Learn all about cock rings and how they can improve your sex life!

The Basics

A cock ring is a flexible device placed on the penis or around the ball sack to impinge blood flow, increase sensitivity, and increase erectile endurance. Cock rings are a great toy for couples because they allow someone to be able to stay in the aroused state longer. It is usually put in place after an erection is achieved, but those who use it while pumping may find it easier to put it in place beforehand.

Performance Silicone Go Pro Cock Ring

Pro Tips For Using a Cock Ring

Before you dive into the pleasure of cock rings, prep yourself and your partner. After all, you don’t want a mishap (or worse, emergency) to end the party before it begins.

Manscaping is a must

If using a silicone or TPR (soft textured) cock ring, it is very advisable to reduce body hair in the area. You don’t have to wax everything, but be aware that the more hair you have, the more risk there is that you’ll experience discomfort. Trust us: catch one hair in the ring’s texture while rolling it on, and it’ll feel like getting your private parts tweezed or threaded. That is a very unsexy sensation for most people. (And if it isn’t, BDSM toys may be for you).

Lubrication is highly recommended 

Be sure to keep some water-based lubricant on hand. For some reason, some men are really resistant to lubrication and consider their ability to turn women on in question if we suggest it. Really, it just makes everything run smoother, like premium oil in an engine. No judgment – hats off to those men who are looking for signs of arousal in their partners. However, when you use a cock ring, you are introducing a completely different texture to some very thin, very sensitive skin. A drop of lubricant can speed the process along without putting any more stretch on the skin. In other words, lube will ensure everyone enjoys the ride.

Additionally, lubrication acts as a safety measure. Even if you don’t use it to put the ring in place, you need to monitor yourself while the cock ring is on and restricting blood flow. If you see any bruising start to form or if the surface area of your skin feels cool, you have been in that cock ring for too long. Get out of it fast before sex sends you to the emergency room.  

Speaking of safety measures…

Keep a Pair of Safety Scissors Handy 

Blunt-tipped safety scissors are a must when using a cock ring. It’s like a first aid kit – hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but there may come a time when you do. A cock ring may not be adjustable, or you may swell after putting it on, preventing it from being taken off easily. That’s why you keep your safety scissors on the nightstand. If you face too much resistance or start to go numb, grab those scissors and restore circulation as soon as possible. 

Why Use a Cock Ring?

Cock rings are multifaceted sex toys. They’re great for solo and partner play with plenty of versatility for kinky bedroom behavior.

Self-pleasure  

Many people like to use a ring during self-play to increase sensitivity. You can also remove it right before orgasm to practice edging. Edging is great for men because when the orgasm hits, the prostate is completely evacuated. Additionally, you can use a vibrating cock ring to introduce the sensation of vibration to the scrotum, which creates a different experience than you’d receive in a skin-to-skin encounter with a partner.  

Couple play

This is a traditional use of a cock ring. It can take women much longer to achieve orgasm and, if they are lucky, achieve several in the same session. This is where the cock ring shines because it can keep a man in the game a bit longer. Ideally, all parties achieve maximum enjoyment. It also helps create different sensations to stimulate and pleasure your partner.

Vibrating cock rings are great for straight and gay couples because the vibrations will stimulate both a clit and a penis. When you’re trying to push your partner over the edge, a cock ring gives you that extra “oomph” to send them into orgasm.

A Cock Ring can increase your partner’s pleasure.

Chastity play

Another way to use a cock ring, or cock and ball play, is in the context of chastity play. In chastity play, a man is challenged not to please himself or achieve an erection unless the partner ‘approves’ of it.  

There are cock rings arranged on a strip to create more and more tension on the tip of the cock as a man becomes more aroused. The old-school term for these devices is “Gates of Hell” rings, and there are some interesting configurations of cock rings and chastity cages that create the absence of sensation unless one is gifted touch by a partner. The crux of this is to create anticipation of the culmination, thus intensifying the gratification when it is achieved.

Pumping for Size

Cock rings are quite often used in conjunction with Penis Pumps. Typically, a man may use the pump to create an erection, and then slide a cock ring from the pump’s opening onto the base of his shaft. When pumping for size, the theory is that the operation of mitosis will sense the pull on the individual skin cells and send the message that more flesh is needed in the area.  

A cock ring can also be used when pumping for size.

Typically, someone pumping for size should work out the area at least three times a week and specifically give rest days in between. While pumping, keeping blood in the area after the stretch gives a chance for the nutrition in the blood and oxygen in the area to create more skin. Blood carries the building blocks the body needs, so it’s a good idea to stay engorged for a minute, even after removing the pump.   

If someone is pumping because of arterial artery disease or diabetes, extra care should be given to the skin in the area around the base of the pump. A good water-based lube should always be used, and a soft silicone or TPR plastic ring should be chosen. I would not recommend metal rings, even though they snap together easily. Metal cock rings can pinch the skin and cause injuries that escalate quickly if you are dealing with either of those conditions. It is best to stay with something soft and stretchy.

Jelqing for health:

There is strong scientific evidence that men who fully evacuate their prostate regularly, (21 times per month per the British Journal of Medicine), have a much less incidence of Prostate Cancer as they age.

Jelqing is a self-pleasuring routine that helps men become fully aroused and evacuate the prostate to completion so new sperm cells have all the air and space they need to regenerate. Theoretically, the circulation and creation of new sperm are good for health.

That being said, a self-care routine that ensures a man can spend the time to pleasure himself and achieve mind-numbing orgasms is a good investment in his mental and physical health. So, if introducing the sensations created by cock rings raises things to the next level for someone, it is worth grabbing a few and trying them in different scenarios. 

I recommend taking a look at our luxury cock ring selection online for some new inspiration.

Cock Rings and Sexy Things For Men

Cock rings are great for self-pleasure or dual action. Better yet, they can even improve a man’s health. Now that you understand the purpose of a cock ring and how to properly use one, you can find one of your own.

Romantic Adventures has all the toys you need, from cock rings to dildos to handcuffs. Check out our supply and take the next step toward your best sex life!