10 questions about cock rings you’ve always wanted to ask but never dared
Think ‘sex toys for men’ and a cock ring is the first that comes to mind. Yet, many know of it but have never tried one. Is it worth trying a cock ring?
Let’s face it, the world of sex toys is mostly a female one. Dildos, clit-teasers, vibrators, anal beads, suction toys, nipple-rings, the list goes on and on. For us men, however, unless you’re into fetishes, like pegging or BDSM, it’s mostly cock rings.
For all their notoriety, though, certain aspects of wearing a penis ring remain mysterious for many. You may be tempted to use one but be unsure of how to go about it. Or perhaps you have used it but the experience left you wondering about a few things.
Here are 10 questions about cock rings you have always wanted to ask:
1. Is a cock ring just for the cock?
No. Surprised? I was, the first time I found this out.
The term cock ring is often used as a generic phrase for all toys that encircle the male genitalia. That includes the balls.
In general, there are three genres of rings that fall under the term ‘cock ring’: those that fit the base of the penis, those that encircle the scrotum and perineal rings that circumscribe the whole package.
You don’t have to wear only one type of penis ring at a time. In fact, after some experience, you may choose to put on all of the three genres mentioned above concurrently. It is basically a matter of preference and comfort.
To keep in mind:
- The term cock ring may cover penis rings, scrotum rings and perineal rings.
- You can wear any of these types of rings, even at the same time.
2. Can wearing a cock ring be dangerous for my health?
Not if used properly and if you are healthy. In general male sex toys are safe and easy to use.
The first rule of thumb should be comfort. If a penis ring feels too tight and hurts while putting it on or taking it off, then go for a bigger size or a different type.
This is especially important for scrotum and perineal rings. The last thing you want is a squeezed testicle… ouch!
If you are experiencing any genital health problems or have genital injuries you should avoid cock rings.
Whether these problems are superficial, like rashes, itching or shaving cuts or deeper, such as muscle pain or infections, you should speak to a doctor before you use a cock ring.
You may also want to keep an eye on the material from which your sex toy is made. Personally, I am sensitive to certain types of rubbers and latex. They make me itch.
If this is your case too, choose penis sex toys that are made of hypoallergenic materials or other materials for which you are not allergic.
To keep in mind:
- Cock rings are generally safe.
- Do not wear a cock ring if it is uncomfortable or it hurts.
- Do not wear a cock ring if you have genital health issues.
- Keep an eye out if you have allergies to certain materials
3. How do I put on and remove a cock ring?
This depends on the shape and material of the cock ring.
As a general rule, it is easier to put on a cock ring when your penis is flaccid. This makes it easier to slide the cock through.
This holds through even if you are preparing to wear a perineal ring, through which you have to insert both your scrotum and your cock. One way of doing it is to insert your balls first, one after other and then your flaccid penis.
With experience, it is possible to manage to put on a cock ring even when you’re hard. This is, of course, much easier with elastic penis rings.
If you want to make your life easier, use a lubricant. Make sure that the lube you choose is compatible with the material of your penis ring and is, ideally, hypoallergenic. Good quality cock rings normally indicate which kinds of lubricants to avoid.
The same applies to taking-off a cock ring. Ideally, you wait until you are flaccid before taking it off. If, however, you are like me and you stay hard for quite some time after sex, you may use a lubricant.
I find it easy to take off my cock ring in the shower, using soap. If you’re using electronic cock rings, though, make sure that they are waterproof!
To keep in mind
- It is easier to put on a cock ring when your penis is flaccid.
- Using a lubricant makes it easier to wear or remove a cock ring.
- Choose lubricants that are hypoallergenic and are compatible with the material of your cock ring.
- If you take off your penis sex toy in the shower, make sure that it is waterproof.
4. Is a penis ring only for sex or can I wear it all day?
You can wear a cock ring all day long.
I didn’t know this before I spoke to Jelle Plantenga from Velv’Or. He explained that some men have specific cock rings that they use for sex and others that they wear all day long.
Wearing a penis sex toy while having sex can serve several purposes: it changes the way you feel about your genitals, it changes the way your partner experiences penetration and it can help to keep an erection for longer.
Wearing a cock ring throughout the day is more of a lifestyle choice. While I do not have the experience myself, men who wear cock rings for longer periods claim to feel more empowered, more masculine.
I guess it is a bit like wearing a sexy set of underwear or a hidden tattoo: even if no one sees it, it is an intimate part of who you are and gives you a certain sense of self-awareness and confidence.
To keep in mind
- You can wear a cock ring all day as long as you are comfortable.
- Cock rings can enhance your sex in various ways, depending on material, shape and type.
5. Are cock rings only for men?
Absolutely not.
First of all, it goes without saying, that cock rings are for all penis-owners, regardless of how they identify themselves sexually.
But it goes beyond that. Cock rings are not only for the wearer but also for the partner/s with whom they are having sex.
Aliki reports a different sensation when we are having sex while I am wearing a cock ring. This sensation also varies according to the material of the cock ring, the sex position and the type of cock ring used. Indeed, some cock rings, such as the Vibease Onyx are specifically designed to enhance the experience of your sexual partner as well.
To keep in mind
- All penis-owners can enjoy cock rings.
- Cock rings can enhance your sex in various ways, depending on material, shape and type.
6. Do cock rings help erection?
Yes and no. The answer here is rather nuanced.
Erection happens when blood pumps through the veins of the penis. This hardens the muscles making it possible for you to penetrate a partner and making the cock more sensitive to sexual pleasure.
Blood, however, doesn’t only flow inside the cock. It also flows out through the outside of the penis. Thus, it stands to reason, that if you stem that outward flow with a cock ring, your erection may last longer.
Cock rings may also help erection indirectly by giving you more self-confidence.
Wearing a cock ring makes you more aware of your masculinity. This may give you a boost in your sexual performance and you may find that wearing a penis ring makes you feel larger or last longer.
However, it’s important to keep in mind, that you cannot solve systemic erection problems by wearing a penis ring. There are several reasons why one may experience difficulties in having or maintaining an erection. Some of these reasons are physical, others are psychological.
Most of the times, erection problems can be solved, but you have to consult a doctor or a sex expert rather than buying yourself a cock ring and expect it to work.
To keep in mind
- Penis rings may help to keep an erection for longer.
- Wearing a cock ring may also help with erection psychologically.
- Cock rings are not a remedy for systemic erection problems.
7. Are there different types of cock rings?
Yes, there are different types of cock rings. It is impossible to mention them all here, so we’ll cover the most common.
At the simplest end of the range are the rubber/latex/silicone rings. You simply stretch it around the base of your penis, your scrotum or the whole package.
A step up, you have the adjustable rubber ones. These rings, such as the JBoa, have the shape of a noose and come with a metal ring that allows you to tighten as much as you want.
Up the scale, you have designer cock rings. Some of these are 3D printed cock rings and can be made to measure. Often such rings have special designs to amplify the pleasure or to titillate particular areas.
The JNaja, for example, has a protruding tongue that touches the perineum, thus giving the wearer an added sensation. Others have knobs, buttons or other additions aimed at enriching the experience of your partner.
At the most elaborate end, you have the electronic cock rings. These usually have different modes of vibrations which enhance both your sensation and that of your partner by, for example, stimulating the clitoris.
If you’re feeling brave you could even go for an electric cock rings that, supposedly, give the wearer small electric shocks. I haven’t tried these and therefore cannot recommend them. But know they are out there!
To keep in mind
- The simplest cock rings are flexible bands that stretch around your genitals.
- Some cock rings have additional parts to enhance pleasure for you and your partner.
- Electronic cock rings usually use vibration to boost sensations.
8. How do I clean my cock ring?
Hygiene is very important when it comes to sex toys.
You should always wash your penis sex toy after use and before packing it away. Before using it, I would also suggest that you spray it with a non-odorous sanitizer both for your and for your partner’s sake.
How you clean your cock ring depends on the type of ring that you have. One general advice, though, is to avoid scented soaps or perfumed cleaning material. Also, make sure that you read the instruction manual that comes with your sex toy.
Most silicone non-electronic cock-rings can be cleaned with mild soap and hot water. Some people also put them occasionally in boiling water or in a dishwasher to sterilize them.
Ideally, you should avoid cock rings made of jelly material, latex or rubber. These materials are porous and can accumulate dirt and bacteria.
If your cock ring is made of hard plastics be aware that these are often porous too. It’s, therefore, better not to dunk your sex toy in water and even less boil it. Instead, clean it with a soft cloth and just a drop of mild soap or sanitizer.
Metal rings can be washed with mild soap and warm water, especially if they are made of stainless steel. But if your cock ring is made of noble metal, such as silver, gold or platinum (yes, they exist!) then you should be more careful.
Treat such items as a piece of jewellery. Use the appropriate products for those types of metal and never boil a metal penis ring if you are unsure of the composition!
With electronic cock rings you have to be more careful. Unless the manufacturer specifically says so, do not submerge electronic cock rings in water. Simply use a damp cloth to clean and avoid wetting any exposed connection points, batteries etc.
Some manufacturers also produce specific cleaning material for their sex toys. If you own a delicate cock ring it is worth checking these out.
To keep in mind
- Always clean your cock rings after use.
- Check the material of your cock ring before cleaning it.
- Never use oil- or silicone-based lubricants with silicone cock rings.
- With electronic cock rings make sure that they are waterproof.
9. How do I take care of a cock ring?
It is easy to keep your cock ring in good condition and make it last longer.
First thing is to use it properly. Make sure that you know what material your cock ring is made of and how to treat it.
If you have a silicone cock ring, for example, you should not use oil- or silicone-based lubes. These can damage the silicone on your sex toy.
Secondly, always clean your sex toy regularly after use. If you use water, do not leave it wet. As your cock ring dries up it may attract bacteria, dust and dirt. Better to wipe it with a clean cloth and put it away immediately.
Storing penis sex toys is easy. Some come with an appropriate bag or a pocket for easy storage.
If yours doesn’t, then it is advisable to store your sex toy wrapped in a clean cloth or bag to make sure you keep it free of dirt and bacteria. If your cock ring has batteries, it is a good habit to remove them before storing.
Make sure to store your cock ring, and all your other sex toys, in a safe place. Safe not only from the prying eyes of your children but from direct sunlight, extreme heat and also accidental impact.
If you follow these instructions and your cock ring is of good quality, then you are sure to enjoy it for a long time!
To keep in mind
- Always clean your cock ring immediately after use and dry them up.
- Remove any batteries from electronic cock rings.
- Store your cock rings in a safe, dry place.
10. How do I choose the right size of cock ring for me?
Choosing the right size for your cock ring is very important. It determines whether you will enjoy it or not.
If the ring is too tight it may be difficult to wear and may even lead to injury. If, on the other hand, it is too loose, you will lose the effect of wearing a cock ring.
Measuring yourself is easy. If you want to purchase a penis ring, take a flexible measuring tape, make sure that you are fully erect and measure the diameter at the base of your cock.
Otherwise, if you’re after a perineal ring, do the same, but measure the circumference around the base of your cock and the underside of your scrotum.
If you want a scrotum ring, hold your testicles, pull them very gently and measure the diameter at the base.
To keep in mind
- It is important to measure yourself before buying a cock ring.
- Measurements differ whether you want a penis, a scrotum or a perineal cock ring.
- When measuring yourself be careful not to hurt yourself.
- Getting the right measurement is important to avoid injury and ensuring full benefits.
Summing it all up
Cock rings come in various shapes, sizes and materials. They can clasp only your penis, your scrotum or the whole package.
Using a cock ring is generally safe and it is good both to wear throughout the day or during sex. A cock ring enhances sex for both wearers and their partner/s.
When purchasing a cock ring, make sure to check out the materials it is made of and how to take care of it. If you keep your sex toy clean and store it well, it should last for a long time.
So go ahead, pick up a measuring tape, take your size and experiment!
