What Is A Cock Ring, And How Do You Use It? - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeEverything you need to know about cock rings

Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Louise Morales-Brown — Updated on December 19, 2023

Definition
Uses
How to use it
Safety tips
Summary

A cock ring is a ring-shaped sex toy that goes around the base of a penis, dildo, or butt plug. It aims to increase sexual stamina and enhance stimulation and sensation.

Cock rings are usually safe to use as long as a person chooses the right ring and uses it correctly.

In this article, we explore why people may use a cock ring, how to use one, and safety tips to consider.

What is a cock ring?

a picture showing what a cock ring is and what it looks like — A person may use a cock ring to enhance sensation during intercourse.

A cock ring is a circular sex toy that can go on the base of the penis or on a dildo or butt plug. Alternatively, a penoscrotal ring can go around the base of the penis and the testicles.

Other names for a cock ring are:

penis ring
constriction band
tension ring

A penis becomes erect when chemical messages from the brain cause the arteries in the penis to relax, letting blood flow into it. A cock ring applies pressure to the penis and surrounding areas to trap the blood in the penis for longer. In this way, it helps the penis become firmer and the erection last longer.

Why people use it

A person may consider using a cock ring for various reasons. Some of these include:

Greater stamina: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that a cock ring may help increase sexual stamina. However, an older study looking at males who had premature ejaculation found that using a cock ring did not improve this sexual dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction: For people who can achieve an erection but have difficulty maintaining one, a cock ring may help. A cock ring traps the blood inside the penis, which can help keep it harder for longer. In cases where a person is unable to achieve an erection, they may pair a cock ring with a penis vacuum, also known as a penis pump.
More stimulation for all parties: Some cock rings may also contain one or two small vibrating devices. As well as being pleasurable for the person wearing the cock ring, these devices can also stimulate their partner or partners.
Increased sensation: Wearing a cock ring may increase the sensation in the penis, leading to a more pleasurable experience.

Learn more about erectile dysfunction rings here.

How to use it

A cock ring can enhance masturbation, as well as vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

The sexual benefits of wearing a cock ring may vary depending on the type of activity in which a person is engaging.

If a person is using a cock ring on their penis or that of their partner, it is important that they apply lubrication and that the cock ring fits.

A person should put the cock ring on the penis when it is erect. However, a penoscrotal ring can go over a flaccid penis. A person may then engage in the following activities:

vaginal sex
anal sex
oral sex
masturbation

Some cock rings come with a vibrator on the top. People can use this during vaginal sex for clitoral stimulation. The vibrations may also enhance the experience of anal sex.

Other cock rings have a vibrator on the top and the bottom, which may enhance the sexual experience of all participants.

Sex toys

A person may consider using a vibrating cock ring alongside other sex toys, such as a dildo or butt plug. This combination can be pleasurable for masturbation or to use on a consenting partner.

Safety tips

Although it is usually safe to use a cock ring, a person may wish to consider certain factors prior to using one.

Lubrication

To avoid uncomfortable friction, it is necessary to lubricate the cock ring before placing it on the penis.

Materials

Cock rings typically consist of silicone, rubber, plastic, leather, or metal. If a person is new to using a cock ring, a more flexible material may be preferable.

Size

Cock rings come in varying sizes. Usually, the product will list the diameter of the ring. A person should select one that fits comfortably without excessively restricting blood flow. Alternatively, they can consider a cock ring made from more flexible material to fit the penis better.

Duration of use

It is best only to use a cock ring for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time and to wait 1 hour between uses. A person should always remove the cock ring before going to sleep.

A case study of a man who allegedly forgot to remove a metallic cock ring before going to bed notes excessive swelling of his penis, alongside tissue cell damage. Medical staff had to remove the cock ring by cutting it with a ring cutter.

Hygiene

As with any sex toy, a person should wash the cock ring after each use to get rid of any bacteria.

Summary

A cock ring is a ring-shaped sex toy that goes around the base of a penis or dildo. There are also cock rings that can go over the penis and testicles.

Some people may try a cock ring to help with erectile dysfunction or increase sexual satisfaction for themselves and their partners.

When placing a cock ring on a penis, it is important that it fits well and is well-lubricated. A person should avoid wearing a cock ring for more than 30 minutes, as this may cause penile strangulation.

Men's Health
Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
Sexual Health / STDs
Cat 1
piercingandtattoos

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today 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.

Hosseini, S. R. (2007). Does a constriction ring alter ejaculation latency? https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2007.07004.x
How to use a cock ring during sex. (n.d.). https://www.durex.co.uk/blogs/explore-sex/how-to-use-a-cock-ring-with-a-condom
Kumar, A., et al. (2017). Penile strangulation by metallic ring: A case report. http://www.surgeryscience.com/articles/3/1-1-13-775.pdf
Low, L. S., & Holmes, M. (2018). The GEM ring cutter: An effective, simple treatment of penile strangulation caused by metal rings. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5991319/
Purnell, S., et al. (2016). Successful removal of metal rings causing penile strangulation. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephanie_Purnell/publication/305659301_Successful_Removal_of_Metal_Rings_Causing_Penile_Strangulation/links/5798a7c308aeb0ffcd08b156.pdf
Saadat, S. H. (2015). Erectile dysfunction: An update review. http://www.ijmedrev.com/article_68263_be7236a38fca2ecb185843e76d8d7d91.pdf
Wood, J., et al. (2017). A cross-sectional survey of sex toy use, characteristics of sex toy use hygiene behaviours, and vulvovaginal health outcomes in Canada.https://www.utpjournals.press/doi/full/10.3138/cjhs.2017-0016

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Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST-S — Written by Louise Morales-Brown — Updated on December 19, 2023

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