Trusted for 24+ Years
Penis Rings Guide
Dr. Lisa Lawless, CEO of Holistic Wisdom
Clinical Psychotherapist: Relationship & Sexual Health Expert
Penis rings (also known as cock rings, love rings, penis rings, c-rings, or shaft rings) restrict the blood flow in the shaft of the penis, enhancing an erection by making it firmer and larger. Penis rings can also increase the intensity of an orgasm and make sex more pleasurable for a partner, and be used for men who have erectile dysfunction (E.D.).
Before we delve into helpful information about penis rings, please understand that using sex toys properly and understanding your sexual health is essential. That is why we provide a great deal of education so that you can be empowered in your choices. If you have health concerns regarding using any sex toy, including penis rings, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your physician before you use one. Your happiness and health are important to us.
Ways To Use A Penis Ring
Overall, penis rings are a superb way to make sex more exciting for both partners. They can be used during intercourse, handjobs, oral sex (fellatio), as a finger vibrator, and they can be added to a dildo to make it into a rabbit vibrator.
Because penis rings are known for increasing the sensitivity of the penis and the intensity of the orgasm of the wearer, penis rings can be used during sexual play with a partner or solo play via masturbation.
Penis Rings Prolong Ejaculation
A double penis ring prolongs ejaculation by holding the testicles away from the body. It keeps them from pulling up and into the body, which happens when a man ejaculates. Holding the testicles away from the body helps keep a man from having an orgasm too quickly, thus helping to have prolonged sex, which is particularly useful for men who experience premature ejaculation.
Erection Rings for Men with Erectile Dysfunction
When used due to erectile dysfunction (E.D.), penis rings are often referred to as erection rings, E.D. rings, constriction bands, and tension rings. Typically a penis pump (vacuum pump) is used first to pull blood into the penis, and then the erection ring is put on at the base of the penis to hold the blood inside, making the erection firmer and helping it stay in place. Erection rings have been shown through studies to significantly improve erectile function.
See more types of Sex Toys For Erectile Dysfunction.
Different Positions For Penis Rings
Penis rings can be worn in two different positions just below the head of the penis or at the base of the shaft. Those worn at the head of the penis are typically called glans rings, head rings, or cock crowns.
A third option is the penis ring that goes around the base of the shaft and around the testicles, which are sometimes known as cock and ball rings, testicle cuffs, or ball stretchers. As mentioned, these double rings can also prolong ejaculation as they keep the testicles from pulling into the body, which happens when a man ejaculates.
Putting Penis Rings On & Removing
Penis rings are most commonly worn at the penis base and, for those with two rings, behind the scrotum. Below are suggestions on putting them on and removing them:
- It is easiest to put your penis into a penis ring when you are soft (flaccid) or semi-erect with lubricant.
- If you are fully erect, it can be especially beneficial to use extra lubricant.
- If you are using a double ring for your shaft and testicles, pull each testicle through one at a time and then insert your penis into the ring above it. You may wish to put lubricant on your testicles as well beforehand.
- To remove a penis ring, pull it off slowly. In some cases, it may be helpful to apply more lubricant to keep from pulling on pubic hair. Also, see how to Shave Pubic Hair.
- If you have used a solid metal penis ring, you must be flaccid to remove them and using lubricant to help it slide off may be helpful.
- If you have a metal cock ring stuck on your penis, the trick is to reduce swelling so that you can twist it off. You can try applying a cold pack to your penis or soaking it in a warm bath to relax the penis tissue to remove it. If you try the cold pack route, you can also try elevating your penis with a pillow under your behind, having your heart and head down toward the floor. Using a lubricant, oil, soap, Windex may also assist you in removing it. If you cannot remove it, you will need to go to the emergency room to have it removed or risk permanent damage to your penis. This is why we do not sell closed metal cock rings.
Avoid Penis Rings That Do Not Open Or Stretch
We do not carry penis rings that cannot be opened or cut off easily, such as metal rings with no hinge that are sealed cockrings. Metal such as steel and titanium are dangerous, especially titanium cockrings. Titanium cockrings cannot be cut off at the hospital because their ring cutters are typically not strong enough to cut through titanium. Rather the fire department may have to use their diamond saw, which is a highly risky removal procedure and most certainly not a desirable situation for anyone to experience.
Types Of Penis Rings
Penis Ring
This is simply a round ring that can be put on the head or base of the penis. They are simple to use, and the ones we sell are stretchy or adjustable and easy to remove. Ensure that you note the sizing of a penis ring because if you get one that is too small; it can cause injury, and if it is too large it will not work correctly.
Penis Ring Sets
Getting a penis ring set of graduated rings allows you to use them on various parts of your penis and testicles. You can see how they can be used around the testicles, head of the penis, and the penis base below.
Adjustable Penis Rings
Adjustable penis rings typically have a slider that goes up and down them. These are ideal for those concerned about finding the right size as you can tighten to a customized snugness. You can get them with one or two loops to use them as a single penis ring or a double.
Double Penis Ring
Also known as double cock rings, these are worn around the base of your penis shaft and the base of your testicles. They help a man to last longer by keeping the testicles away from the body which pull up when ejaculation occurs.
Penis Ring With Clitoral Vibrator
Penis rings can come in vibrating versions with multiple vibrator positions and the option of double rings. Sometimes referred to as couples cock rings or vibrating cock rings, these are round rings that have a vibrator and are designed to stimulate the clitoris and/or anus once the penis is inserted. The clitoral vibrators come in various shapes, such as those with ticklers (like bunny ears) or a rounded barrel shape. Some vibrating penis rings now come with remote controls and app-controlled options, making them easily controlled on one's smartphone.
A single vibrating penis ring can be worn to stimulate the clitoris of a partner or turned upside down; it can stimulate the perineum or anus of a partner. Vibrating rings can also stimulate the penis or testicles of the wearer.
Because most women require clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, penis rings with vibrators have become quite popular. See our Clitoral & Vaginal Orgasm Guide for information about this.
Stimulating Penis Rings
A stimulating penis ring is not the same as a vibrating one. Rather it has textures designed to stimulate and can have a vibrator or come without one. The textures typically have nubs or ribbing to provide extra sexual stimulation during penetration and target the clitoris, anus, or both. They should be used with ample lubricant as they can increase friction.
Anal Penis Ring
This is a penis ring with an anal stimulator, also known as an anal cock ring. It has an anal stimulator that can come in a variety of forms. It can be an external vibrator that stimulates the anus or have an insertable shaft (which may or may not vibrate) that goes into the rectum. It can have an insertable attachment similar to a butt plug, anal dildo, or anal beads. It may also have a second ring for the testicles.
Penis Ring With Clitoral & Anal Vibrator
This is a penis ring that has two simulators. Typically it will have a vibrator that is designed to stimulate the clitoris once the penis is inserted. The vibrator part can have various shapes, including those with ticklers (like bunny ears), to provide stimulation. In addition, it will have an anal stimulator that can come in a variety of forms. It can be an external vibrator that stimulates the anus or have an insertable shaft (which may or may not vibrate) that goes into the rectum. It may also have a second ring for the testicles.
Solid Penis Rings
Solid penis rings are made out of a rigid material such as wood or metal cock rings much like a wedding band. Due to the risk of injury with these types of penis rings, we do not carry them. If you have one, please note that you must be very careful using them as they will have a much firmer grip around your penis, and there is a risk of it become stuck and having to be cut off.
Penis Extender & Sleeves
Penis extenders fall into their own sex toy category, even though they are quite similar to a penis ring. These can have a closed shaft or an open one. They add length and girth to a man's penis and, in some cases, can also be used as a masturbation sleeve in addition to using it for sexual penetration. We do not recommend using them for anal penetration unless made of pure silicone as other materials are porous and difficult to sanitize. See our How To Clean Sex Toys Guide for more helpful information on how to care for sex toy materials.
Penis Ring Cages
These were originally made with rigid materials such as metal and used as a chastity device. However, as sex toys have evolved, some are now stretchy and can be worn as a penis ring that adds texture or girth.
How To Measure For A Penis Ring
Measuring your penis to determine the proper size for a penis ring depends on different variables such as measuring the penis flaccid or erect and what to consider when getting a testicle ring. Make sure to see our Penis Ring Measuring Guide for more information.
Penis Ring Safety & Warnings
It is essential to use common sense when using a penis ring. Spending too long with a penis ring on can damage the capillaries and bruise the penis, leaving you sore for a few days. In the worst-case scenario, it could permanently affect the tissue and cause a medical emergency. Try to remove it after 10 minutes to let your blood flow normally and doctors recommend not keeping them on for longer than 20-30 minutes. Below are some helpful safety tips for using a penis ring.
- Penis rings must not be used without medical advice from those who have cardiovascular problems or take blood-thinning medication.
- We highly recommend you avoid any penis rings that cannot be quickly removed. This is why we only sell penis rings that are stretchy or can easily be taken off.
- Do not use a penis ring if it is too tight. A penis ring should only slightly increase the size of a man's erection. If there is excessive swelling, then the fit of a penis ring is too snug.
- Put a penis ring on carefully and take them off slowly.
- If you experience swelling, pain, or if the genitals feel cold, take the penis ring off immediately.
- Never use a numbing cream while using a penis ring as you may not realize that you are causing damage.
- Do not use a metal, plastic or wood penis ring that you cannot unclasp. You can cause a serious injury if you are not able to take it off. Again, that is why we do not sell this style of ring.
- Please do not use them for more than 20-30 minutes at a time, and should the penis become numb, cold, or there is pain, it should be removed immediately.
- Do not use penis rings if you have the following health conditions: a blood clotting disorder, peripheral vascular disease, or a nerve disease.
- In the case of bruising, pain, bleeding, loss of sensation, check with a physician.
- Always use the manufacturer's instructions as they are most knowledgeable about their specific product.
- Do not weigh down your penis ring as you can damage your penis skin at the base of your penis, leading to nerve damage and hernias.
Penis Rings & Sexual Goals
Many penis rings serve various purposes and feature different options for the wearer and partners. It is not uncommon to have multiple types to achieve different sexual goals. Just make sure that you follow safety and cleaning instructions and let the creative fun begin!