Becoming a Ringmaster: How to Use a Cock Ring

Slipping your junk into a cock ring for the first time isn’t necessarily an easy feat. What’s the insertion lineup? Is it ball, dick, ball? Ball, ball, dick? Dick, ball, ball? What if the ring is too big or too small? What if it doesn’t work, and you’re left hanging (literally)? Or what if it does work but works so well that you can’t get it off? What if the guy at the store was wrong, and rose gold isn’t your color?

Fret not, wiener-wielding friends. Read on as we run through the basics of wearing a cockring and how it can help you achieve the most bricked-up erections you’ve ever had. 

What is a cock ring?

Cock rings are — yep, you guessed it — rings that go around cocks. Sometimes referred to as ball rings or C-rings, they can go around just the shaft, just the balls, or both the balls and shaft, depending on the make and model.

Cock ring enthusiasts swear by them because they help hold harder erections longer by restricting blood flow to the penis, making sex — be it oral, anal, vaginal, or even non-penetrative, like mutual masturbation — more pleasurable. Some designs take it to the next level, with built-in vibrators that up the fun factor for everyone, while others double as ball stretchers that are perfect for scrote play if a little testicle tug of war is what you’re after. 

Types of cock rings

What does a cock ring do, exactly? That depends on the type you wear. Here’s a rundown of cock rings — the basics include adjustable, vibrating, silicone, rubber, and metal varieties.

Adjustable cock rings

Adjustable C-rings are designed with lassos or snaps that make them easy to tighten or loosen, allowing you to adjust the fit to your comfort. They’re great for first-time wearers or anyone worried about their jewels cracking under too much pressure. 

Vibrating cock rings

Vibrating cock rings are essentially the equivalent of going for a ride atop a washing machine… but for your dick. And they’re fun for your partner, who’ll also feel all the good vibes. Not only will these rings help you hold an erection, but they can also lead to more intense orgasms. Get ready for that spin cycle!

Silicone and rubber cock rings

Silicone and rubber cock rings come in a variety of fixed sizes, anywhere from less than an inch to two or more inches in diameter. They have a slight stretch, which helps slide everything in before retracting to their original size. The same goes for taking them off. Think of them like a heavy-duty rubber band or a hybrid between adjustable and solid cock rings, which means finding a fit that feels comfortable is key.

Solid cock rings

Solid metal cock rings are best reserved for seasoned C-ring wearers who know just how tight is almost too tight. They don’t have any give, which means squeezing yourself into one that’s too small could lead to severe pain — or, in a worst-case scenario where you can’t get it off, a trip to the ER. Fortunately, finding your size is as easy as wrapping a measuring tape around your cock and balls. It should be comfortably snug, not tight, and when in doubt, go slightly looser.

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How to use a cock ring

There’s no universal way to wear a cock ring; it’ll mostly depend on the type you buy. But here are a few tips to help keep you hard and feeling hot.

Whack the weeds 

If it’s been a while since your last groin grooming sesh, consider trimming your pubes down a bit. You don’t have to go down to the skin, but giving yourself a quick trim helps prevent snags when you’re slipping in and out of your ring. 

Buy the right ring

A one-size-fits-all-balls ring doesn’t really exist. Instead, look for one that best suits the occasion. For casual daywear, whether under your work clothes or swimsuit at a pool party, a looser fit may be the way to go. But if and when that pool party transitions into a full-blow orgy (fingers crossed!), you might want a slightly tighter fit. If you’re new to wearing C-rings, silicone or adjustable rings let you play around with the fit.

Use lube

Lube is your best friend when slipping into your ring, but it’s important to use the right type of lube depending on the material the ring is made of. Avoid using silicone lube with silicone sex toys because it can cause them to deteriorate. The same goes for oil-based lube if you're using a condom because it can weaken the material.

Slip it on when you’re soft

Getting a cock ring around your balls and a full-blown boner isn’t all that easy, so suit up before things get too hot and heavy. There’s no right way to put on a cock ring; the only wrong way is the one that causes you discomfort. Our rec? Try inserting one ball at a time and then the rest of your equipment.

Get into position

Where you position your cock ring depends on the type of ring and the desired testicle security or sensation. If you’re a beginner, you might start with a smaller ring around the base of the penis and work your way up from there. Be gentle as you adjust the ring to find the most comfortable and pleasurable position.

Benefits of using a cock ring

If you’re still not sold on sliding one of these bad boys over your phallus, here are a few reasons why cock rings reign as one of the most popular sex toys among the penis-bearing populace.

They help with erectile dysfunction

ED happens, even to younger, virile guys — and when it does, it can be frustrating and embarrassing. Whether you’re topping, bottoming, or just jacking off, cock rings help keep you erect by restricting the blood flow to the penis when you get aroused.

They can help with performance anxiety

Getting hard is one thing. Staying hard is another. Cock rings reduce the mental pressure of maintaining an erection, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about performance.

They help make good sex feel better

A hallmark of sex is that it feels good — for all parties involved. By maintaining sensitivity and potentially increasing your cock’s girth, cock rings can make sex feel even better for both you and your partner(s).

Safety first! 

We know, we know: Now a warning?! To keep you from accidentally strangling your sack beyond recognition, here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re all ringed up and revvin’ to go.

• Don’t wear it too long: Limit use to 30 minutes to avoid tissue damage. Signs of overuse include numbness, color changes, or pain. If these occur, remove the ring and take a break, especially during consecutive sessions.
• Mind your health: Avoid using cock rings if you have preexisting conditions like cardiovascular or blood diseases. Consult your doctor if unsure about your health suitability for using a cock ring.‍
• Wash between uses: You should always clean all your sex toys after playtime, and that includes your cock ring. Doing so thoroughly helps prevent bacterial buildup and prolong its lifespan, especially for rings made of specific materials, such as silicone or rubber.

You know you like it, so put a ring on it

If you’ve made it this far and are still on the fence about cock rings, we hope you’ll trust us: Trying one on for size is worth a go.

Once you’re ready to show off that below-the-belt bling, you’ll find plenty of guys ready to give you and your junk’s jewelry a go on Grindr. Download the Grind app today and get started.