Cockring illustrations in a pattern

How to Use a Cock Ring: The Beginners Guide to Cock Rings

You’ve had the discussion, you’re going to bring sex toys into the bedroom, but where do you start? When it comes to choosing a first sex toy as a couple, it can be a little intimidating.Vibrators, butt plugs, dildos - it can be tough to choose something that you both feel comfortable with and doesn’t make anyone feel insecure. Enter the cock ring.

So, what is a cock ring? These stretchy, silicone rings are the perfect way to try out a toy in the bedroom, they are designed to be slipped over the penis and placed at the bottom of the shaft,helping enhance your sex life without anyone feeling intimidated by a bigger or more intrusive toy.

What does a cock ring do?

Cock rings, also known as penis rings, have evolved plenty over the years, and there are now a whole range of options available for you to explore. Let’s take it right back to the start: the original, simple cock ring was designed to constrict the flow of blood to and from the penis (ok, we get that the idea of constricting blood flow sounds scary – bear with us here).

What are cock rings for?

The primary purpose of a cock ring is to make an erection harder. That said, things have changed a lot since the early days of cock rings and, thanks to wonderful sex toy innovators, they now come with all kinds of additional features.Here are some of the best cock rings:

Clear Cock Ring

Simple cock rings

The most basic cock ring available is a very simple, stretchy ring – no embellishments, great for experimenting. A simple cock ring will keep things just as hard and indulgently long-lasting as any other, but if your man mainly wants to discover whether he'll feel comfortable with one around his shaft, then it's perfect. The price of a basic cock ring means it's even better for beginners – you can't afford not to try it out.

Textured Vibrating Cock ring

Doubled up cock rings

For those looking to up the ante, a double cock ring could be the way to go. Double cock rings feature the usual ring to slip over the penis, with the added bonus of an extra ring for the balls. This offers extra stimulation and keeps everything nicely in place.

Boost Silicone Cock Ring

Vibrating cock rings

If you’re looking to make any sex toy that little bit more interesting, the go-to first move must be adding a little vibration! Many cock rings now come with a built-in bullet vibrator, meaning that both partners can enjoy those vibrations. A vibrating cock ring is also ideal to add into foreplay.

Fusion Remote Control Cock Ring

Multi-purpose cock rings

Not content with simply adding vibration? You’ll also find cock rings with a whole manner of toys attached, such as a buttplug. If technology is more your thing, a remote-controlled cock ring is a great option.

Naked upper body of man looking down

How to use a cock ring?

There are various ways you can use a cock ring to help heighten sensations during sex and give you an altogether more intense experience. It all depends on the toy you use and the type of couple that you are. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to have a lot of fun with it.

The simplest use of a cock ring is to slip it around the penis in order to keep it harder for longer. If you feel like going further, you can also stretch it over the balls. Some people prefer to use an adjustable cock ring so that it can fit their body and they can tighten it to their own preferences.

A vibrating cock ring can be great for use during penetration - place it at the base of the penis or a strap-on and allow the vibrations to pulsate through to both of you. This adds an extra intensity to penetrative sex.

Before you’ve even got to penetration, a vibrating cock ring works great for foreplay. Just use it as you would any bullet vibrator - it’s guaranteed to drive you wild when used on the clit, penis and nipples… or anywhere else for that matter. If you’re feeling like spicing up oral, the stretchy silicone ring will fit over your tongue for vibrating cunnilingus or oral to remember!

There are so many options that make a cock ring one of the most versatile sex toys. Just pop one on and have fun, if you’re wondering how to wear a cock ring, see our diagram below.

Illustrations for positioning cock rings- over the shaft, over the shafts and balls and an adjustable cock ring

Fact or fiction: cock ring benefits

Just like any sex toy, there are certain perceptions of cock rings that might be a little wide of the mark. Before you decide whether you want to put a ring on it, we thought we’d do a little cock ring myth busting, so you know the facts.

Do cock rings make you last longer?

There’s no definitive answer on this. As we mentioned, a cock ring will constrict the flow of blood to your penis, but whether this makes you last longer isn’t an exact science. In some people, this feeling can delay orgasm, however in others it can actually heighten sensitivity. If you or your partner are having problems lasting as long as you’d like in bed, there are all kinds of things you can try, and a cock ring is one of them. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have a good time figuring it out!

Do cock rings make your penis bigger?

Here’s an answer we need to be careful with! With a cock ring increasing the pressure and slowing the blood flow to your penis it can definitely make it harder and, as a result, bigger than your average erection, so if you’re looking at how to get stronger erections then you’re in the right place.However, if you’re hoping for a cock ring to add a few extra inches… well, we’re sorry to break it, that just isn’t going to happen!

Are cock rings safe?

Whilst cock rings shouldn’t cause any damage and aren’t dangerous, it’s important to be careful when you’re using any sex toy. If it feels uncomfortable, or the skin begins to change colour, it’s very advisable to remove it. Also, try not to leave it on for too long - restricting blood flow to any part of your body isn’t good.

Introducing a cock ring to your sex life is the perfect way to take that first step into using sex toys and have a lot of fun along the way. Just pick your ring of choice and give it a try!