Cock Rings: How to Use Them Safely

Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on May 29, 2024
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributor
7 min read

Cock rings are rings that go around the penis and/or scrotum. They slow blood flow out of an erect penis and can help make erections harder and longer-lasting. Some also have knobs or little vibrators to increase pleasure for you and your partner.

Cock rings are also known as penis rings, tension rings, and constriction rings. They're sometimes marketed as erectile dysfunction (ED) rings, but people without this condition use them too.

Types of cock rings

Soft and stretchy rings. These are the most common and generally the cheapest rings available. They're made of a soft material, often silicone. They’re easy to use and remove. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit.

Adjustable cock rings. These use lasso adjusters, Velcro, or other fasteners to allow the wearer to adjust the fit as needed.

Vibrating cock rings. These have a small vibrator attached. The sensation may feel good on your penis, but these are generally designed to stimulate a partner’s clitoris during sex.

Solid cock rings. These are best left to experienced users. Even then, you may want to avoid one-piece solid rings in favor of those with magnetic closures that make them easy to remove. Hard plastic or metal cock rings that fit poorly, get stuck, or are left on for too long pose a risk of penis strangulation. This is a medical emergency that happens when circulation to your penis is cut off.

Cock rings can make sex more intense and last longer. Everyone is different, but for some people, their benefits include:

  • A delayed and more pleasurable orgasm
  • Boosted confidence in your erection and sexual performance
  • Help keeping an erection
  • Added sensation for you and your partner

Can you use a cock ring for masturbation?

You can use a cock ring during masturbation. Because it takes longer to ejaculate and there's extra blood in your penis when you wear a cock ring, your orgasm might feel more intense.

Here are a few common misconceptions about cock rings:

They’re only for people with erectile dysfunction

Many people with no medical issues use cock rings. They may want the erection to last longer, increase sensitivity, or add a new element such as vibration or texture for their partner.

They can be used as contraception

Cock rings can't help you avoid pregnancy in any way.

They hurt

When you use them correctly, cock rings shouldn't cause pain. The sensation may take some getting used to, but if it hurts, remove the ring right away. It may be a symptom of something else or simply mean that you need a different size or style of ring.

They can get stuck easily

When used properly, a well-fitting cock ring shouldn't get stuck on your penis. But in rare cases, a cock ring that's too small or made of a hard material could be hard to remove. To avoid this problem, always choose a cock ring you can cut off or otherwise remove easily. Don't leave one on for more than 30 minutes. And never use any item as a cock ring that's not intended for that purpose.

Here are the basics of using a cock ring:

  • Start when your penis isn't erect or is only partly erect. It's more difficult to put on a cock ring once you have an erection.
  • Apply lube to your penis and the inside of the ring (water-based lube is best).
  • Put the ring over the head of your penis, then slide it down toward the end of the shaft.
  • If you're using a condom, put it on over the ring. But be sure the ring doesn't rub against the condom. That could cause it to rip.
  • Use more lube as needed during sex.
  • The ring should fit snugly but not cause discomfort. It should only slightly increase the size of your erection. If you feel pain or discomfort, or your penis starts to feel cold, take it off right away.
  • Talk to your partner throughout the experience to make sure the ring feels OK to them.
  • Take off the ring right after sex.

How to put on a double cock ring

A double cock ring, sometimes called a dual cock ring or penoscrotal ring, features two connected rings. One goes around the penis and the other fits around the scrotum, which further enhances sensation for some people. To use this type of ring, you generally put your testicles in the ring one by one, then insert the penis headfirst.

For beginners

While you're learning how to use a cock ring, pick a beginner-friendly ring. It should be soft, stretchy, and easy to remove. Use the least constrictive size that still stays on and helps maintain your erection.

For erectile dysfunction (ED)

The best way to use a cock ring to help with ED will depend on your specific problem. If you can get an erection but have trouble keeping it, you can try the cock ring by itself.

If you struggle to get an erection, you may want to use your ring with a penis pump. The pump is a vacuum device your doctor can prescribe for ED. After pulling blood into your penis with the pump, slip your ring around the base of your penis before you remove the pump. The erection should last long enough for sex.

If you’re using the cock ring for erectile dysfunction, make sure you’ve talked to a doctor about your symptoms. Many health conditions can cause ED or make it worse, including heart disease, diabetes, alcohol problems, and mental health issues. It’s important to get help for those conditions and not use a sex toy to mask the symptoms.

Safety measures

Because cock rings restrict blood flow, it’s important not to wear one for longer than 30 minutes. Start by wearing one for just 5 minutes at a time to give yourself time to get used to the feeling. If you feel discomfort, take it off immediately.

Don't fall asleep while using the ring, and don’t use it while you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol. It could lead to injury.

Allow at least 60 minutes between uses.

Remember that sex toys can transmit STIs. You may also risk other kinds of infection if you don’t clean them properly.

For most toys, water and a mild dish soap or antibacterial hand soap should do the trick. If your device vibrates or otherwise uses power, you may not want to submerge it in water. But make sure you get it fully clean with soap and a damp cloth.

For further instructions, refer to the directions on your sex toy’s label. At the least, it should list the material your cock ring is made of, which may require special care.

Because cock rings come in different shapes, sizes, and tightness, you may need to try a few before you find one that's right for your anatomy. One that's too loose won't be tight enough to do the job. One that's too small can cause discomfort and maybe even injure your penis by cutting off circulation.

Flexible cock rings can fit a range of penises but aren't usually one-size-fits-all. A well-fitting cock ring will stay in place when you're penis is soft but is still easy to get off when your penis is erect. 

If you're shopping online, the manufacturer will likely provide a size chart. You may need to use a measuring tape or a string and rule to measure the width of your penis (or your penis and scrotum if you're using a ring that fits over both).

At an adult store, you can "try on" a cock ring using your fingers. Before you go, figure out how many of your fingers are roughly equal to the width of your penis.

 

Don't use a cock ring while you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This could cause you to leave the ring on too long or ignore feelings of discomfort. Either can result in injury.

Also, talk to your doctor before using one if you:

  • Take blood-thinning medication
  • Have a bleeding disorder
  • Have a medical condition that affects your penis such as Peyronie’s disease, priapism, or a narrowing of your urethra (urethral stricture)

Cock rings are rings that fit snugly around the bottom of penis and/or your scrotum. By slowing the flow of blood out of your penis, they may help make erections harder and longer-lasting. For safety purposes, make sure you:

  • Use a ring that fits well.
  • Don't leave one on for more than 30 minutes.
  • Clean after each use.

Do cock rings work?

Not everyone is the same, but some people find that cock rings help them keep an erection longer and intensify orgasms.

How well they work for erectile dysfunction depends on your symptoms. If you're able to get an erection but have trouble keeping it, a cock ring might do the trick. If you have trouble getting erect, you'll need a penis pump along with a cock ring.

One small study found cock rings weren't effective for premature ejaculation, but we need more research on this.

What are cock rings for?

Cock rings may help your penis stay erect longer, delay your orgasm, and make it more intense. They work by reducing the flow of blood out of your penis.

What is the right cock ring placement for beginners?

It's probably simplest to start with a stretchy cock ring around the base of your penis.

Where can you find cock ring tutorials?

Different cock rings can be used in different ways. Manufacturers of some sex toys may provide tutorials on the product label or on their websites.