna give great head? Use a vibrating cock ring on a penis with the vibrator part sitting against the testicles while you do your magic. It will provide a nice vibration and put pressure on the perineum which many people find pleasurable.

TIP: Accessorize! Some people really like the way a ring makes the genitals look. Try a sexy striptease with a cock ring already on underneath your clothes. Even if you don’t find a huge difference between wearing it or not, the visual stimulation can be a fun treat!

Want To Know More?

Come in or call to ask us! We also have a variety of books that include information about cock rings. You can also click here to check out our selection of cock rings that we have in store or online.