Guides
December 12, 2022

How To Use A Cock Ring

Learn how to use a penis ring to stay harder even longer.
Written by
Sarah duRivage-Jacobs
Published on
December 12, 2022
Updated on
What's changed?
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Wearing a cock ring can help make your erections stronger and last longer. To get the most out of this popular sex toy for penises, learn how to use a cock ring, techniques to try while wearing it, and tips for incorporating a cock ring into solo and partnered play. 

Editor’s pick for getting started with cock rings

Tantus Super Soft C-Ring
Tantus Super Soft C-Ring Hand

The Tantus Super Soft C-Ring is a classic cock ring made with a softer version of ultra premium silicone. It’s comfortable to wear, easy to put on and remove, and good for those with sensitive skin. Its default width is 1.5 inches, but it is plush and stretchy to fit most any penis size. After you’re semi erect, place the cock ring around the base of the penis and under the testicles. This allows it to restrict blood flow to keep your erection lasting longer and harder. The temperature sensitive silicone material takes on your body heat, so the cock ring will start to feel like an extension of your own skin.

Benefits
Beginner-friendly
Easy to put on and remove
Ultra plush and stretchy to fit most penis sizes
Soft silicone material makes it comfortable for users with sensitive skin
Nonporous material makes it more hygienic and easy to clean
Drawbacks
No extra frills, like vibration or added texture
The nuts and bolts
  • Premium blend of 100% silicone
  • Nonporous
  • Odorless and taste-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Water-based lube compatible
  • 1.5 x 1.5 in

What is a cock ring? 

A cock ring, also known as penis ring, is a sex toy meant to help penis owners maintain stronger erections for longer.  It is a small, close-fitting ring worn at the base of the penis — sometimes at the top of the shaft and sometimes behind the testicles. 

Cock rings are used and loved because they restrict blood flow to the penis. In short periods, restricting blood flow can lead to harder erections and can sometimes even extend play time before ejaculation. They’re often used because they can make solo or partnered play feel more intense or make sessions last longer — but some people use them if they have trouble maintaining an erection.

How to use a cock ring

Cock rings are versatile penis pleasure products in how they look, function, and in how they are used. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use cock rings. 

1. Choose the right cock ring for you

Cock rings come in many variations, so there are a few decisions to think through before selecting a cock ring to buy. Cock ring materials range from soft and stretchy, like silicone or silicone blend, to more firm, like metal. Some cock rings vibrate, while others don’t (vibrating is especially pleasurable in partnered play). Cock rings can also be attached to another pleasure product (e.g., prostate massager, butt plug) or they can be used on their own. Some are adjustable and expand to larger sizes.

You can, of course, switch rings over time. Soft and stretchy rings might be best for beginners, whether they’re attached to other toys, they vibrate, or they’re just a simple, straightforward ring.

2. Clean the cock ring before (and after) using it

Like any sex toy, cleaning cock rings before and between uses is important for hygiene and toy longevity. You can simply use soap and water to clean your penis ring

3. Use water-based lube

Water-based lube is best for sex toys in general because it is compatible with any toy material. In terms of cock rings specifically, water-based lube also helps prevent the toy from sticking to the skin or pubic hair. We recommend Sliquid Natural H2O.  

4. Wait to put the cock ring on until the penis is semi-erect

A slightly hard penis will be able to hold on to a ring, but a penis that’s too hard won’t always allow for flexibility with placement.

5. Stretch the cock ring around the shaft

If you’re beginning with a flexible cock ring, stretch it out into a larger “O” so you can put it around the shaft of the penis. Slowly release the stretch so the ring is up against the shaft and then slide the ring down the shaft. Be careful not to snap it into place as that could be painful in unwanted ways.

If you’re using a less flexible ring, simply place it around the head of the penis and slide it down the shaft. Adjustable rings can be expanded to get around the head and then collapsed gently around the shaft.

6. Place the ring on your shaft or behind the balls

You can place a penis ring at the base or at the top of your shaft. You can also reposition a cock ring from the top of the shaft to behind the testicles as it puts intense pressure directly on the testicles. This can lead to a tension between pain and pleasure for people who enjoy going there. If you’re interested in trying that, after sliding the ring down the, stretch it out and gently insert each testicle. 

7. Enjoy whatever play you desire while wearing the cock ring

Once the cock ring is in place, you’re free to use it how you’d like. Stroke the shaft and enjoy a longer time to climax or use it to enhance partnered sex or while playing with other penis pleasure products or anal toys.

8. Take the cock ring off after climaxing

Experts recommend removing a cock ring after 20-30 minutes. Restricting blood flow is safer during shorter periods and can also get painful after a while. Stretch the ring slowly so you can gently remove it. You may want to use more lube if you’re not able to easily pull it off.

4 tips to intensify pleasure using a cock ring

Ready to take cock ring play to the next level? Here are a few ideas to weave into your routine.

1. Explore different textures or vibration

See what you think about other types of cock rings, including ones with different textures, different shapes (putting tension on different parts of the penis), and with vibration. 

2. Bring in teasing/edging

Extending the time before orgasm can be an incredibly arousing way to get very, very close to the edge without losing a hard-on.

3. Try dual stimulation

Using a cock ring while doing anal play or penetration combines the pressure of the ring with the pleasure of stimulation. 

4. Experiment with BDSM

If this is your vibe, turn your experience up a notch by incorporating elements of BDSM (e.g., nipple clamps, flogging, power play).

How to use cock ring with a partner

For the people wearing them, cock rings can deepen pleasure for oral sex, penetrative sex, and even handjobs. By strengthening erections and extending time before orgasm, both partners may enjoy longer sexual stimulation. 

While any cock ring can be used for penetrative sex — vaginal or anal — some are especially suited for the occasion. If your partner has a vulva, there are cock rings meant to feel pleasurable against the clit while worn on your penis. Vibrating rings in particular can be a great source of clitoral stimulation as the vibrations travel through the vagina and penis to stimulate the clitoris. Some cock rings have broader surfaces so vulva-havers have room to grind on them during penis-in-vagina sex. We recommend the Hot Octupuss Atom for clitoral stimulation. You can also play with a remote or app-controlled cock ring. Let your partner take control by using the app to set vibration patterns and modes. 

3 positions to try using a cock ring

When it comes to cock rings during sex, any position that involves a penis can also incorporate this accessory. Vibrating cock rings, though, can be an especially good addition to penetrative sex as they can be enjoyed by your partner as well. Here are some positions to play around with:

Missionary

The classic missionary position is great for vibrating cock rings because the pelvises are in direct contact — meaning both partners benefit from the vibration.

Cowgirl

In penis-in-vagina sex, doing the cowgirl position with a vibrating cock ring provides both the giver and the receiver with pleasure. For the receiver, the vibrations can ripple through the vaginal wall and stimulate the clitoris. This position can be achieved by first having the giver lie on their back. Then the receiver kneels on top of the giver and supports themselves by leaning on their thighs.

Doggy-style

Doggy-style works well whether you’re having anal or penis-in-vagina sex with a cock ring. For receivers with penises, the vibration can stimulate the prostate. For receivers with vulvas, all-around pelvic vibration can feel amazing. In the doggy-style position, the receiver gets on hands and knees and the giver enters them from behind.

3 products to pair with your cock ring

Cock rings are great on their own, but these 3 pleasure products can be perfect play partners.

Blindfold

Blindfolds let you explore kink during cock ring play. For some people, adding that layer of fantasy can intensify pleasure mentally and physically alongside the increased tension and hardness of a ringed erection.

We recommend: Sportsheets Satin Blindfold

Butt plug

When a butt plug is worn at the same time as a cock ring, the popular butt toy will bring you the feeling of fullness and tension from both directions. 

We recommend: B-Vibe Snug & Tug

Prostate massager

Since a cock ring is more about the harder and longer erection than it is about stimulation, solo play with a prostate massager can help you get the most pleasure out of that enhanced boner.

We recommend: Aneros Eupho Syn Trident

The bottom line

Cock rings can provide a lot of pleasure to lots of different situations, including solo and partnered play. They can be especially helpful for people who struggle to maintain hard-ons by keeping the penis harder for longer. Explore our curated collection to find cock rings and other penis pleasure products.

Reviewed for Medical Accuracy

Sarah duRivage-Jacobs is a freelance writer and editor who lives in New York City with her creamsicle cat, Jasper. When she's not writing words, she's at a karaoke bar scream-singing "Moana" or binge-watching whatever Netflix releases that week.

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