Sex

Cock Rings 101: a beginner's guide on how to use a cock ring

By Maya Khamala

I was recently party to the use of a cock ring for the very first time, imagine that. It was never at the top of my sex toy wish list before, probably because the little I knew about cock rings had to do with the whole constriction of blood flow thing, which, to me, was a little off-putting. But my man willingly succumbed to my curiosity and we went to C-Ring town hand-in-hand. 

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Here's what I learned:

a) cock rings are pretty safe, all told—especially if used mindfully

b) they can enhance sexual sensation significantly for men and women alike—in more ways than one. 

Intrigued? Read on, lovelies.

What is a cock ring, exactly? 

A cock ring is a ring made of silicone, metal, leather, rubber, nitrile, plastic, velcro, or even rope, which is placed at the base of a penis to restrict blood flow, which in turn results in harder and longer-lasting erections, which in turn can increase the intensity of orgasms for both of you. 

Depending on the desired sensation and look, there exist many different styles of C-Rings. Some may like to start with an adjustable one. Adjustable rings allow the user to choose from a variety of constriction levels around the genitals while having the ability to take it off fast if the sensation becomes too intense or uncomfortable. Non-adjustable rings are typically worn behind the testicles and tend to be used by the more experienced. My recommendation: this vibrating cock ring.

What can a cock ring do for you? 

C-Rings help to achieve and sustain harder, firmer erections—even post ejaculation, and can intensify orgasms too. If you like the look of a big, engorged cock, this can help with that. Rings bring focus to the appearance of genitals beyond what the wearer is used to.

Some people find that cock rings cause them to have more intense orgasms because the body has a longer window of time to build up sensation (yeah, it can delay the wearer's orgasm too). And because C-Rings come in all shapes and sizes, with an array of enhancement features available. They can be textured, have in-built vibrators, feature cock and ball dividers, and some even include anal stimulators.

How do you use a cock ring properly? 

For starters, choose a ring that suits your needs, and make sure you both understand how to get it on and get it…um, off. A C-Ring should be placed around the shaft of the cock or around both the cock and balls, depending on . Placing it around both results in a harder erection, and more intense stimulation.

Note: make sure the penis is flaccid or only semi-erect when you put it on.

Take a small amount of lube and spread it around the inside of the ring beforehand for greater ease. If it’s a simple C-Ring, you can just place it around your man’s cock (or give him tips on doing so if he’s a newbie too) and slide it down to the base of his shaft. If the ring is meant for both cock and balls (ah, the poetry), then one testicle at a time should be carefully placed through the ring. Once the testicles are comfortably inside the ring, then your man’s ever-lovin’ cock can break on through to the other side. 

What you want is a cock ring with a firm grip, yet that is still comfortable enough not to constrict blood flow entirely. A C-Ring should not be worn for more than 20-30 minutes at a time, although some say up to an hour is safe—with a properly fitting cock ring and a constant erection. If the cock ring is too tight, and your guy is experiencing any discomfort, coldness, or tingling sensation, take that shit off. Also, no one should ever fall asleep while wearing a cock ring, to avoid damaging the penis while post-play snoozing. Last but not least, cock rings should be cleaned before and after each use—like any other sex toy

There’s more than one way to use a cock ring (hint: you don’t need a biological cock) 

If you’re feeling like none of this information really affects your life much because you don’t personally own a cock or spend time carousing with one, guess what? As is the truth about most everything: no cock is actually required (don’t tell the powers that be I said that). You can upgrade any dildo by sliding a vibrating ring onto it. (This is especially fun for strap-on play.)

In fact, you don’t even need a partner with a penis to enjoy a cock ring. Vibrating cock rings can transform your vibrator into a dual toy that offers both clitoral and internal vaginal stimulation. You can also slide one over your fingers and around your palm for hand jobs that create a real buzz for any body. 

And if you do deal in cock and are looking for outside the box (outside the ring) ideas, you can even use a vibrating cock ring on a guy with the vibrator part sitting against his balls while you give him head. Don’t be surprised if the vibration of the ring combined with the pressure on his perineum drive him more than a little cray-cray.

Or if either you or he is into anal, try wearing a butt plug (this butt plug is 10/10) while he does you with the cock ring in full effect (hello DP pleasure), or have him wear a prostate massager to enhance his already enhanced experience.

Bottom line: Bonus, um…tips 

TIP #1: For extra-easy removal of the ring, trim or shave pubic hair, or just use more lube. 

TIP #2: If you are using a cock ring with a condom, wearing a ring that goes behind the balls may be better, because this prevents it from interfering with the condom and possibly even tearing it. If you do wear a ring around just the base of the penis with a condom, just be extra careful, and use a bit of lube on the ring. Soft materials are less likely to tear condoms than rings with snaps or other fasteners of course.

As always, happy, happy play-time.

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