Cock rings are, like the name suggests, rings to wear around the cock. Or more precisely; for men & penis-owners to wear around the shaft, at the bottom of the penis or at the base behind the scrotum (ie cock and balls go through the ring).
If you are one of the 70-80% of women or vulva-owners who don't orgasm through penetration alone (yes, you read that right - only around 30% of womxn can orgasm during intercourse with no 'added' clitoral stimulation), then something that is worn by your partner, which stimulates your clitoris during penetration, has benefits!
History Of Cock Rings
We have the Chinese to thank for the first cock rings, documented around 1200, and ingeniously, if somewhat squeamishly made of dried goat's eyelids. Flexible enough to be tied around the base of the penis, the eyelashes would brush and flutter in use. Believed to be used by Chinese Royalty who, with multiple wives and concubines to satisfy, probably required erection-strengthening help.
But it wasn't just the Chinese. Early cock rings or cuffs (to go around the scrotum) made from leather, wood, beads and stone appear to have been fashioned throughout world history and geography. In the Far East, cock rings were created for decoration and status symbols as well as practical adornments. Models (usually shaped like dragons and serpents - go figure!) from the 1600s were carved from jade and ivory and later they were forged with precious metals.
Different Types of Cock Rings
Cock rings may come in a baffling array of shapes and sizes, but essentially there are just two types of cock rings: vibrating and non-vibrating.
Each offers a specific function/benefit; one for them and one for you.
A simple cock ring squeezes/puts pressure around the base of the shaft, thus keeping the blood in the penis and to different degrees (depending on how tight the squeeze) enhancing the erection.
The equation is simple:
- The harder/more inflexible the cock ring = the tighter the squeeze.
- The softer /stretchier the cock ring = the lighter the squeeze.
Metal cock rings and ones made from semi-precious material are the most restrictive and should be used by experienced cock ring users and only for short periods of time as once in position, they cannot be taken off until the penis has gone flaccid.
Whichever material a cock ring is made from, we don’t recommend wearing one for longer than 20 minutes anyway (less if it feels uncomfortable).
A simple cock ring can be worn around the base of his penis or behind the scrotum.
Cock & Ball Ring
The slightly more advanced version is cock & ball ring - these come with an extra ring which fits snugly around the party bag (ball-sack). Slip the smaller ring over the semi-erect shaft, and then gently slip the larger ring over and around the party bag. For this version, a trimmed bush makes sense as otherwise, it's likely that they'll feel the pinch!
Cock Ring Cage
A cock ring with several rings attached to each other is designed to imprison the wearer, amping up the pleasure by restricting the cock. As the erection grows firmer, the rings will feel tighter and tighter, forcing them to control their excitement. Most often used in BDSM and fetish play, cock ring cages look stunning on and feel deliciously constricting when worn. If you enjoy exploring submissiveness, a cock ring cage could be the right toy for you.
Cock Ring & Anal Toy in One!
Incredibly innovative, Power Plug offers snugness for shaft, plus a fulfilling butt plug for ultimate pleasure. For those who enjoy exploration and thrilling sensations in all areas, this cock ring is just heaven!
Slide the ring over the shaft, and then slip the lubed-up butt plug in place. With a cock ring as exciting as this, we doubt they'll know whether to thrust forwards or buck backwards!
Vibrating Cock Rings for Clitoral Stimulation
The main function of a cock ring with the added clitoral simulator is to stimulate women & clit-owners during intercourse. They add a squeeze for the peen, but this is not their main job. This is why these types of cock rings come in softer materials such as silicone and elastomer (few peeps would get pleasure from hard metal banging against their clits!).
There are two different kinds of clitoral-stimulating cock rings: vibrating and non-vibrating. Whichever kind you choose, they should all be worn the same way, ensuring the clitoral stimulator has the best chance to do its job.
Slide the cock ring down the base of the semi-erect penis and position the clitoral stimulator at 12 o'clock (ie closest to the penis owner's stomach).
We have to say *most* women & vulva-owners prefer the vibrating kind – clitorises tend to love vibration and this is a great way to add a discreet buzz during couples play.
Vibrating cock rings feature a bullet or motor at the top of the ring which is designed to thrill the clitoris during intercourse. They can range from offering single-use, single-speed to ones with different vibrating patterns right through to luxury high-end toys.
Vibrating Cock Rings have a lot of pleasure to offer a female partner. As we've mentioned, many (most!) women need some sort of clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm and a vibrating ring can certainly help with that during penetration.
It may be tricky to get into the right position to ensure the vibration meets its target. We recommend women-on-top encounters; this way the vagina-owning partner can just rock and grind their pelvis in the ways that feel best!
Extending the pleasure! For times when a little extra length or width is required. An extending or expanding ring offers snugness for him, and thrilling vibration and a little extra width for her.
The stretchy rings slip easily over the penis shaft (semi-erect), and then you can work your way through all your favourite positions! We recommend adding a good dollop of lube before inserting - the extra girth can feel more filling than expected.
Cock Rings for Double Penetration
If double penetration is something that sounds like lots of fun to you, a cock ring with a built-in shaft could be just the thing.
The penis slips through the ring to provide vaginal penetration whilst the extra shaft delivers simultaneous anal penetration. Though certainly not as popular as porn films would have us believe, the matchless feeling of fullness offered by double penetration can stimulate the G-spot in wonderful ways.
The stretchy cock ring slides over the semi-erect penis; essentially, the erection "grows" into the cock ring. The ring is firm enough to offer a snug squeeze around the base.
The best position for a double penetration cock ring is woman-on-top. This way you can lower yourself onto the penis and the additional anal shaft, and ensure the strong bullet vibrations are in the right place for clitoral stimulation. For beginners to DP, being on top gives you freedom and confidence to enjoy the sensations (rather than possibly being overwhelmed by them) as depth and pace are at your own control.
Finally don't forget the lube. Lube enhances every kind of sexual activity and never more so than for cock rings! Lube will make a cock ring glide down to the base of the penis, rather than drag its way down. From seductively sliding the cock ring into place to heightening the sensations of friction and vibration, with a drop or two of lube, your cock ring adventures will be sensual from the start!
What Materials are Cock Rings Made from?
Cock rings can be made from a variety of materials, all with their own benefits.
- Silicone is soft, smooth and fairly stretchy. Offers a firm, snug squeeze around the shaft of his penis.
- TPE is soft and very stretchy. Cheaper than silicone, it's a good option to start off with.
- Metal or semi-precious stone offers a very firm, cool (temperature-wise) squeeze. These cock rings are often very beautiful, but are also rigid - it is this type in particular that should not be worn for too long. We wouldn't recommend them for beginners.
How to Clean Cock Rings
The easiest way to clean a cock ring is to spritz it with sex toy cleaner, rinse with warm water and leave it to air dry. Anti-bacterial soap is also a good choice.
2-part cock rings (ie those with a removable vibrating bullet) are best cleaned separately. Slide the bullet out from the ring and spritz or wipe clean with a cloth and soap. If the bullet is not waterproof, be careful not to get water inside. The *non-vibrating* portion of the cock-ring can then be totally submerged in hot soapy water. Those made of 100% Silicone can even be sterilized in boiling water or in the top rack of your dishwasher (!) although this really is going the extra mile and isn't necessary.
Sex Tips for Cock Rings
- Lube is your friend when putting on a cock ring. Use plenty and it will slide down smoothly. It will also help with pubic hair pull!
- A great position for clitoral stimulating cock-ring play is with you on top. Have them lie back wearing the cock ring with the vibrating element pointing towards their belly. Now hop on! Each ‘down stroke’ will provide the extra treat of vibration on your clitoris (and a trilling buzz for them too!).
- Wrap two or more stretchy cock rings all the way up the shaft of the penis to create satisfying cock ring ridges for you to enjoy…
- The Cock Ring is such a neat, nifty vibrating cock ring that he can wear it under his clothes in readiness for later. If you get a quiet moment why not slide your fingers into his flies, flip the switch for a few seconds and watch him squirm...
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