How To Use A Cockring

The most basic explanation is a ring that goes around the base of the penis or sometimes around the balls. Cock rings can be made of elastic materials like rubber, latex, or silicone or they can be made of rigid materials, like steel or wood. The Tor 2 "couple's ring" (which is currently on sale for $118) comes in purple, green, and black, and has six vibration settings. The silicone toy has a vibrating end that can be flipped up or down, depending on where you want the stimulation.

Some people do it for the way it looks, others do it for the sensation. It's smart to trim or shave your pubic hair before strapping on your new toy. "Nothing spoils the mood like unwanted pain from hair being pulled when putting on a cock ring," says Hernando Chaves, a sex therapist based in Beverly Hills.

I decided to remedy that by asking Maqnus Sullivan — author of the book Better Than The Hand and founder of ManShop, an online store for sex toys for people with penises — if cock rings make sex better. As my experience with the Tor 2 proved, vibrating cock rings can be enjoyed by all genders, orientations, and bodies — even though they're mostly advertised toward cishet men. As I learned, they can enhance sex between two people with vaginas. The Tor 2 slid over my silicone strap-on with ease and definitely heightened our experience. Plus, the ring is waterproof, so you can get it wet or use it in the bath or shower. "Though cock rings can offer a slight increase to the size and firmness of an erection, you don’t want to overdo it," she says.

"You don't want to put it on a penis that is above half-mass, unless we're talking about a store-bought penis," says Finn. Because sliding the ring down an erency penis can create an uncomfortable tugging sensation, she says. Another option is to try a bolo-style cock ring like the Toyfriend Buddy Ring (Babeland.com, $12) or JBoa by Vel'vor (OrganicLoven.com, $34), which allow you to customize how snug the fit is, she says. When adjusting one of these babies on your shaft, aim for "pressure" not "pain".

The wearer should work up to keeping it on during sex, so start with five-minute sessions first. But never leave a cock ring on for longer than 20 minutes. Going too long without fresh blood flow into the penis can actually be harmful, says Stubbs.

Simply put, cock rings make the pleasure feel more pleasurable and the pain more electric, if that's your thing. It sounds like they certainly make things different, in a generally positive way. If you're looking to change things up a bit, or you or your partner have erection issues, a cock ring is an inexpensive, easy way to do so, according to the experts. Even if you're not having ED problems, cock rings can maintain an erection after orgasm, so there's less downtime. Your erections are based on blood flow; this is why erectile dysfunction and heart disease are often linked.

Most penis rings are designed to be put on when the penis is flaccid or partially flaccid, with the erection sort of “growing” into it. The ring can be situated either in front of or behind the testicles, although keeping the ring behind the testicles can really help delay ejaculation. Vibrating cock rings can offer clitoral stimulation, which makes them great for a partner, whether you’re using them on a penis or a strap-on — talk about a win/win. One study showed that cock rings can significantly improve erectile dysfunction when combined with medication. Another older study durex vibration ring reviews showed little effect on premature ejaculation.