Cock rings, otherwise known as tension rings or penis rings, are a small and simple toy that can make a huge difference to your sex life.
There are a few things you should know before buying a cock ring, though—and some things to keep in mind when using it so you can maximise your experience and make the most of your new toy.
Here we take you through all you need to know about how to use a cock ring to achieve better sex and some seriously super-charged stimulation.
What is a cock ring?
A cock ring is a sex toy made to be used on the penis. They’re most commonly made of stretchy materials like rubber and silicone, although some are rigid and made of steel.
Some penis rings have a vibrating function, thanks to a little motor that sits on the side of the ring. These vibrating cock rings can be really enjoyable for the wearer and their partner, as it offers hands-free vibration that can be used to stimulate them at the point of penetration.
Other penis rings might be textured, with ridges or bumps that can enhance sensation for the wearer and their partner. It's possible to get both solid cock rings, made of steel and metal, and stretchy cock rings, made of rubber or body-safe silicone.
We always recommend starting with adjustable cock rings made of body-safe silicone where possible—using an adjustable ring means you can find the appropriate size ring for your body.
What does a cock ring do?
There are many reasons to invest in a cock ring. Here are a few.
Longer, stronger erections
A cock ring works by creating gentle pressure around the base of the penis shaft. It sits snugly against the shaft and lightly squeezes the vessels in the penis, which restricts blood flow. This can result in an erection that looks and feels bigger, harder, and longer.
Some cock rings restrain the penis and testicles at the same time — these 'ball rings' can create similar feelings of larger or fuller testicles.
Enhanced pleasure
Vibrating cock rings are similar to ‘normal’ cock rings, with the added bonus of a vibrating motor that offers extra stimulation to the person wearing the ring, and their partner.
The vibrating mechanism can be moved around the erect penis to target the partner’s clitoris or perineum, or the testicles of the person using the cock ring.
We designed our own Flynn cock ring to vibrate strongly while still staying whisper-quiet — a much-needed quality in sex toys, if you ask us!
Some penis rings also come with a perineum stimulator that gently rubs on the perineum of the person wearing the ring, and some even have a butt plug attached as well.
These toys can be used during penetrative sex and masturbation — they work just as well solo as they do with a lover.
Treat erectile dysfunction
So cock rings can be used to create fuller erections and increase pleasure, but they can also be used by people who experience erectile dysfunction.
Because cock rings slow blood flow to and from the penis, they can help maintain an erection when they, basically, trap blood in the muscles of the penis.
Some people use cock rings with other devices, like penis pumps, to help them achieve an erection — although we recommend checking in with your doctor or a health professional who can provide medical advice if you regularly have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
If this is a change that has happened suddenly and without explanation, it could indicate underlying health conditions.
Is it safe to use a cock ring?
All this talk about restricted blood flow might have you wondering, "Are cock rings safe?".
The good news is that cock rings are safe for almost everyone, although there are a few things you should do to make sure your experience is as safe as possible.
Firstly, make sure your cock ring isn’t too tight. You don’t want it to slip off during use, but penis rings that are too tight could restrict blood flow too much and cause penile strangulation, which is about as unpleasant as the name makes it sound.
A ring that sits snugly but can still be removed easily during usage is ideal. This is why we recommend stretchy rings and adjustable cock rings. It's easier to find the right size, and easier to remove.
Importantly, you should pay attention to make sure you're not experiencing any tingling, numbing, ‘pins and needles’ sensations, or pain.
If so, you should remove the ring right away. This is a sign that it’s too tight, and a penis ring that's too tight can cause permanent damage.
You should also only use your ring for twenty to thirty minutes at a time. If you’re planning a long night of play with your partner, just remove the ring after half an hour and give yourself a break for a little while.
Give each other a massage, explore other erogenous zones, or take a breather and grab some water and snacks. Never fall asleep wearing a cock ring, either.
And while they're super versatile, it's also important to note that cock rings may not be for everyone. If you have diabetes, a heart condition, or take any blood thinning medication—among other conditions—you should speak with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to use a cock ring.
Similarly, if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction that has come on suddenly, or if you notice a big change in the way your body responds to arousal, you should speak with your healthcare provider as well.
It’s common for people to occasionally have difficulty maintaining an erection, but sudden changes in this area could be indicative of an underlying health issue.
What to know before buying a cock ring
There are a few things to know before buying a penis ring.
Pros:
They can make your erection feel—and look— bigger
This can be really sexy for some people, who like the idea of having a larger penis. It can also offer an interesting sensation for their partner if they’re engaging in penetrative sex.
They can make sex last longer
Some people say that using a cock ring helps delay orgasm, which they might find enjoyable if they want to prolong sex or masturbation.
They can provide new and interesting stimulation
A vibrating cock ring in particular can be really enjoyable. The vibrating motor can be used to stimulate the balls, or the perineum or clitoris of a person’s partner.
It’s fun to try something new!
Cock rings are an easy and affordable way to experiment with sex toys in the bedroom. Even if you and your partner decide a cock ring isn’t for you—which is totally fine—you still have the benefit of having tried something new together.
Cons:
They need to be used safely
Cock rings are easy, fun, and safe when used properly—but don’t chance it by leaving it on for too long, using a ring that’s too snug, or falling asleep wearing it. It can cause some serious damage.
They can help with, but not cure, erectile dysfunction
For people who experience erectile dysfunction, cock rings can be enormously helpful—but they’re not a cure, just a tool to help you. We recommend speaking with a doctor if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction regularly.
You get what you pay for
Some cock rings can be really affordable, but as with all sex toys, you get what you pay for. Rings made of cheaper materials like rubber and plastic are harder to keep clean and may degrade over time because their ingredients are of a lower quality.
A more expensive toy made of body-safe silicone, like Flynn, will be easier to clean and last much longer.
Cock rings myths
There are a lot of myths out there about cock rings — here are some of the most common ones we’ve heard.
MYTH: You don’t need a condom if you wear a cock ring.
REALITY: False.
Cock rings are definitely not a contraceptive device nor are they a barrier method for safe sex practices.
Cock rings slightly compress the blood vessels of the penis, but they don’t prevent sperm from being released or STIs being transmitted.
Unless you’re trying for a baby, or practising other reliable methods of contraception with your partner, you will need to use a condom when you wear a cock ring.
MYTH: Cock rings are painful.
REALITY: False.
Wearing a cock ring should feel like snug pressure around the base of the penis.
You definitely should not feel pain while using it — if you do, you should remove the ring immediately. A painfully tight cock ring could be an indicator that you need to purchase a larger or more flexible ring.
MYTH: I don’t need lube if I use a cock ring.
REALITY: False.
We recommend lube for everything, and cock rings are no different. You should always use lube when putting a cock ring on.
Apply lube to your penis and the inside of the ring so it doesn’t accidentally chafe or rip your skin, or pull on your pubic hair. We also suggest using lube if you’re having penetrative sex or using other sex toys with your ring, like a masturbator or butt plug.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is that different toys need to be used with different lubes: a silicone ring, for example, needs to be used with a water-based lube as a silicone lube can ruin the toy.
MYTH: A cock ring can get stuck.
REALITY: True... but it shouldn’t.
A cock ring should fit snugly, but you should still be able to slip a finger under it to pull it off if you need to. A cock ring would only get stuck if you wear one that’s too small.
If you have difficulty removing yours, we recommend trying to put as much lube on and around it as possible, relaxing so your erection goes down, and trying to slide it off.
If you still can’t remove it, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
MYTH: A cock ring can give you better erections.
REALITY: True!
We say this with the caveat that there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with anyone’s erection, but if you want a bigger, longer, or harder erection — which many people enjoy — then yes, a cock ring can help make that happen for you.
MYTH: Cock rings only feel good for the person wearing them.
REALITY: False!
Cock rings can feel great for the person who wears them, but they can also be really enjoyable for their partner during penetrative sex.
A vibrating or textured cock ring can add extra stimulation for the person being penetrated, whether it’s anal or vaginal.
Also, realistically, a vibrating cock ring is basically just a vibrator on a ring—there’s nothing to say you can’t hold it in your hand and use it on yourself or your partner.
The best sex positions to use your cock ring in
You can use a cock ring in any position, but here are a few of our faves.
Missionary
A classic for a reason! With your partner lying down on their back, penetrate them while lying on top.
In this position, a vibrating cock ring would really come in handy to add clitoral stimulation — many people can’t come from vaginal penetration alone, so a vibrating cock ring that rubs on the clitoris adds extra stimulation while keeping everyone’s hands free to touch and hold each other.
You can also try a variation on this position, which we’ve heard called (unflatteringly, but accurately) ‘the roast chicken’.
The person being penetrated pulls their legs up, with their knees coming down near their torso and the soles of their feet facing the ceiling. This allows for extra clitoral stimulation and some really deep penetration.
Doggy style
Otherwise known as ‘from behind’. With your partner on their hands and knees, penetrate them anally or vaginally from behind.
In this position, you can use a vibrating cock ring to stimulate their perineum—just make sure the vibrating mechanism is turned downwards, so it’s against your balls rather than at the top of your penis.
Your partner can also reach down to stimulate themselves for extra pleasure.
Hop on top
Let your partner straddle you so you can make the most out of a vibrating cock ring.
Lie on your back so your partner can sit over you, either facing you or facing away depending on which angle works best.
In this position, they can grind against the cock ring and get some seriously strong vibrations—and you get the bonus of being able to watch them enjoy themselves.
But that’s not all…
As we mentioned earlier, a vibrating cock ring is essentially just a vibrator with a ring attached.
This is great because it means you can take it off your cock and hold it in your hand to use anywhere you like.
Use it on your partner during oral, ask them to use it on you during a blow job, experiment with some external anal stimulation, or just take turns getting each other off using your hands and the vibe.
Care and cleaning for your cock ring
After each use, you will need to clean your cock ring before you put it away. We recommend using a damp cloth and some mild antibacterial soap to wipe down your cock ring.
If your ring doesn’t vibrate, you can wash it in the sink or under the tap, but if it has a motor you should never submerge it in water as this can ruin it.
We made our own sex toy cleaning spray that works quickly and easily to get toys clean again after use. (It also doubles as a hand sanitiser, just FYI!)
You’ll also need to store your ring somewhere safe and clean — don’t just throw it in your pocket or on your bedside table. Our Flynn ring comes with its own dust bag, but you could just as easily use any small fabric pouch or clean box.
Lastly, a pre-purchase tip for you if you’re shopping for a vibrating cock ring: try to choose one that’s USB rechargeable.
Not only is it better for the environment, but you’ll never have to make an awkward dash down to the shops for some last-minute batteries if you realise yours have run out.
A USB rechargeable cock ring can easily be plugged into your computer to charge up, and many rechargeable devices last for hours once they’re fully powered up.
Your only task now is remembering to charge it after each use — we recommend leaving the charger out somewhere where you’re bound to notice it when you’re done using the ring.
