We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
As well as keeping a penis harder, for longer, they can add extra stimulation for both of you.
Cock rings are fun and sexy introductory sex toys – not only are penis rings easy to use, there’s a model for every budget, and are a huge range of types (from basic, to bells and whistles) to experiment with. It's understandable if you've got some questions to begin with, though. Like, what does a cock ring even do? Is a vibrating model better than a plain one? Here to answer all your burning questions is sex expert Sammi Cole, who we called up for an explainer on how to use a cock ring, what the different types of penis rings are, and how to get the most pleasure out of them.
Cock rings are sex toys for men and people with penises. They work by restricting blood from flowing back down the penis, which can make erections feel firmer and even last longer. This means that penetrative sex might be longer in duration - if that's your thing.
Vibrating cock rings do all that but have the added bonus of vibrating against and stimulating the penis’s shaft for extra fun. They're a great option for partnered sex and vibrate against the clitoris if the penetrative sex being had also involves a woman or vulva-having person. Double the orgasmic joy!
Basic cock rings and penis rings are cheap and pretty easy to wear and use, but there are honestly so many types to try. The simplest, easiest to use and best toy for beginners are stretchy cock rings. These soft plastic cock rings from Tracey Cox at Lovehoney are available in three sizes so you can choose one that fits best or use a few at a time if that tickles your fancy.
If you want to try a cock ring that can be worn on the cock and balls, this Tracey Cox Double Stamina Ring is an affordable and good first option for beginners.
Some people also like the feeling of an adjustable cock ring that goes around the penis and the testicles, and that you can customise to your own body and preferences. This Doc Johnson set features two adjustable cock rings (one cock ring and one cock and ball ring) which can accommodate most sizes.
Vibrating cock rings are one of the most popular toys for couples where one partner has a vulva and one has a penis - as the vibrations that come from the in-built mini bullet vibrator also help to stimulate the clitoris of the vagina-having partner during intercourse.
It's fun to start off small and basic, and work your way up to the more fancy cock rings, and all the fun is in experimenting.
This Desire vibrating cock ring is one of the most popular bestsellers from Lovehoney. It's basic but affordable, easy to use, and ridged on top so if you have a vagina and are using the penis ring with a partner for penetrative sex, it stimulates your clitoris at the same time.
If you want to spend a little bit more on something sleeker and more techy, the We-Vibe Verge is an app-controlled vibrating cock ring. Worn around the penis and testicles, it aimts to provide acute stimulation to the perineum. It's waterproof, has more than 10 vibration modes for varied sensations and is made from lovely, high quality silicone.
And if you already know you want something really special, Tor 2 from LELO is one of the best, most powerful and hard-wearing luxury cock rings you'll ever use. It's waterproof, re-chargeable, flexible so it fits anyone and any body.
Begin by applying a small amount of lubricant to the inside of the cock ring - this will help it slide on smoothly, and is good for easier positioning.
When using lubes with sex toys, you always have to check that the product you choose is compatible with the material your sex toy is made from (and condoms, if you're using them). Water-based lube is suitable to use with all penis rings and condoms, so is the safest bet our there.
This Liquid Silk water-based lube is a really great all-round lube - it can be used for penetrative sex, masturbation, and is great for use with all sex toys. The handy pump makes it super easy to dispense, and it isn't a sticky lube that goes all tacky. Plus, it's long-lasting, so you won't have to keep re-applying it too often.
Cock rings and penis rings should fit tightly to help restrict blood flow, but they shouldn't make anyone uncomfortable. If your cock ring is made from a rigid material such as metal, make sure you slip it down to the base of the penis while it’s still flaccid. Stretchy or adjustable cock rings can be placed over the penis when it’s either hard or erect. If, at any point, the ring hurts, you should take it off.
It’s recommended that when you use a cock ring, you ‘try it for size’ before relying on it during sex. Cock rings are supposed to restrict blood flow and give the penis a slightly enlarged look, pronouncing veins and red blush to the shaft.
If the penis looks much darker than usual, or someone is experiencing discomfort, remove the ring. It’s generally advised that you should remove cock rings after half an hour anyway, and let the blood flow return to normal before giving it another go. Remember that everyone's comfort and safety should be prioritised.
If you can see visible narrowing of the penis where the cock ring sits, or a very red or blueish colour to the penis, the ring’s too tight and you should remove it immediately. You may be better off trying a larger ring, or one made from softer, stretchier materials instead.
This can be a single, or double ring that sits around both the testicles and the penis. The wearer will probably find this is easier to do while flaccid, and will need to put the ring around the testicles first.
Place one testicle through the ring followed by the second, leaving the ring sitting around the scrotum. Then fold the head of the penis up through the ring. If the wearer finds it difficult, use some lubricant on the cock ring, testicles and penis to help guide them through.
If you're using a cock ring in a couple where one partner has a vulva, that person being on top can be a really great way for them to benefit from the vibrations. There's easy access to the clitoris in this position, so the built-on vibrator can stimulate the clit much easier.
Slip the cock ring on using lots of water-based lube. Have the receiving partner climb on top while the penis-having partner sits on the floor or bed (preferably under a rug or something soft to spare their ankles). The partner on top can then grind away to their heart's content. The cock ring will vibrate against the penis-having person's shaft and the partner-on-top's clitoris.
Like Straddle Their Saddle, this is a great one for both partners and their clits and penises. This time, the receiving partner straddles the other on a chair. This means the penetrating partner can sit up, and it also gives the partner-on-top easy leverage as they can put their feet on the chair or sofa and use that to push themselves up and down. Much less tiring, much less hard work, just as pleasurable.
Another wonderfully easy and intimate cock ring sex position is Get Down On It. The partner on top crosses their legs and sits atop the other. Press yourselves super close so you can kiss and be very cute. This isn't the best position for when you want hard and fast penetration as it's difficult to build up speed. So use this one for when you want something slower and more eye-gazey.
Missionary is also a good'un, as the vibrating part of the cock ring can came into contact with the clitoris, too.
And once you're in position and got the cock ring on? Grinding is usually more enjoyable than thrusting - this allows the vagina-having partner to maintain maximum contact with the vibrator.
Okay, so if you've been paying attention by now you should know how cock rings work, how to shop for the best penis ring for you and how to put that cock ring to work. But what does wearing a cock ring actually feel like for people with penises? And how should it feel for people with vulvas when their sexual partner is wearing a cock ring during penetrative sex? Look no further, we've scoured the depths of Reddit to bring you real people's unfiltered opinions.
Just remember that everyone's journey with cock rings will be varied and they work differently for reach person...