A cock ring is a safe wat to achieve a harder erection that also last longer. That’s not only great for the owner of the penis, but it also has big advantages for his partner (pun intended). Furthermore, a cock ring is cheap and easy to use. Doesn’t that sound good?

What is a cock ring?

To understand what a cock is and how it works, I have to explain a thing or two about the physics of erections.

The penis contains erectile tissue (cavernosa). These are sort of little sponges. In flaccid condition these sponges contain only a small aount of blood. The blood vessels are narrowed.When a man gets sexually aroused, these vessels will widen and the cavernosa get filled with blood. Because of the swelling, the draining vessels are cauterized, so the blood doesn’t flow back. This mechanism is influenced by nerves and hormones.

A cock ring or penis ring (prudish English speaking people also call them C-rings) is a ring that goes around the basis of the penis. The ring will pinch the blood vessels, preventing the blood to flow out of the cavernosa. This way, you give nature a hand, so to speak. The erection will become harder and will last longer. Sometimes it will even last after an orgasm. The penis ring will not only make the erection harder, but the orgasm will also be more intense. That is because the penis will become more sensitive to touch.

Cock rings come in many different materials: Most common are silicone, metal, leather, rubber, hard plastic and even Velcro. Also, they come in many different colors and styles.

Some cock rings are adjustable, some are flexible and some have a rigid form. A number of non-adjustable rings are also worn around the scrotum. And then there are cock rings with a build in vibrator, that is not only a great pleasure for the person wearing it, but that can also stimulate the clitoris of the partner during sex, for instance. On top of that, there are cock rings that stimulate the perineum or the anus.

A cock ring is not just for men with erectile dysfunctions (and their partners). They are also great for men that have a desire to last longer. When you love to look of a huge cock, a cock ring contributes to that as well.

How to use a cock ring?

In general, it is best to put on a cock ring when the penis is still flaccid, or just half erect. This accounts specially for rings made of hard rigid materials like metal. Apply some lube on the inside of the ring. This way you can slide it on more easily, but you will also be able to adjust it when you have an erection and you want to move it for better comfort. Cock rings that are flexible can sometimes also be put on when the penis is already erect.

When the cock ring is supposed to go around the balls as well, first place your balls through the ring, before you shove the penis through it.

You want the cock ring to reduce the blood flow. For that, it should be nice and tight. But not too tight that it will completely block the blood flow.

When the cock ring is comfortable, you should be able to wear it half an hour to an hour. When it doesn’t feel right, you see discoloration, or when it begins to tingle, take it off. Use your common sense.

Try your cock ring before you will use it with your partner.

And – probably an open door – it is also important that you clean your cock ring properly.

How to pick the right cock ring?

First you need to understand the different types of cock rings available. Do you want one that goes around the penis, or also around the balls? Do you want one that is adjustable, or not? Do you like vibrations, or additional stimulation of the anus? With or without texture?

But also the diameter is important. To understand which size you need, you can take a ribbon around the erect penis (or around the penis and balls, depending what model you are looking for) and measure the circumference. Most models only mention the diameter. To get the diameter, you have to divide the circumference by the number pi (3.15 and then some). So, suppose you measured a circumference of 15 centimeter, the diameter is (15/3.14) 4.8 centimeter. Take a ring that is a couple of millimeters smaller (for example 4.6 or 4.5 centimeter).

For beginners, flexible cock rings are probably best. Choose a cock ring made of rubber or silicone. Some flexible rings some with some texture. Consider starting with a set of rings with different diameters. This allows you to experiment.

In the picture you see a three part cock ring set with thick silicone rings of different diameters (40mm, 45mm and 50mm in diameter).

Adjustable cock rings are a league of their own. Overall there are two types of adjustable cock rings. First there are rings with studs. Most leather cock rings are attached this way, although some leather cock rings are attached with Velcro.

Then there are the so called ‘quick release’ rings, that technically speaking are not rings, but a cord that you can tighten. Depicted is an adjustable ring, made of a silicone cord and a metal button to adjust the tightness.

Metal rings look tough and masculine. They are more heavy than rings made from rubber of silicone and are not flexible (duh). Many metal rings go around both the penis and the balls.

In the picture you see a metal ring that comes in four different sizes: M, L, XL and XXL (inner diameter respectively 4,3 cm, 4,5 cm, 4,8 cm and 5 cm). All rings are 4 mm thick and 1.10 cm wide. The ring is made from stainless steel. Metal is easy to clean (you can even pt it in the dishwasher). Metal cock rings are sustainable, so you will be able to enjoy them for a long time.

Some cock rings consist of multiple parts. They often have the function of ball splitter or ball stretcher.

In the picture you see a metal cock ring with a leather ball splitter. The metal ring goes around the penis and will make the erection harder and stronger. The leather strap goes around the balls and supports and separates them. There are many different penis rings with ball splitters.

Next to penis rings there are also glans rings. These have a different function than penis rings. They are worn just below the glans. That’s why they are above the cavernosa and they will not decrease the blood flow. Glans rings are mainly worn as jewelry for the penis. Some of these rings also come with a dilator (a small rod that goes in the urethra).

In the picture is a metal glans ring from the Sinner Gear collection.

Some penis rings are connected to a chain. That makes those cock rings perfect for BDSM play.

In the picture you see a cock ring attached to a chain with two nipple clamps. Just imagine how it would feel to walk around in this Nipple Clamps and Cock Ring Set!

A special category of cock rings are those that have a vibration function. The vibration is not only felt in the penis, but can also be felt by the partner. Sometimes the vibration is strong enough so it will resonate through the penis. That way you will make a vibrator our of your penis. But often the bullet vibrator that is used is just not strong enough for that. The partner usually will only be able the vibrations when the cock ring comes in direct contact with the clitoris.

The picture shows the Doc Johnson Optimale, that I reviewed earlier.

Some vibrating cock rings are not meant to stimulate the partner however. They usually have a teardrop shape. This type of cock ring goes around the penis and balls and the knob should touch the perineum, for extra stimulation.

In the picture is one of the best vibrating cock rings: the We-Vibe Verge.

And finally, there are also the cock rings with an anal plug attached to them. These come in many different shapes and applications. Some metal ones can even be used as a penis cage. Others have a vibrating function. In short: this type of cock ring can give you an allround sensation.

Depicted is the Viaticus Cockring. This vibrating cock ring also has a silicone anal plug. The penis ring has two separate vibrating bullets, one at the cock ring and the other at the anal plug.

And what if you don’t have a penis?

Cock rings with vibration can also be perfect when you don’t even have a penis. Yu can place them around your vibrator or dildo, for example, for some extra fun. Or you place it around the fingers or the palm of your hand.

When you don’t have a penis, but your partner does, you can also put it around your hand while you give him a hand job. Or place the vibrating cock ring around the balls while you give him oral pleasure.

Even more tips

1. Shave off your pubic hair before putting on a cock ring. This will prevent a lot of discomfort when you are putting it on, or off.
2. When you are planning on using a condom in combination with a cock ring, use a ring that goes around the balls. This will prevent the ring and the condom to rub against each other, causing the condom to break. Also, use a ring that is smooth and that has no knobs or anything.
3. When you use a vibrating cock ring, your partner will feel the most of it in positions where she is on top. In general, positions with thrusting movements are not very fit, because the ring will only touch the clitoris when you are completely in. The missionary position can work, if you apply the Coital Alignment Technique.
4. Never fall asleep wearing a cock ring. Before you know it, your blood flow is completely blocked.

There is an incredible amount of cock rings available, in different sizes, shapes, styles, materials and colors. Just browse through our online shop to get a better idea.