Cock Rings

What is a cock ring?

It's a ring that fits around the base of the penis, or around the penis and testicles together. It works by partly restricting venous return, meaning it slows the blood flowing out of the penis, which can give firmer, longer-lasting erections with greater sensitivity. There are three main materials, silicone, metal and leather, with or without vibration. Among male accessories, it's the simplest and the one that gives the best immediate results.

Don't confuse it with penis extenders, which are sleeves that cover the penis to add length or girth. Some models have a ring built in, but if size is what you're after, they belong in that other category.

Types of cock rings

Reference brands include the We-Vibe Pivot and the Lelo Tor 3 as premium vibrating rings, the Hot Octopuss Atom with its dual motor, and the Satisfyer Royal One, which is app-controlled and reasonably priced.

• Vibrating rings: vibrating cock rings have a built-in motor that stimulates your partner's clitoris during penetration. Many are controlled by remote or app, and they are the couples' toy with the best balance of effectiveness and price.
• Stretchy silicone: the best option to start with. It stretches, adapts and comes off easily; of the three materials, it carries the least risk.
• Metal: made of stainless steel, it gives constant pressure and a noticeable weight, with a more refined look. It doesn't give, so you need to measure precisely.
• Adjustable leather: BDSM style, adjusted with snaps or Velcro so you can control the pressure. It pairs well with the rest of your BDSM kit.
• Double, triple and sets: several rings joined together for the penis and testicles, or sets of different diameters to find out which size suits you.
• Combined: rings with a butt plug, a clitoral stimulator or a cage, for anyone who wants to involve another area; the plug versions go well with anal toys.

What the research says

In a survey of 25,294 gay and bisexual men (Rosenberger et al., 2012, Arch Sex Behav), 78.5% had used at least one type of sex toy and 51.9% had used non-vibrating cock rings, slightly more than vibrators (49.6%). The sample is made up of gay and bisexual men, so it doesn't tell us how much men in general use them.

There is less data on their effect on erections. One review (Miranda et al., 2019, J Sex Med) notes that the scientific literature evaluating the use of sexual aids, such as vibrators or lubricants, in men with sexual dysfunction is limited. If you're looking at a ring because of an erection problem, talk to your doctor.

Safety and care

Put the ring on with a little water-based lubricant: it slides on better, comes off without tugging and doesn't damage silicone. Don't fall asleep wearing it and, if you have circulation problems or take anticoagulants, check with your doctor before using it. If a rigid metal ring won't come off, don't pull or force it: go to A&E to have it removed.

Wash it before and after with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, and leave it to air dry. If it vibrates, check the product details to see whether it's fully waterproof (submersible) before putting it under the tap, and don't boil it: it contains a motor and battery. Leather shouldn't get wet; clean it with a damp cloth.

How to choose

• Size: check the product details for the inner diameter and compare it with your measurement; for adjustable rings, check the range they cover.
• Material: silicone or TPR if you want something stretchy, metal if you want weight and fixed pressure, leather if you prefer to adjust it.
• Fit: fixed, stretchy or adjustable with a strap or snaps; to start with, stretchy or adjustable is better.
• Vibration: how many modes and intensities it has, and whether it's controlled by button, remote or app.
• Water: “fully waterproof (submersible)” is fine for the shower or bath; “splashproof” only withstands a little water.
• Battery: whether it's rechargeable or uses batteries, and the battery life given in the product details.

Cock rings: frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right size of cock ring?

Use a tape measure to find the circumference of the base of the penis when erect and divide it by 3.14: that gives you the diameter. Choose a ring with that inner diameter or 1-2 mm less. With silicone you can go a little smaller because it stretches; with metal, the size has to be exact.

Is it safe to use a cock ring?

Yes, with two rules: don't wear it for more than 30 minutes at a time, and take it off as soon as you notice pain, numbness or a change in colour. Silicone ones are the safest because they can be cut with scissors in an emergency; with metal ones you need to be more careful about size.

Can you feel a vibrating cock ring during sex with a partner?

Yes, and that's the idea. The wearer feels the pressure of the ring, with a firmer erection, and their partner feels the motor's vibration against the clitoris during penetration. The missionary position works best, because the motor stays in direct contact with the clitoris.

How do you put on a cock ring?

With the penis soft or semi-erect and a little lubricant. If the ring also goes around the testicles, pass one through first, then the other, and finally the penis. Adjustable leather or strap rings are put on open and fastened once in place.

Does a cock ring help delay ejaculation?

Some men find it helps them last longer, because it maintains the erection, but it doesn't work the same for everyone and it isn't a treatment for premature ejaculation. If it worries you, talk to a doctor.

What lubricant should I use with a cock ring?

Water-based if the ring is silicone, because silicone-based lubricants can damage it. Any lubricant works with metal rings; with leather ones, try not to let them get soaked.

Can a vibrating couples' ring also be used solo?

Yes. You feel the vibration at the base of the penis and on the testicles, so it works for masturbation too. If you want something designed mainly for two, take a look at the sex toys for couples as well.

Browse by brand

• PRETTY LOVE
• CALEXOTICS
• ARMONY
• CRAZY BULL
• ADDICTED TOYS