“Cock rings can provide added stimulation to partnered sex,” says Box. “Some cock rings come with vibrating capabilities or with attachments that can specifically target the clitoris and G-spot, making your penis, or sex toy—let’s not limit ourselves—an even more proficient tool for stimulation.” Cock rings can also help people maintain their erection during receptive anal sex, adds Box.
But as much as cock rings are usually associated with partnered sex, that doesn’t always have to be the case; they can enhance masturbation as well. “A person can wear one solo to enjoy vibration, and anyone trying that should experiment with wearing the ring not at the base, but nestled up just under the corona,” says Queen. “That part of the penis is more responsive to vibration, generally.”
Because they can be easily put on thanks to their design and don’t need to be held, they’re a fantastic asset for the sex toy arsenal of those with disabilities. “Penis rings can also make sex more accessible for people with disabilities like hand or grip issues or those who have difficulty holding sex positions,” says sex educator Sarah Brown. “The loop can wrap around fingers, hands, wrists, or even other toys so they can still stimulate themselves or their partner. They’re also great for people who have difficulty thrusting or moving into certain positions; instead, one partner can stay on top or their side and grind the vibe against erogenous zones.”
The benefits of cock rings
The benefits vary; it really comes down to how you use a cock ring. (And, of course, your willingness to get creative.)
“If you are using it to hold an erection or enhance an erection, then they may be [used to enhance] pleasure and confidence,” says certified sexuality educator Amber Mallery, MPH. “If you are using a vibrating ring, it may also be for mutual pleasure during partnered play. There are also rings that have anal toys on the end to stimulate the prostate of the wearer, so more pleasure and connection with other pleasure zones.”
Cock rings can also provide an alternative to medication that aids in erectile dysfunction. Not everyone wants to pop a pill to get and stay hard, so cock rings can help. “Cock rings are a natural way for men to maintain an erection without the use of pills like Viagra or Cialis,” says Taylor Sparks, erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven, one of the largest BIPOC-owned online intimacy shops. “In addition, some of the jeweled cock rings look amazing on a nude beach, lifestyle party, or even your private bedroom.”
What to look for in cock rings
Unlike with most sex toys, you can’t just saunter into the closest toy shop or open up a website and order the first cock ring you see. Sizing matters and the material (hint: medical-grade, soft silicone) from which the cock ring is made matters even more.
“I recommend people start with a set of medical-grade silicone rings to explore sizing,” says Mallery. “Cock rings are not expensive, but don’t be tempted by the gummy ones you may find at novelty stores; they are not worth your time or money. Plus, they are porous so they cannot be shared between partners and will need to get tossed out.”
Cock ring safe practices
Unlike some other sex toys on the market, cock rings can create some serious issues if not used properly. This isn’t meant to scare you away from experimenting with them, but you should take this as a major warning of what to be mindful of.
