Cock rings are some of the most frequently sold items at HUSTLER® Hollywood stores across the nation, but it takes a little more research and thought to find the perfect one. If you’ve never tried one before, they can seem a little daunting. At last, here’s a handy guide to quell all concerns you may have and help you find the perfect fit.
Although there are a plethora of vibrating cock rings available for additional stimulation, we’ll be looking at analog cock rings this time around, so we can focus on their most functional sexual health duty, which is to promote a healthy, long-lasting erection.
Why use a cock ring?
The main function of a cockring is to offer erectile support to those who wish to achieve and maintain a harder and longer-lasting erection. By trapping the blood inside of the penis with a tight fit, the blood is prevented from quickly flowing away from the penis. Imagine filing a rubber glove with water, but you want some of the water to stay in the thumb so it remains full. If you put a rubber band around that area, the water is prevented from flowing away from that part of the glove. Strange analogy, maybe, but useful in understanding how a cock ring works and how it should fit (not *too* tight, because you do eventually want the blood to return to the rest of the body).
Along with increasing stamina and endurance, a cock ring can enhance pleasure to the wearer, as more blood near the surface of the skin can increase sensitivity. It can also lead to more powerful orgasms.
A cock ring also serves an aesthetic purpose. By increasing blood flow to the penis, it looks thicker and veinier (which obviously translates to a sensation of thickness and fullness while the penis is in use, meaning greater pleasure for all parties involved). Some folks just enjoy the look of their penis in a cock ring, especially kinksters and BDSM enthusiasts. A leather cock ring or a shiny rubber cocksling can add an appealing, edgy look.
How should a cock ring be worn?
The most common way to wear a cock ring is around the base of the penis. It can also be worn under the testicles, encircling both the scrotum and base of the penis. If you’re able to achieve an erection, slip the ring over the penis when it begins to get hard. The compression will cause blood flow away from the penis to slow. If you aren’t able to achieve an erection on your own, you can use a penis pump in conjunction with a penis ring. The pump uses vacuum pressure to suction blood to the penis, and slipping a C-ring around the penis once the blood begins causing the penis to swell will prevent the erection’s evasion.
What is the best material for a cock ring?
Cock rings are available in metal, leather, silicone, and various types of rubber. They all serve various purposes, aside from the aesthetic.
TPR cock rings are made from an ultra-stretchy rubber blend that allows for a larger margin of error in selecting the right fit. They can stretch wide to accommodate any size penis and quickly contract to apply pressure in just the right spots to grip your penis and increase blood flow. Rubber cock rings are popular because they’re easy to find and quite affordable. They do need to be replaced often, as the surface is porous and can trap bacteria and bodily fluids. If you’re looking to get started with cock rings, TPR is a great place to start.
Silicone cock rings offer pliability and firmness. They also have a long lifespan due to the ability to be thoroughly sterilized between uses. Aside from glass and metal, no other cock ring material is non-porous and can withstand boiling. If you want to make a small investment toward a ring that will offer support for years to come, opt for stretchy silicone.
Leather and cloth cock rings are less restrictive than other materials, so they work best for those who aren’t reliant on the ring to alleviate erectile dysfunction. They do offer some support, depending on the fit, but it seems users of leather cock rings most often opt for them due to a preference for their appearance.
A metal cock ring is for the more experienced user who knows their exact size. The fit has to be exactly precise -the lack of flexibility leaves no room for error. Popular with fetishists, many kinksters have their metal cock rings custom made
What about the fancier, more complicated rings?
There are many fancy variations of cock rings, including cock cages, cock slings, cock sheaths, and more. The main purpose of these, in addition to offering erectile support and an erotic appearance, is usually to provide additional stimulation.
Cock sheaths, like penis extenders, add additional length and circumference for your partner’s pleasure. They look hot and often are lined with bumps and nodules that stimulate the penis while wearing.
Cock slings tug the balls while supporting the penis. This can add pleasure for the wearer, hugging the scrotum to provide additional stimulation. You know how it feels amazing to have your balls fondled while you’re receiving a blow job? It’s like that, but during penetration.
Cock cages work similarly to cock sheaths, although they typically offer less coverage. They increase the sensation of fullness for the wearer’s partner and are also enjoyable for their appearance alone. Cock cages are popular with the chastity play community, for those who enjoy the aesthetics but aren’t ready to be locked up quite yet.
Are cock rings safe to use?
The danger in using a cock ring is using one that’s too tight. It shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or painful - if it begins to hurt, remove it immediately! You should feel pressure around the base of the penis to ensure that it’s working, and if it doesn’t feel pressureful at all you may want to use a more snug-fitting ring (unless you want the look of the ring without its effects). Wearing a too-tight cock ring can cut off circulation, so when in doubt, go for looser rather than too-tight.
Avoid wearing a cock ring for too long- simply apply before play and remove after. All-day or multiple-day wear could put you in the danger zone since the toy does restrict blood flow. But wear during regular sexual activity should be completely fine, as long as the cock ring fits correctly.
If you have any cardiovascular issues or are taking any medication, always consult your doctor before using cock rings or penis pumps.
Avoid sharing cock rings and always clean with toy cleaner, soap, and water between uses.
With proper use and correct hygiene, cock rings are perfectly safe and beneficial sexual health devices.
