Language Note: This article and the terms used within are intentionally gender non-specific, as we intend for this piece to be broad in gender application. The words “penis”, “cock”, “testicles” and a few other anatomical terms are used with absolutely no gender specificity assigned to any term. We would like to acknowledge that not everyone with these general demonstrations of physiology uses the same words to describe their parts and that not all bodies appear the same or function in the same way. It is our intention to be mindful and inclusive of trans, enby, GNC, gender expansive, 2 Spirit, and intersex experiences as we want the information contained within to benefit as many expansive identities as possible.
We hope that you enjoy reading this article and that it helps you to find new ways to experience pleasure! We welcome feedback at editor@wearekk.com
What Are Cock Rings?
Cock rings, also known as penis rings, are a type of sex toy that are usually used to aid with blood restriction in a penis. They help enhance or maintain an erection and can add extra stimulation and sensation for the wearer and/or their partner.
There are a lot of different types of cock rings. The most common is the stretchy cock ring, which is great for beginners. Made from super-soft materials that have a cushy finish, stretchy cock rings are large and plush with a soft texture that stretches (often up to twice as wide in diameter) for easy use. While they’re the type of cock ring of which it’s easiest to find a basic model, stretchy cock rings can offer unique and customizable experiences and colours as well, like the UV-reactive LovecraftersToys Tentacle Cock Ring.
Editor’s Note: the Etsy link above contains some imagery in the reviews section that is NSFW.
Adjustable cock rings are another very common type of penis ring. Made in a bolo tie design, these cock rings have an adjustable bead that lets wearers or their partners control the tightness of the ring after it’s put on. These kinds of cock rings can be a particularly good option for trans masculine folk who have potentially experienced bottom growth. In an adjustable cock ring, the size of the loop is fully determined by the adjustable bead – so it’s easier to get a super snug fit than it is with a stretchy cock ring.
On the other side of the spectrum, metal o-rings are a way to integrate discipline into your cock ring usage, and provide uniquely firm sensations for more experienced cock ring enthusiasts. Like other metal sex toys, metal cock rings are easy to clean and transmit temperatures better than any other material.
Scrotum rings, also known as “cock and ball rings,” are a variation of the cock ring that are designed to go over both the cock and balls. Like stretchy cock rings, they’re often offered in softer materials for a comfortable fit.
How Do Cock Rings Work? What Do Cock Rings Do?
Cock rings work by restricting the blood flow out of the penis to create a firmer erection. Blood travels with more pressure as it leaves the heart than it does while it returns, so the tension created by a cock ring helps blood pool in the penis. Some users report experiencing more intense sensations when using a cock ring, along with a stronger orgasm that’s easier to delay. Cock rings may also help wearers achieve a slightly larger erection than usual.
How to Put on a Cock Ring
When used correctly, cock rings shouldn’t pinch or hurt. They can be used by people of any age, gender, and by a diverse range of bodies and don’t need to be used consistently – you can play with a cock ring while masturbating or having sex at any point in time and put them away just as easily.
How to Use a Cock Ring
To put on a cock ring, stretch the ring around the shaft (or the shaft and balls) of a semi-erect penis. Add a generous amount of lube around the base of the ring to prevent sticking and pulling as you adjust it, especially if there is hair in the area.
If you’re using a stretchy cock ring around a penis and scrotum, stretch the ring around the penis shaft first, then pull the ring backwards to loop it around the testicles one at a time. For adjustable cock rings, finish the process by tightening the loop as desired.
For cock rings with a few extra bells and whistles, extra care may be needed before and during use. Make sure to angle any cock rings with a grinding base (like the Godemiche Grind Ring) toward the person who will be grinding on them. The same applies to vibrating cock rings: if they’re intended to be used during sex for scrotal, perineal, or clitoral stimulation, they may need to face a specific direction.
When using an app-controlled cock ring like the We-Vibe Verge, we recommend stabilising the connection between the ring and your smartphone before starting to play.
How to Wear a Cock Ring
Cock rings should be removed after ejaculation and, to prevent bruising, shouldn’t be worn for longer than about 20-30 minutes at a time. We recommend choosing a cock ring that’s made from non-porous, body-safe materials like silicone to make sure that your cock ring will be easy to fully clean before and after every use.
Cock rings don’t need to be sterilised with bleach unless they’re being used by or with different partners, but should be washed with soap and allowed to dry fully before being stored.
Can I Use a Cock Ring If I Don’t Have a Penis?
Absolutely! Cock rings aren’t only for people with penises. They can also be used on a dildo or other phallic object to add vibration or visual appeal. Modifying cock rings, like the Ohnut! or Hole Punch Dickey, are particularly great for shortening the insertable length of a dildo that’s being used for penetrative sex.
Cock Ring Benefits
A cock ring can provide an array of sensual stimulations and sexual benefits for wearers and their partners. Physiologically, cock rings enhance sexual pleasure for the wearer by helping maintain a firmer erection, which may be more sensitive than a semi-soft erection. For partners of those wearing cock rings, vibrations, extra stimulation, and the excitement of toy-usage can all be gained as benefits when cock rings are used.
Cock rings can also offer psychological benefits. For people with penises who may be self-conscious about their ability to achieve or maintain an erection, a cock ring can act as an aid that helps to lessen the mental load of getting or staying hard. In doing this, they can help people with penises stay in the moment and enjoy it more fully. For those without penises, cock rings can be added to a sexual experience or scene for psychological stimulation as well as physiological stimulation, and can provide added benefits that are specific for each individual who uses them.
It’s important to remember, however, that there’s no “right way” to have sex or masturbate with a cock ring. Cock rings are a great option for people who want to try enhancing their erections, but you don’t need to have an erect penis (or have a penis at all) to enjoy sex with a cock ring.
Depending on your desires, or your partner’s desires, you can read more on the Killing Kittens blog to learn how to eat pussy, choose non-gendered sex toys, and trying pegging in between sessions with your cock ring.
Rae Chen (they/them) is a queer Canadian writer who covers sex, tech, and beauty in between decaf oat milk lattes and trips to the dog park. Their work and interviews have been featured in Teen Vogue, SELF, InsideHook, Bloomberg, and more.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thenotice
Website: https://thenotice.net/