Cock rings are toys usually made out of stretchy silicone, rubber, metal or glass that restrict blood flow in the cock so it stays engorged. As the penis fills with blood, it gets erect. For centuries, cock rings have been used all over the world to limit the flow of blood back out of the penis so it would stay engorged longer. This was typically used as a medical treatment for ED (erectile dysfunction). Many people with ED pair cock rings with a penis pump to help them achieve and maintain an erection.

At some point in the early 1900’s, people started putting spikes on the rings to achieve the opposite result and stop people from getting erections. Of course, masochists (those who enjoy pain) began to use this as a tool for their own pleasure.

Within the last century, cock rings have become more commonly used for couple’s pleasure, including rings that not only help the wearer stay hard, but include vibrating bullets attached to them to stimulate their partner’s clitoris during sex. Additionally, people have begun to wear them as fashion statements and now cock rings come in all kinds of colors, textures and designs for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Many cock ring users enjoy them for the following reasons…

Additionally, there are ways to use vibrating cock rings that don’t require putting them on a penis. Many women enjoy slipping the ring over their fingers and using the vibrator on their clitoris to masturbate. Others use it during oral sex by slipping it over their tongue and combining it with fellatio or cunnilingus. Finally, for men who enjoy prostate stimulation, there are vibrating butt plugs that attach to a cock ring so they can feel stimulation on the P-spot while also getting assistance in staying erect.

Classic Silicone & Rubber Cock Rings These are the best rings to start with because they easily stretch over the cock, limiting any chance of discomfort or getting it stuck.

Vibrating Penis Rings Great for partner play, on and off the penis. Depending on the type of sex, the vibrator can tease the clitoris, scrotum, or anus.

Cock & Ball Rings These are cock rings that go over the shaft and around the scrotum. Many men enjoy the added sensation of the rings pulling their testicles downward and away from the body as it changes the way they orgasm, as well as helps the ring stay snug against the body. Some items are just single rings that loop over both the penis shaft and scrotum together, resting on the base of the pelvis. Others include one or more rings that separate the testicles from the shaft, or even split the two testicles so they’re pulled not only downward but apart, such as this one.

Steel, Chrome & Other Metal Cock Rings These cock rings are better for people who know their ring size as they are very difficult to remove once the cock is fully erect. The wearer can ejaculate and allow the penis to relax in order to remove, but it can still be uncomfortable if it is sized too small. If they have the right ring size, these rings are the easiest to clean because metal is non-porous, pleasing to the eye and add a little bit more of a bondage aesthetic due to the fact these rings are more challenging to remove and industrial looking. For those seasoned cock-ring users, this may be the next upgrade!

Glans & Penis Head Rings These rings are decorative as well as useful. Some people really enjoy the way they look and use them solely for aesthetic purposes. Others enjoy the weight of them and will even add multiple rings. These rings are worn beneath the corona (beneath the head of the penis) and engorge primarily the head of the cock. Their partners can also enjoy the ribbed sensation upon penetration while the owner of these rings wears them. Lastly, those who enjoy urethral play use head rings to help keep the penis plug in place.

Cock Rings With Butt Plugs, Prostate & Taint Stimulators These ring and butt plug combos stimulate the P-spot for prostate orgasms while increasing the sensitivity in the cock and delaying orgasm. When the wearer finally orgasms, it will be very intense!

Leather Cock Rings Chosen mostly for aesthetic appeal or culturally for those who are in the BDSM world, these rings can be adjusted and have a little give while still fitting snug against the skin. Be aware that leather is much harder to clean and that these toys should not be shared.

Specialty & Fetish Cock Rings These include cages, chastity belts, CBT (cock and ball torture) devices, leashes that attach to the scrotum or penis, rings that attach to both the nipples as well as the cock and cock rings that have a slim dildo below the scrotum for double penetration.

Adjustable, Lasso & Velcro Cock Rings These are perfect for beginners and those who haven’t found the “perfect fit”. These adjustable rings allow for customizing the exact amount of tension desired and allow for easy removal.

Electro Stimulation Cock Rings These cock rings allow for electric stimulation with our ElectroSex toys. Invigorate the penis with electrifying stimulation for some of the most exciting orgasms!

Leather

To Clean: Wipe clean with warm water and mild soap. Let air dry. Moisturize with saddle soap and mink oil.

PU (polyurethane) Leather & Leatherette

To Clean:

Silicone

To Clean: Wash with warm water and mild soap or, for more serious cleaning, boil the toy in water for 5-10 minutes and then wash with an antibacterial soap.

Rubber

To Clean: Rubber is very porous and the chemical composition of each brand varies. Some rubber products contain phthalates which can be harmful to your health. Wash with mild soap and warm water. Store in a cool, dark place.

Metal (Chrome, Steel, Aluminum)

To Clean: Soak or boil in a solution of 10% bleach to 90% water for 10 minutes, place in the dishwasher, or use warm water and soap.

Velcro

To Clean: Remove lint or hair from the bristles with a toothbrush and then clean with a hospital grade disinfectant, then allow the velcro to dry out completely.

ElectroStim

To Clean: Please refer to our Guide to ElectroSex for instructions on proper care, use and cleaning of ElectroStim toys.

For those interested in finally trying this fun toy, but not sure where to start, our buying guide lists recommendations for each type of toy based on intensity or experience. Take a look below for our favorites and best sellers!

3 Piece Silicone Cock Ring Set This set has 3 different sizes to help find the perfect fit. Great for those just starting to play with cock rings and finding their size.

Pressure Point Beaded Glans Ring Great for increasing sensation for anything from blowjobs, masturbation or penetrative sex. This toy has two beads that put pressure on the frenulum and increase sensitivity in the head of the cock.

Strict Leather Snap-On Cock and Ball Harness A great look and feel, this leather snap-on harness is easy to put on and remove and helps the wearer stay hard and play longer.

Chrome Triple Cock and Ball Ring This three-ring combo fits snug around the shaft of the penis and hugs the balls, as well. Made of metal, this won’t come off until ejaculation or relaxation and can add another level of intensity to the wearer.

Steel Donut Cock Ring This metal cock ring is sexy to look at, easy to clean, durable and, due to it being made of steel, can be used with temperature play.

Zeus ElectroSex Penis Bands These electrosex cock rings are used to stimulate the cock and balls by running electricity through the shaft wherever the rings are placed. Use the controller to adjust intensity and find the perfect edge between pain and pleasure.

Silicone Prostate Vibrator and Strap with Remote Control For those who enjoy prostate stimulation and also want to delay orgasm with the cock ring, this toy brings the wearer to the edge of orgasm and then extends it until they blow.

Double Delight Dual Penetration Rabbit Cock Ring Great for partner use, this cock ring has a vibrator for her clit right on the top of the shaft, a ring that helps him stay hard and a slender dildo below the base of the shaft below the balls to penetrate her anus.

Wash immediately after each use to avoid transmission of STIs (sexually transmitted infections aka STDs).
Some materials, such as rubber, silicone or leather, can be porous or semi-porous which allows bacteria to live in the small pores on the toy. However, even for glass or metal, bacteria can live on the surface of the toy itself if it isn’t cleaned.

Do not wear cock rings for more than 30 minutes.
Wearing it longer than this can increase risk of damage due to lack of circulation.

If the penis becomes numb, cold or painful, take the ring off immediately.
These are indications of a lack of circulation.

For those with cardiovascular problems or for people taking blood-thinning medications, consult a physician before using a cock ring.
If someone already has trouble with blood circulation, wearing a restriction ring (cock ring) is not recommended.

If you have a bleeding disorder or sickle cell anemia, don’t wear a cock ring.
Again, this is a conversation to have with a medical professional as this could affect circulation.

Use lubricant on the shaft, base (and testicles if using a double-ring) in order to make sure the rings don’t get stuck or pull on any hair or skin.
This is more for comfort, but if the tugging and irritation on the skin is extreme, then it could cause tearing of the skin and increase risk of STIs.

Pay attention to the material that the ring is made of to avoid any allergic reactions to things such as latex or certain kinds of metals.
Both partners need to have a conversation about allergies to ensure the first time using this type of toy doesn’t end with inflamed and irritated skin.

Make sure to choose the right size ring so it’s easy to get off and doesn’t get stuck.
If unable to remove a cock ring, the wearer may need to visit the emergency room for assistance.

For cock rings with only one ring:

For cock rings with more than one ring:

Start with an adjustable ring.
Finding the right fit may be challenging at first, and it isn’t fun—or safe—to wear a ring that is too tight.

Use lube before putting on the ring.
Most people put the ring on while semi-hard, and may not notice that it fits very snug once they’re fully erect. At this point, it’s difficult to add lube underneath the ring and the wearer might experience tugging, pinching or pulling on hair and skin near the base of the penis.

Do not use silicone lube with a silicone ring.
This will melt the ring and destroy it.

Do not fall asleep with the ring still on!
This can be very dangerous and cause nerve damage or tissue death from lack of blood flow. Take the ring off right after sex, before falling asleep.

If it is difficult to get the ring off…
Add more lube, slide a tissue or paper between the shaft on the ring to protect the skin if the ring needs to be cut off and, if that doesn’t work, seek medical attention.

When wearing a condom, put the condom on first.
Roll it all the way down to the base of the shaft and then put the ring on top.

Use some lube between the condom and the cock ring.
If the ring is tugging at or sticking to the condom, it could increase the risk of breaking, so put some lubrication between the two surfaces.

Set a timer.
To really be mindful of the 30-minute rule, set a timer to take off the ring. You can always take a break, and put it back on later.

Are cock rings just for people with ED?
No, they are for anyone who wants to keep erections lasting longer and can do so safely.

Are cock rings safe to use for anyone?
No. For people taking blood thinning medication or who have cardiovascular problems, or for those with sickle cell anemia, restricting blood flow may not be safe. Consult a physician before trying this device.

Can cock rings be used with a penis pump?
Yes. This has commonly been used for treating ED. Consult a physician if there are medical concerns.

How long can I leave it on?
Generally speaking, don’t keep it on longer than 30 minutes. However, if the penis is numb, discolored (pale or blue) or in pain, take the ring off immediately to allow blood flow again.

Is it supposed to be painful?
It can be uncomfortable, but if the wearer is experiencing pain, they should take it off immediately; they may have the wrong size ring.

Will my penis fall off?
Under extreme conditions, this can happen, but only when the wearer has a cock ring that is too small, the blood restriction is so extreme that the penis swells to an uncomfortable pressure and the wearer cannot get the ring off. If this is the case, seek medical attention immediately! This is why it’s important to start with stretchy or adjustable rings and to wear it for no longer than 30 minutes.

Will it pull out my pubic hair?
It can if no lubricant is used. Then again, hair falls out all the time and if there is a lot of hair at the base of the shaft, the wearer can choose to trim it.