What Cock Rings Are Used For? How To Try Them Out - Healthline

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HealthlineSubscribeWhat Are Cock Rings Used For?

Medically reviewed by Aaron R. Block, MD MPH CPH DABFM MSCP, Menopause and Mid-Life Women's Care, Family Medicine — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on July 12, 2025

ED
Erections
Sensation
Clit stim
Hand jobs
Blow jobs
Erogenous zones
Anal play
Partner play
Takeaway

Cock rings are worn around the base of the penis and sometimes the testicles to make erections harder, bigger, and longer-lasting. They come in different materials, from flexible silicone and rubber to leather and metal.

While maintaining a hard erection is the primary function of a cock ring, bells and whistles, such as vibration or anal beads, offer up other fun uses — no penis required.

Read on to learn how to use cock rings for solo and partner play.

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment

ED is difficulty developing or maintaining an erection.

Though it’s more common in older people, ED can happen at any age. It can be a one-off event after drinking too much or being tired, but it may also happen regularly due to medical conditions, relationship challenges, or stress.

A ring for ED works by slowing the blood flow back from the erect penis, allowing it to stay hard longer. It works best if you’re able to get a partial or full erection. If not, using a penis pump can help get you hard enough to use a cock ring effectively.

2. Bigger erections

Even if you have no trouble getting hard, a cock ring can give you a bigger and harder boner that lasts longer. Some people do it for the way it looks, others do it for the sensation.

While it can make your package appear slightly larger, don’t expect miracles. A slight increase in size is all you’re likely to get safely. Wearing it too tight could cause swelling, but not the kind you want.

3. Added penile sensation

Wearing a cock ring may increase sensation, which can make masturbation, oral sex, and penetration more pleasurable.

Cock rings slow blood flow and prolong sensation, which can also result in more powerful orgasms.

While we’re on the subject of feels — more sensation is great, but your cock ring shouldn’t hurt. Take it off right away if you experience any kind of discomfort or if something just doesn’t feel quite right.

4. Clitoral stimulation

Yep, that’s right — a cock ring can pleasure the clit even if there’s no cock to be found! You can thank the invention of the vibrating cock ring for this.

Slip a vibrating cock ring over your fingers or a dildo for a solo sesh or have your partner wear it on a strap-on. You can also use a vibrating cock ring over another vibrating toy to rock your insides and outsides at the same time.

5. Buzzworthy hand jobs

Vibrating cock rings are just so handy! Slide one over your fingers or the palm of your hand and wear it while giving a hand job.

Just be sure to use a light touch since this isn’t exactly what cock rings were designed for. Be especially careful around the pubes since silicone and rubber can sometimes pull.

6. Mind-blowing blow jobs

Sure, a cock ring can be worn while getting a blow job, but that’s not the only way to enjoy one during oral.

A flexible cock ring can be slipped over the tongue comfortably to wear while running your tongue up and down the shaft.

It should go without saying, but be aware of small parts (like batteries), which can be a choking hazard.

7. Exploring erogenous zones

Get that ring off the penis and take it on a little trip over your or your partner’s erogenous zones. Our bodies are chock-full of erotically charged areas just longing to be explored and stimulated.

With a vibrating ring around your fingers or in your palm, you’ll be able to find the spots that feel best. And PS, they’re not all where you think they are. Here’s a handy guide to get you started.

8. Anal play

Cock rings can take anal play to a whole other level. A vibrating cock ring can be worn on the penis during regular anal penetration.

It can also be worn to make vaginal and anal double penetration more pleasurable — just add one to a penis or strap-on and one to a butt plug.

9. Double pleasure

This isn’t a specific use, per se, but you can find cock rings in a range of configurations that offer up a little something extra for all parties.

These cock rings will help you play like a boss no matter what kind of sex act you’re performing:

Cock ring butt plug combo: A butt plug and cock ring combo is exactly what it sounds like: a cock ring attached to a butt plug. It’s shaped for P-spot or G-spot stimulation.
Anal bead cock rings: Still on the subject of anal play, an anal bead cock ring is made of flexible silicone and has a beaded end that can be inserted into the anus or vagina during penetration.
Double the vibe: Double-ended cock rings have two vibrating bullets attached. That means two times the vibration for the cock, balls, clit, and anus/perineum.
Cage cock rings: These soft and stretchy cock rings are worn over the balls and shaft so the ridges can be enjoyed during penetration while a small exterior vibe works magic on the clit at the same time.

The bottom line

If you’re considering a cock ring for suspected ED, speak with a healthcare professional first to confirm or rule out any underlying medical conditions. Don’t wear a cock ring if you have a bleeding disorder or a blood condition.

Unless you’re using a flexible cock ring, you’ll need to choose the right size so it does its job without cutting off circulation. Avoid rings made of materials you may be allergic to, such as certain metals or latex.

Don’t wear a cock ring for more than 20 minutes at a time. Take it off if you feel any discomfort or pain, or notice any bruising. Clean rings after every use to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Leslie SW, et al. (2024). Erectile dysfunction.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/
What does a penis ring do? (2024).https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/what-does-penis-ring-do
What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-a-constriction-ring-why-should-one-be-used-with-caution/

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Medically reviewed by Aaron R. Block, MD MPH CPH DABFM MSCP, Menopause and Mid-Life Women's Care, Family Medicine — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on July 12, 2025

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