What is a Cock Ring and How Do I Use One?

Cock rings deliver so many benefits, both in the bedroom and for general wellness. If you’re a beginner overwhelmed by the different styles, designs, and materials of c-rings and don’t know where to start, let us help you! These small-but-mighty rings are powerhouses of pleasure, and could be what changes your endurance and orgasms.

Why Would I Use a Cock Ring?

A cock ring is a ring that goes around the shaft of the penis, or the penis and scrotum (sometimes just the scrotum, if you prefer!). They are made with a variety of materials, but silicone is a body-safe and comfortable choice that may be either tight or stretchy (depending on the silicone, and the ring size).

C-rings typically restrict blood flow to the penis and help make erections longer-lasting and harder. In many cases, cock rings are also recommended to help assist with ED.

Beyond health and pleasure, cock rings are also aesthetically pleasing, and some also vibrate, which makes it more pleasurable for everyone involved. Adding a cock ring is an easy way to introduce pleasure tools in the bedroom, and can make all the difference.

Step One: Start with the Basics

It’s time to start with a beginner’s ring and some great lubrication! Lube is known to make all the difference when it comes to comfortably putting on the ring and wearing it. If you are using a silicone cock ring, the most common body-safe option, we recommend using water-based lubrication.

If you want the perfect beginner's cock ring, the Blush Wellness Geo C-Ring is an excellent choice. It’s made entirely of satin-smooth silicone and is comfortable to wear. It sits firmly around the base of your cock or your scrotum and is flexible enough for you to adjust and explore.

Some kits allow for multiple cock rings to be stacked! Doing this lets you experience different levels of restriction and tightness at your leisure. Or, you can wear one around the scrotum and another (or two) around the base of your penis. The Silicone Cock Ring Trio by Je Joue is a great beginner set for layering cock rings!

Want something with a little more texture and thickness? The Oxballs Grunt Cock Ring is a thick and blubbery design that is ridged on the outside. Soft and smooth on the inside, it fits well against the skin for longer wear and does not hinder penetrative sex.

Step Two: Putting It On

When you are putting on a cock ring, it’s easiest to place it on a flaccid or semi-erect penis. Once hard, it’s difficult to put the cock ring on and can even be uncomfortable depending on the size of the penis and the cock ring.

If you are just starting, add a little bit of lubrication and slide it down the shaft to wherever you desire. It’s recommended that you get familiar with how the cock ring feels around your penis before also wrapping it around the scrotum.

If you want to move up to pulling the cock ring around the scrotum as well, bring it first to the base of the cock. Then, stretch it out and slowly and carefully put one ball in at a time. Secure it wherever it’s most comfortable!

Step Three: Choosing a Vibrating Cock Ring

If you have already tried a basic silicone cock ring and want a little something extra, these vibrating cock rings that promise to take things to the next level!

The Luxe Active Triad is strong vibration, in 4 adjustable speeds with remote! Its super-stretchy, soft silicone anchors the intense vibe around the penis, and wraps around the scrotum too for extra security as you move and play.

The Fun Factory NŌS Vibrating Cock Ring is a ring with bunny ears for clit stimulation! The flexible ears are meant to nestle around the clitoris during penetration, while also delivering a rev of vibration to the wearer.

If you want a ball stretcher and cock ring in one, the Oxballs Low-Ball Cock Ring and Ball Stretcher is a body-safe and sexy addition to your collection. It’s a double cock ring, thick, and has ball-stretching abilities that push the balls downward for a longer look. The material also easily warms to body temperature for optimal comfort.

Step Four: Safety Precautions and Cleaning

When you are using a cock ring with a condom, it’s important to put the cock ring on before the condom. Otherwise, you will risk the material snagging and pulling, resulting in a potential tear to the condom. If you have a c-ring with a powerful vibration, it’s important to consider that the friction against the condom will also risk a tear or discomfort.

Never wear a restrictive ring for longer than 30 minutes. The restriction of your blood flow is comfortable at first, but depending on the material of your cock ring and how tight it is, you risk tissue damage long-term. It should feel snug, but not uncomfortable on your body.

If you find it difficult to remove the cock ring or are still hard when you are trying to remove the cock ring, adding some lubrication to the shaft and around the ring is known to help.

After using the cock ring, be sure to give it a clean! They can be cleaned with warm water and your favorite sex toy cleaner (or mild soap). If your cock ring vibrates, make sure it’s IPX7 waterproof if you intend to submerge it. Otherwise, just rinse it while wiping it down. Afterward, be sure to store your cock ring in a safe and discreet place of your choosing (or in a toy bag!)

How-To Use a Cock Ring: Summary

Our top tips for wearing and enjoying a cock ring during sex:

1. Select a great beginning ring (nonvibrating) and lubricant to prepare.
2. You should be in a flaccid or semi-erect state to apply the C-ring most easily. Slide the ring gently downward. 
3. To try a cock ring underneath the balls too: Move the ring to the base of the shaft, then stretch the ring's silicone. Gently push through one testicle, then the other, until the ring is fully situated under the scrotom. Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort during application.
4. To add more sensation with a partner during sex: Try a vibrating silicone cock ring.
5. Understand cock ring safety: Restrictive rings feel great at first, but shouldn't be worn for more than 30 minutes.

Not Just for Penises

Vibrating cock rings are also able to be added to your favorite dildos if you want to indulge in more fantasy play! You can add some vibration or texture to penetration with ease.

In the end, cock rings are an easy way to enhance pleasure and are for anyone who wants to try them!