How Cock Rings Work and How to Use it to your Advantage

Cock rings, otherwise known as c-rings or penis rings, as the name implies, are rings for the upstanding gentlemen from downstairs. Pun fully intended. C-rings are specifically designed to be worn at the base of the shaft.

We’ll explore the pleasurable world of cock rings and all the necessary details one should know when obtaining and using such a toy. This article is aimed at beginners in the world of sex toys, but sex toy aficionados might also benefit from reading it.

Let’s get familiar with what exactly cock rings are, and how to use them properly.

What is a cock ring?

Why would anyone want to put a ring on their cock? Well, the answer is simple: pleasure, of course…

As far as we know, people have been putting rings around their party muscles since the 13^th century. But back then, cock rings were made from goat’s eyelids, along with eyelashes, for enhanced pleasure.

Luckily for us, cock rings transitioned from organic matter to more body-friendly materials. Today, they’re made from a variety of materials like skin-friendly silicone, metal, rubber, plastic, Velcro, and specially designed ropes. Also, there are several different types of cock rings, like classic ones, the ones that vibrate and/or have anal attachments.

The way of the cock ring

The primary purpose of a cock ring is to be attached to the base of the shaft and restrict the blood flow to the surrounding area. The ring creates a pressure that causes the blood to move slower through the penis, resulting in harder and longer-lasting erections.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, that pump blood into the penis, cock ring restricts it from flowing out, making your erection last longer. And erections aren’t the only thing a cock ring lengthen; they also help to delay an orgasm, making you last longer in between the sheets.

But sexual enhancement isn’t the only purpose of a c-ring. Reducing the blood flow out of the penis makes c-rings effective in combating erectile dysfunction, whether it’s a one-off event or a medical condition.

Some people wear a ring for cosmetic reasons, as using a ring might make a penis appear more prominent. Others do it for the sensation, since wearing a c-ring may also increase sensation, making masturbation, oral, or penetrative sex more pleasurable.

Still, some people think that a cock ring is entirely unnecessary. And while that may be entirely true, remember that you don’t necessarily need running shoes for running, but having them makes running more enjoyable.

One size fits all, said she

Not entirely true, since c-rings do come in various sizes. One size fits all, in this case, points out to the versatility of penis rings. Besides providing longer-lasting erections, and out-of-this-world orgasms, shaft rings can be used by anyone, for any type of sexual play. Depending on how imaginative you are, c-rings can be used in almost any erotic scenario.

For starters, they make masturbation and edging more fun, since longer-lasting erections cause an increased and prolonged sensation. Combining edging, the art of delaying orgasm, and cock rings will make your delayed gratification a whole new experience.

Thanks to the invention of vibrators, a vibrating ring can be used even by those without a penis. You can slip one over your fingers or a dildo for a solo session, or use it on a strap-on with your partner. For the bold and the brave, using a vibrating penis ring on a vibrator can rock your world.

Lastly, our bodies are pleasure maps, full of erotically charged areas just waiting to be stimulated. Put a vibrating penis ring in your palm, or around your finger, and discover your partner’s erogenous zones.

Plenty of fish in the sea

Like we mentioned above, penis rings made a long way from being a simple ring you put over your member, to an outstanding sex toy. Moderns love rings come in a variety of types and sizes. Knowing which ring to choose makes all the difference between having a positive experience or a negative one.

If you’re unfamiliar with cock rings and have never used one, we advise you to stick to the basics. You want a ring that provides a firm but comfortable grip that doesn’t constrict the blood flow entirely. That’s why stretchy rings and adjustable ones are the most recommended ring types for beginners.

Silicone, latex, or nylon are great material of choice for beginners since they allow for easy removal if the toy becomes uncomfortable. Adjustable rings are usually made of black leather material and are great for first-time users.

More rigid materials, like metal, usually provide additional sensation. Metal penis rings are temperature-responsive and do an excellent job at retaining temperature, which allows for some hot-cold stimulation. However, they’re not elastic, which makes them more challenging to put on and take off. Using a metal ring requires experience, as improper use might result in a ring stuck to your penis.

For the uninitiated, we highly recommend a standard c-ring that sits at the base of the shaft.  Standard rings come in a variety of materials, and stretchy rings fit all sizes. However, purchasing a metal ring requires you to measure your erect girth and find a size that suits you.

For more experienced, a cock-and-ball ring is a single ring that fits around both the penis and the testicles. This type of ring usually provides stronger erections and more intense orgasms than a standard ring but requires more experience to put on. There is a quick-release type of cock-and-ball ring, which is made of super-stretchy material, enabling you to take it off more quickly.

Double trouble – double the pleasure, with cock ring and butt plug combo[read more about our top rated butt plugs here]. It’s exactly as it sounds – a penis ring that’s attached to a butt plug, designed for those who love having their prostate massaged. The plug is designed explicitly for P-spot stimulation and may contain a vibrating mechanism for additional stimulation. Another variation of this combo is anal beads cock rings that are made of flexible silicone. The beaded end can be inserted into either yours or your partner’s anus or vagina during penetrative sex.

But the most popular type of c-rings is the rings that vibrate. These rings are so fantastic, favored by those with a penis, and those without one. The vibrating shaft ring might stimulate the slit during penetration, or the balls if you turn the vibe part around. But that’s not where the fun ends, since almost all ring types, including the ones with anal plug, may produce vibrations.

Regardless of whether it’s a standard or anal bead cock ring, the added vibrations increase the fun and pleasure for both partners. And if you’re both fans of double penetration, you can obtain a cock ring with a dildo attached to it.

There’s no limit to human ingenuity when it comes to pleasure, which is why there are so many great products out there. Find the one or ones you like and try them on. Penis rings are fantastic and should be a part of anyone’s sexual repertoire.

Put a ring on it

There are steps on how to correctly put on and take off a penis ring, and when it comes to sex, any safe method is a proper method.

Imagine going to the ER with a different type of engagement ring stuck around your member. Though it may sound funny, improper use of shaft rings may cause injury and pain. To spare yourself the embarrassing trip to the doctor’s, and take time to learn how to use a cock ring properly.

Putting a tightly sized ring on a fully erect penis is rather tricky, and even more so without some lube. You always start with a flaccid or semi-erect penis, and a generous amount of lube applied to both the ring and the penis. If the ring is just for the cock, simply stick it through the ring and slide it down to the base.

Cock-and-ball rings are slightly different, as you put the testicles through the ring first, carefully going one testicle at the time. Remember, testicles are pain sensitive, so pay special attention to them. Start with putting one testicle through the ring, followed by the other.

After that, fold the penis into the ring and pull it through. This would be near impossible to achieve with a fully erect penis, which is why you should always start with a flaccid or semi-erect penis. Once the penis stands firmly at attention, the pressure should feel tight, but not uncomfortable.

The same rules apply to rings with prostate massagers: balls first, cock second, butt goes last. Just remember to use a lot of lube, and do an anal prep. Always do anal prep.

Recommended reading: We reviewed best lubes on the market!

Metal rings have their own set of rules. As they offer no amount of stretch, you always put one on a flaccid penis. If it goes only around the base of the shaft, simply slide it on. But if you’re putting it around the scrotum as well, put one testicle through at the time, and penis through in the remaining space.

Use it, but don’t abuse it

Once the ring is comfortable on, and the penis becomes erect, you have about 20 – 30 minutes of recommended use time. Though some people argue that a ring can be worn for up to an hour, anything longer than 30 minutes is potentially detrimental to your health.

Beginners should start slow, with minimum tightness and less playtime, so that they may build themselves up. As you become more comfortable with wearing and using a penis ring, you’ll also become more accustomed to heightened sensations it provides.

Do feel free to orgasm and ejaculate with the ring in place. Wearing a cock ring can delay orgasm, but it may also make it much more powerful and pleasurable.

When appropriately used, penis rings offer much to the buffet of sex play and can be used by anyone. That said, the use of cock rings shouldn’t be practiced by individuals who have diabetes or other circulatory issues.

Once you’ve reached an orgasm, wait for your penis to become flaccid again, and carefully remove the ring. If you’re still going strong after 30 minutes, it’s best to remove the ring, if possible, to avoid causing harm to the penis.

Once you go cock ring

After victory has been achieved, to the satisfaction of both parties, it’s time to “lay down the weapons.” In other words, once you reached an orgasm and ejaculate, it’s time to take the ring off.

Removing the adjustable or quick-release rings is quite simple; just pop off any buttons, snaps, or Velcro a ring has. Stretchy rings, like silicone or rubber ones, can easily be removed at any point, by simply pulling it off. Pay special attention when removing a stretchy ring, not to pull any pubic hair or skin.

Metal, plastic, and other immovable rings require a flaccid penis before removal. The penis comes out first to make room for the testicles, which come out one by one.

Removing a cock ring after the pleasurable deed is of paramount importance, lest you fall asleep while wearing it. Falling asleep with a c-ring on is a considerable risk to your health, as it may cause irreparable damage to the tissue and nerves.

Once removed, the c-ring should be thoroughly cleaned and put away.

How to clean your gear

It’s essential to clean your toys after use. Apart from hygienic reasons, this way you won’t waste time cleaning it the next time you wish to use it. The better care you take of your toys, the longer they’ll last.

Cleaning your toy mostly depends on the material it’s made of since porous and non-porous materials are cleaned differently. In any case, some lukewarm water and soap should do the trick, or invest in a good-quality toy cleaner. The safest bet is to consult the provided user manual on how to clean and maintain your toy correctly.