How to Use a Cock Ring

In this guide: How it works | How to use it | How to measure yourself | How to choose one | Safety tips | How to use it with a strap-on | What to try next

Ever been so nervous about blowing your load early that you give yourself stage fright and lose your hard on completely? It’s more common than you think.

For some, cock rings are the answer to keeping a rock-hard erection. But how can a simple ring take your peen from flop to fat? These toys have all kinds of benefits, but the results vary from person to person. In this guide, you’ll find out how to use a cock ring, which one to choose, and what results you might expect.

Only got time for a quickie?

Here’s the quick and dirty on all things cock rings. Otherwise, skip ahead to get the whole package.

• A cock ring is a small band, often made of silicone, rubber, metal, or glass, that sits at the base of your penis and restricts blood flow away from your schlong.

• Some people wear cock rings to increase stamina, enhance their erection, and delay orgasm, while others find it increases sensitivity to help them get their release quicker.

• Measure your penis to help you find the right-sized ring for your donger. And be sure to check whether the cock ring is designed for shaft use only, or can be used around your meat and two veg.

• Vibrating cock rings can be used to deliver extra sensations to either the wearer or the receiver, depending on how it’s positioned.

• You shouldn’t wear a cock ring for any longer than 30 minutes at a time. Beginners should start with five-minute intervals as they get used to the sensations.

A cock ring works by restricting the flow of blood way from your penis. Typically made from silicone, rubber, or even metal, cock rings are worn around the base of the penis (although some incorporate the testicles too).

When you’re aroused, blood rushes to your genitals, making them feel more sensitive and erect. When that blood flows away from the penis, it softens. For some people, restricting the blood flow with a cock ring means that mighty swellington sticks around for longer.

You might find a cock ring helps delay orgasm, maintain an erection, or even make your penis feel bigger. That said, everyone’s todger is different. For others, cock rings increase sensitivity, which feels incredible but brings ejaculation on much faster.

Some cock rings feature a vibrating motor or flexible bunny ears to stimulate your lover’s clitoris during sex, making them a fun beginner option if you’re looking to use sex toys with your partner. Vibrating cock rings can also stimulate the wearer’s balls or perineum, giving you options for exploring all kinds of interesting new sensations.

To unlock the true magic of your cock ring, you need to know how to use it. From putting it on properly to sticking to a firm time limit, here’s how to get the most out of your cock ring.

Measure up

Make sure your ring is the right size for your penis before you put it to use. If the ring is designed to be worn around the penis and balls (or just balls) make sure you measure around those too. You’ll find tips for measuring up below!

Grab lube

Don’t forget to lube up before you roll on your ring. This will stop it from snagging uncomfortably on your skin and hair.

Slather lube on the inside of the ring as well as your shaft. It’s usually best to stick to a water-based lube, rather than silicone, as it’ll play nicely with most sex toy materials.

Slide it on semi-erect

Once your ring is slathered in lube, rub yourself just enough to get semi-erect. It’s usually easier to put a cock ring on like this or flaccid, rather than trying to squeeze it over your penis while you’re at full mast.

For a shaft-only fit, slide the ring over the head and down to the base of your pecker to rest above your balls.

If you’re using a balls-and-shaft ring, give it the same lube treatment before sliding your plums through the ring one at a time. Once they’re in, slip your penis into the ring, headfirst, and position it so it sits comfortably at the base of your penis and behind your scrotum.

Put your condom on after

Once your ring is in the right position – either at the base of your penis or snugly around both penis and balls – get yourself to full firmness. Now, roll your condom down your shaft until it sits just above your cock ring (not touching it).

If you put the cock ring on after your condom is already in place, or roll the condom over the ring, you’ll risk tearing or breaking it. So, make sure you’re ring is right at the base of the penis and you’re nice and hard before the condom enters the chat.

Set yourself a time limit

If you think about it, your cock ring is acting like a tourniquet. In small doses, that can be a whole lot of fun. However, you could cause damage if you wear a ring that’s too tight or keep it on for too long.

It’s always best to play it safe and limit your time in a ring to 20 to 30 minutes. Once the time is up, slide the ring off your penis and let your circulation return to normal.

Pay attention to your member

Keep in mind that time limits are only a guide – if your ring is too tight, you’ll need to whip it off sooner. Keep a close eye on your penis and remove the ring immediately if you notice:

• Pain, numbness, or tingling,

• Discolouration (your rod turning blue, purple, or pale),

• Coldness, or

• Excessive swelling.

To get it off quickly, add a good slather of lube to your penis to help the ring glide easily over your skin. If you’re using a rubber or silicone ring, it could be worth keeping a small pair of scissors handy in case of emergency.

Focus on pleasure

Even if you’re wearing a ring to improve your stamina, remember to enjoy the sensations of sex or masturbation. Try not to let your thoughts race to questions like “How long have I been hard for?” or “Am I doing this right?”. Instead, take steady breaths and focus on how sex feels.

You can also focus on your partner, watching their sounds and expressions of arousal. If your ring vibrates, ask your partner if they’re ready to turn it up. Look into each other's eyes and use your words or moans to encourage each other when something feels good.

Wear it a different way

There’s more than one way to wear a cock ring! For example, if your ring has a vibrating head, you can position it on top of the penis to stimulate the clit – or swivel it around to tease your balls and their perineum at the same time. If it feels a little loose when worn along the shaft only, you might want to try it around your balls too – just be sure to measure it all up first.

Combine it with other sex toys

If you’re using a basic cock ring that’s essentially just a stretchy silicone band, you might want to use it alongside other types of sex toys for a little extra flavour. The addition of a bullet vibrator or massage wand provides added sensations to tease other erogenous zones, like the nipples, perineum, or clit.

For something a little different, a butt plug pairs nicely, thanks to the hands-free play. Check out our male sex toy guide for some more inspo on gadgets you can pair your ring with.

Clean and dry your ring

Once you’ve had your fun, it’s important to make sure you clean and dry your cock ring to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Warm water with a mild soap or dedicated sex toy cleaner should do the job. For non-waterproof rings, use a damp cloth or sex toy wipes.

Once your ring is squeaky clean, leave it to dry on a clean surface or gently pat it dry with a clean towel before storing it in its own bag or box for safekeeping.

You’ll find most cock rings are measured for diameter (straight across the inside ring) or circumference (how long it would be if you cut it in half and laid it flat).

If the product page or manual doesn’t say the size of your ring, grab a measuring tape or ruler and check the diameter. Now you need to measure your junk! Here’s how:

1. Using a soft measuring tape or a piece of string, wrap it around the base of your shaft or shaft and balls where you intend to wear your ring.

2. If you’re soft, you should be able to just fit a finger between your skin and the string or tape. If you’re hard, it should be snug enough that you can’t squeeze a digit in (but not painfully tight). It’s worth measuring yourself when hard and soft to cross-check your size.

3. Check the number on the tape or measure the piece of string against a ruler. This is the circumference of your penis.

4. To calculate the diameter, you need to divide the circumference by 3.14 (pi).

5. Pick a ring that’s the same or slightly smaller than the diameter of your donger so it fits snugly.

There are a few ring styles and materials to choose from, and each one offers slightly different benefits and sensations:

• Silicone or soft plastic: Stretchy and easy to remove. A classic cock ring is simply an ‘O’ shaped band; ideal for keeping an erection (for some) or adding sensitivity.

• Vibrating cock ring: Features a vibrating head or bunny ears to stimulate you and your partner. A great couple’s toy if the receiving partner doesn’t usually climax from penetration alone. Read our guide: How to Use a Vibrating Cock Ring to learn more.

• Adjustable cock ring: A popular choice for beginners, because you can gradually increase tension as you get more comfortable.

• Double ring: Features a loop each for your penis and balls, so you don’t have to squeeze them into the same ring. Double rings are ideal if you like ball play.

• Metal or glass ring: Feels weighty and looks amazing, but NOT recommended for beginners, as they can be difficult to remove in case of an emergency.

While cock rings are generally safe for play, it all comes down to how you use them. Follow these safety tips:

• Start with a soft, stretchy (or adjustable) cock ring that you can cut off with in an emergency.

• Keep lube and a pair of scissors handy in case of tricky removal.

• Choose a ring that’s been properly measured to fit your penis.

• Always use lube when putting on or taking off your ring.

• Take the ring off immediately if you feel numbness, tingling, or pain, or notice discolouration, coldness, or excessive swelling.

• Start by wearing your cock ring for five minutes at a time while you get used to it.

• Never fall asleep wearing your ring, and don’t use it for any longer than 30 minutes at a time.

• Clean and dry your ring properly after every use.

Got a strap-on dildo? If you’re in a couple where both partners have a vulva, you can slip a vibrating cock ring onto your strap-on to deliver spine-tingling clitoral stimulation to your lover.

First, measure your dildo and pick a ring to suit the size. You’ll also need to choose the right material for your ride. If you’re using a silicone dildo, it's worth avoiding a silicone ring. The same way silicone lube can damage silicone toys over time, so can allowing two silicone toys to touch continuously.

Small but mighty, cock rings can be an incredible addition during both solo and partnered play. Just be sure to choose your cock ring wisely (e.g. measure your member) and follow our steps for using a ring to stay safe and elevate your play.

If you’re interested in toys that can help you get or keep an erection – check out penis pumps next. These gadgets use suction to draw blood into your member and make it feel extra hard. Slip on your cock ring after using the pump and see if it helps you keep that incredible firmness for longer.

You might also be interested in penis sleeves, which slide over the penis to add extra girth and length – or even fantasy textures. The extra layer of silicone between you and your partner may help delay ejaculation, if that’s something you worry about, while letting your lover indulge in their size fantasy...

No matter what you choose, use lube and focus on pleasure. It’s all about having fun, trying new things, and feeling good!