How To Use a Cock Ring
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Cock rings are great sex toys to experiment with if you have a penis, but they also have the power to elevate your experiences if you have a vulva, making them one of the best options for couples. As toys go, they’re easy to use and claim to make erections stronger and longer-lasting.
Some of the more complex styles offer vibrating bullets and bunny ears for clit action during penetrative sex, and some offer extra features for prostate massage and textural intensity. So, whatever's in your pants, a cock ring can probably add an extra level of pleasure to your partnered sex experience.
There’s a cock ring for every budget and honestly so many to choose from, whether you want a basic one or fancy something a little more top of the range. Read on for how to use one and some of our recommendations.
What does a cock ring do?
Cock rings work by restricting blood from flowing back down the penis, which can make erections feel firmer. This means some people use them to make penetrative sex last longer. The pressure can provide a pleasant sensation and can make masturbation and partnered sex feel great.
Vibrating cock rings do all that but have the added bonus of vibrating against and stimulating the penis shaft for extra erogenous sensations. They’re also great option for partnered sex because many of them are designed to vibrate against your partner’s clit –double the orgasmic joy! Some shapes of vibrating cock ring are better suited to different bodies and it might take some time to figure out what works best for you and your partner.
Some rings offer firm bunny ears that vibrate, some more flexible jelly ears. Some rings are simpler in design with a broad top half that’s perfect for clit grinding, while others boast a removable bullet vibe for maximum power and vibrating surface area.
Benefits of using a cock ring
There are several benefits of using a cock ring. As we've already covered, they can help someone keep an erection longer, appear more pronounced, and add a little something extra for the person being penetrated. But what about the person *wearing* the cock ring?
"The confidence boost is an incredible turn-on. Even rocking a semi feels very pleasurable, as it looks like I'm hung like a porn star," explains one reddit user.
Another adds that cock rings can make sex more pleasurable, even without an orgasm; "The type of ring that goes over both cock and balls can feel extremely pleasurable to the wearer. The ring presses against the underside of your balls and into your pelvic floor. For those not used to the sensation, waves of euphoria and pleasure are common, even without orgasm."
"I love my cock ring, especially my stainless steel one. My erections are harder and thicker. They won't necessarily keep you hard after orgasm but they can certainly help," explains a third.
How to use a cock ring
If you've never used a cock ring before, you probably have some queries. You may be wondering what a cock ring is and how it works, or whether a plain one is better than a vibrating one. We asked sex expert Sammi Cole to explain some of the basics.
Putting the cock ring on
Begin by applying a small amount of lubricant to the inside of the cock ring – this will help it slide on smoothly, and is good for easier positioning.
When using lubes with sex toys, you always have to check that the product you choose is compatible with the material your sex toy is made from (and condoms, if you're using them). Water-based lube is suitable to use with all penis rings and condoms, so is the safest bet our there.
Get the fit of the cock ring right
Cock rings and penis rings should fit tightly to help restrict blood flow, but they shouldn't make anyone uncomfortable. If your cock ring is made from a rigid material such as metal, make sure you slip it down to the base of the penis while it’s still flaccid. Stretchy or adjustable cock rings can be placed over the penis when it’s either hard or erect. If, at any point, the ring hurts, you should take it off.
Try the cock ring on for size first
It’s recommended that when you use a cock ring, you ‘try it for size’ before relying on it during sex. Cock rings are supposed to restrict blood flow and give the penis a slightly enlarged look, pronouncing veins and red blush to the shaft.
If the penis looks much darker than usual, or someone is experiencing discomfort, remove the ring. It’s generally advised that you should remove cock rings after half an hour anyway, and let the blood flow return to normal before giving it another go. Remember that everyone's comfort and safety should be prioritised.
If you can see visible narrowing of the penis where the cock ring sits, or a very red or blueish colour to the penis, the ring’s too tight and you should remove it immediately. You may be better off trying a larger ring, or one made from softer, stretchier materials instead.
Wearing a cock and ball ring
This can be a single, or double ring that sits around both the testicles and the penis. The wearer will probably find this is easier to do while flaccid, and will need to put the ring around the testicles first.
Place one testicle through the ring followed by the second, leaving the ring sitting around the scrotum. Then fold the head of the penis up through the ring. If the wearer finds it difficult, use some lubricant on the cock ring, testicles and penis to help guide them through.
How to choose the right cock ring for you
There are several different types of cock rings, each with their own appeal. What type to get depends on what sort of experience you're looking for. If the person wearing it is being oh-so-generous and mainly wants one for their partner's pleasure? Go for a vibrating option for sure. Looking to get a more intense experience for the wearer? Try a cock and ball ring.
Feeling a bit confused? Don't worry, we've rounded up all the different cock ring varieties and their benefits.
Cock ring for beginners
Basic cock rings and penis rings are cheap and pretty easy to wear and use, but there are honestly so many types to try. The simplest, easiest to use and best toy for beginners are stretchy cock rings. Here are some we recommend from The Art of Loving:
-Renegade Stamina Rings 3 Pack
Cock and ball rings
If you want to try a cock ring that can be worn on the cock and balls, The Art of Loving has got you covered:
Adjustable cock rings
Some people also like the feeling of an adjustable cock ring that goes around the penis and the testicles, and that you can customise to your own body and preferences. Here are some we recommend from The Art of Loving:
Best positions for using a cock ring
So, now that you know how to use a cock ring and have found one that works for you – it's time to test it out!
If you're using a cock ring in a couple where one partner has a vulva, that person being on top can be a really great way for them to benefit from the vibrations. There's easy access to the clitoris in this position, so the built-on vibrator can stimulate the clit much easier.
Straddle Their Saddle
Slip the cock ring on using lots of water-based lube. Have the receiving partner climb on top while the person wearing the cock ring sits on the floor or bed (preferably under a rug or something soft to spare their ankles). The partner on top can then grind away to their heart's content. The cock ring will vibrate against the penis-having person's shaft and the partner-on-top's clitoris.
Row Their Boat
Like Straddle Their Saddle, this is a great one for both partners and their clits and penises. This time, the receiving partner straddles the other on a chair. This means the penetrating partner can sit up, and it also gives the partner-on-top easy leverage as they can put their feet on the chair or sofa and use that to push themselves up and down. Much less tiring, much less hard work, just as pleasurable.
Get Down On It
Another wonderfully easy and intimate cock ring sex position is Get Down On It. The partner on top crosses their legs and sits atop the other. Press yourselves super close so you can kiss and be very cute. This isn't the best position for when you want hard and fast penetration as it's difficult to build up speed. So use this one for when you want something slower and more eye-gazey.
Missionary is also a good'un, as the vibrating part of the cock ring can came into contact with the clitoris, too. And once you're in position and got the cock ring on? Grinding is usually more enjoyable than thrusting – this allows the vagina-having partner to maintain maximum contact with the vibrator.
Written by: Paisley Gilmour, Lois Shearing and Emilie Lavinia on Cosmopolitan