Cock rings. Pleasure rings. C-rings. Penis rings. Whatever you call these devices, they’re the unsung heroes of many a sexual escapade. A cock ring is exactly what it sounds like: A ring-shaped sex toy that goes around a penis or dildo to squeeze the shaft or shaft and balls. Learning this might inspire a very valid question: Why the hell would someone want that?!?!
Well, this restriction can feel highly pleasurable for some people. It can also help make erections feel harder. Erections happen when arteries leading into the penis dilate, making the penis bigger than usual, while veins leading away from the penis constrict, trapping as much blood as possible in there. By adding another mode of constriction on top of that vein action, cock rings can help even more blood collect in the penis, resulting in more intense hard-ons. (All of this helps explain why people with erectile dysfunction sometimes use cock rings, according to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, although anyone in that situation should talk to their doctor before trying this out.)
If it’s your first time or you’re just intrigued and wondering how to actually use a cock ring, here are a few tips to help you out and some recommended products and accessories to use. And for more sex and love questions visit our sex love page.
1. Start with a simple cock ring made of something stretchy like silicone.
Silicone cock rings are flexible, easy to remove, and simple to clean, making them great for beginners. Some cock rings are made of stainless steel or metal, but I only recommend those for people who are more advanced when it comes to these toys.
There are lots of simple silicone cock rings out there, but adjustable rings are great if you’re just getting started, because they allow you or your partner to control how tight the ring gets. The Cock Ties from Doc Johnson are solid cock rings.
Some cock rings come with pretty fun bonuses for both the wearer and partner’s sexual experience. Both of my favorite ones—the Pivot from We-Vibe and the Tenga SVR—are vibrating cock rings with raised heads, which can be great for vulva-owning penis-riders. (New feminist super heroine name?)
2. Lube up.
It’s recommended to always, always, always use lube with sex toys, including cock rings (it’s a common sex toy mistake). Before putting on a cock ring, spread a few drops of lube around the inner part. This will help it slide down a penis or dildo more easily.
Since I’m all about those silicone rings, I’ve got a duty to remind you to avoid using silicone lube with a silicone cock ring. It can corrode the toy and cause damage. Whether your sex toys are pricey or you’d just like to avoid the hassle of replacing them, this is a rule worth following.
Then there’s the fact that oil-based lubricants can damage latex, so if you’re using condoms, that’s a no-go. Choosing a water-based lube makes things easier all around.
3. Place the ring on a flaccid or semi-erect penis.
If you and your partner are experimenting with using a cock ring on a dildo, this is a non-issue. Otherwise, don’t try to pop a cock ring on an erect penis. Even with lube, that might be too uncomfortable and difficult, depending on how tight the ring is. Placing the ring over the head of the penis and sliding it down the shaft will typically be easier if the organ is flaccid or semi-erect. You may have to experiment a bit to figure out what works best for better sex.
Source: SELF
